What's a good ramp to purchase?

[virtualbong]

I purchased a truck last Fall in preparation for this season but I do not have a ramp. What do people recommend for a reasonably priced ramp? Would I need two? I have seen ones that act like a back:



Would I need something like this for a 1999 Ford Ranger (stepside)?

I am also wondering if I need to install a chalk or if I can stick with just tying it down? And how tough is it to install?

As you can see, these are probably newb questions but I want to be as prepared as possible so that I know how much I need to save up for. Thanks guys!

WIL

[Tricky Mike]

Just sayin:

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/mcy/2228116458.html

[crowspeed07]

i used a canyon dancer and straps in my tundra with my zx6r from the cape to pa and back and it didn't move id strongly suggest a canyon dancer. as for how many ramps it depends on how high of a step up from the ground to the truck you have. buddy uses a single ramp for his s-10 that def wouldn't work with my truck. look through cl you'll find ramps galore.

[marshdrummer]

Are you able to easily step onto the tailgate? with a load at your side? Do you feel comfortable using a step while loading your bike? If no to any of these, get 2 ramps. I bought mine from ramp king online. they are a black widow knock off. Used 2 seasons so far and barely show any wear. I have a full size Ram with not many flat loading spots so I bought 9'ers. Rangers are much lower (for this application) so 8' should be easy - might even get away with 7' (6' are too short). Canyon Dancer II FTW. worth every penny so you don't destroy your fairings. If they are track fairings, you should be able to just tie ratchet straps or cantilever (another debate) to the lower forks/triples. No chock needed (unless you don't have tie downs in the bottom corners of the bed). I think I paid around $200 for my ramps shipped....

[Stoneman]

I like the ramps that fold out '3-wide'. Gives you plenty of foot space for loading bikes, wide enough for quads. I got mine at Tractor Supply on sale and it'll easily hold my Arctic Cat utility quad. And the one time I hadta load the TL-R into the truck, it was plenty wide enough so I could walk the pig in...

Oh yeah - those Canyon Dancer-type straps are the shit!

[marshdrummer]

BAM!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-ARC...Q5fAccessories

PERFECT for only $138 shipped (and they are the real Black Widows)



1 word of advice....they come with cantilever straps.....make sure you strap the ramps down BEFORE you try to climb them! especially if you have a bedliner!

[virtualbong]

I like the ramps that fold out '3-wide'. Gives you plenty of foot space for loading bikes, wide enough for quads. I got mine at Tractor Supply on sale and it'll easily hold my Arctic Cat utility quad. And the one time I hadta load the TL-R into the truck, it was plenty wide enough so I could walk the pig in...

Oh yeah - those Canyon Dancer-type straps are the shit!

Is this what you are talking about?

I think I would prefer this as well since it provides a lot more width to walk alongside your bike but the length is under 6' which is not preferred right?



This is going for $129 plus tax and shipping.

Is it safe to just keep the rear gate open like that as long as the bike is securely strapped down?

[VTRumble]

How about curved/arched vs. straight ramps. What is everybody using?

[virtualbong]

This bifold one is nice too and only $150 shipped.

[burnham]

I use these motherfuckers http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G16 and they work pretty motherfuckin good.

[keeena]

For pickup bed: a pair of arched ramps, non-folding IMO. Length depends on bed height...but longer = a more satisfying the experience.

[imkindafkedup]

Is this what you are talking about?

I think I would prefer this as well since it provides a lot more width to walk alongside your bike but the length is under 6' which is not preferred right?



This is going for $129 plus tax and shipping.

Is it safe to just keep the rear gate open like that as long as the bike is securely strapped down?

I have this one. The length can be an issue, I usually look for a curb or slight hill to level out the angle of the ramp. I have put bikes using this ramp i from level ground into the back of my dakota which was taller then the ranger you will be using I assume. I really like this ramp overall tho, I can put bikes in it with out any assistance or worry. I didn't load it by walking beside the bike but I was able to straddle it and use each side like a ladder to give you the leverage to push it up. Also pep boys sell them, to save on shipping. And if you create a commercial account like I did I believe the price was like $90.

[virtualbong]

I have this one. The length can be an issue, I usually look for a curb or slight hill to level out the angle of the ramp. I have put bikes using this ramp i from level ground into the back of my dakota which was taller then the ranger you will be using I assume. I really like this ramp overall tho, I can put bikes in it with out any assistance or worry. I didn't load it by walking beside the bike but I was able to straddle it and use each side like a ladder to give you the leverage to push it up. Also pep boys sell them, to save on shipping. And if you create a commercial account like I did I believe the price was like $90.

I may try to find something similiar but with a 8' length to make sure there is little chance of me tipping the bike over when I put it up. It would make it easy to ride up the ramp too or is that a big no-no?

[imkindafkedup]

I may try to find something similiar but with a 8' length to make sure there is little chance of me tipping the bike over when I put it up. It would make it easy to ride up the ramp too or is that a big no-no?

I always road it up. It has to chains the you hook onto the thing that the tail gate latches onto to make sure the ramp doesn't slide or shift. They come a little long so I just had to use a different link on the chain.

[Pittenger5]

I use these motherfuckers http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G16 and they work pretty motherfuckin good.

I got the same ones. Love them.

I always walk the bike up the ramp. Me on one ramp, the bike running on the other. Little throttle little clutch control rolls right up. Try to find a hill to level out the ramps at first to get used to it, you can NOT stop when you're walking up, so make sure you're comfortable with what youre doing.

[imkindafkedup]

You can STOP on the ramps we were talking about. I've stopped many times, even with my zx12r which weighed upwards of 500lbs.

[Pittenger5]

I always found if I stopped, or stalled the bike or something I just had a bad angle holding the thing, but that was with my KTM which is a lot taller than street bikes so that might have something to do with it.

[Garandman]

I bought two folding aluminum ramps at Tractor Supply in Derry NH for $80 each.

[gregp]

I got two "free" very stout, curved, aluminum ramps when I bought an ATV from a coworker under some financial stress many years ago. The ATV is long since gone, but I will keep the ramps forever. I suggest looking for a similar pair. They are 6' long and are fairly light weight, but very strong. I have used them to load low-slung HD's and garden tractors and their curvature helps immensley in these kind of situations. Having a second ramp to walk up along side the bike becomes more important as the height of the truck bed, and the weight of the bikes increases.

[virtualbong]

I bought two folding aluminum ramps at Tractor Supply in Derry NH for $80.

I may make a trip up there this weekend just to see what they have to offer. Probably bring my truck up there to test some of the ramps. Seems like a lot of people buy from them and the price is reasonable. Definitely would like a bifold or trifold though.

[Garandman]

From this thread:

I've been looking for ramps as the 2"x8"x8' solution is heavy, cumbersome, and doesn't fit in the Ford Transit Connect.

Lowes had folding aluminum ramps, made in China, for $128 each. But I found very similar ramps for $79.99 each at Tractor Supply. 500 lb capacity. I've loaded my V-Strom and Sn with them. There is some flex at the joint when loading but they don't seem overstressed. Folding makes them a lot more convenient to transport. 7/1/2 feet long.



If you don't like the slats, they also have another model with solid top for $99 each, and a three-way folding ramp (they were out of stock) for $69.99 each.

Harbor Freight has the cheapest option: two 6' long steel ramps for $60 on sale.

[klp]

I use a single 8' by 8" curved aluminum ramp. No problems but it can be a little dicey solo. I usually try to find a small dip in the pavement to put my rear wheels in as my Tundra is pretty tall.

Unloading I leave it in 1st so you do not need the front brake, loading I usually need a push depending if I can find a good hill or not. I have used a bucket or milk crate to step up too.

[Pigman]

i used a canyon dancer and straps in my tundra with my zx6r from the cape to pa and back and it didn't move id strongly suggest a canyon dancer. as for how many ramps it depends on how high of a step up from the ground to the truck you have. buddy uses a single ramp for his s-10 that def wouldn't work with my truck. look through cl you'll find ramps galore.

I love this strap for OEM clip-ons......BUT Do Not use it with after market ones..it sheers the pin for the throttle. SO Be aware..

As for Ramps get either two or one big one...makes it easier to walk up next to the bike and you can load it all alone..and tie it off to the truck.

[virtualbong]

From this thread:

I've been looking for ramps as the 2"x8"x8' solution is heavy, cumbersome, and doesn't fit in the Ford Transit Connect.

Lowes had folding aluminum ramps, made in China, for $128 each. But I found very similar ramps for $79.99 each at Tractor Supply. 500 lb capacity. I've loaded my V-Strom and Sn with them. There is some flex at the joint when loading but they don't seem overstressed. Folding makes them a lot more convenient to transport. 7/1/2 feet long.



If you don't like the slats, they also have another model with solid top for $99 each, and a three-way folding ramp (they were out of stock) for $69.99 each.

Harbor Freight has the cheapest option: two 6' long steel ramps for $60 on sale.

Harbor Freight has this tri-fold ramp for $99.99 plus shipping but it is under 6' long which is scary. The only good thing is that it is so wide that I could probably easily ride up the ramp with no issues. Hopefully Tractor Supply has something like this for a similar price.

[gregp]

If you want to be extra safe (for yourself, and your bike) take the extra time to tie the ramp off to your bumper (with an extra tie down), or some other suitable place, to prevent it from kicking back, and dropping to the ground when you are half way up.
I have seen some folks who have fabbed up pins or latches to hold the ramp to their tailgate or bed as well.