Choosing Loading Ramps: What To Consider

Loading ramps can serve a lot of purposes both in business and for recreation. Whether you are loading or unloading cargo or an ATV or motorcycle, using a loading ramp makes for safe and efficient handling.

Basically a loading ramp is an inclined plane that allows for safe and efficient loading or unloading of goods or vehicles to a trailer, truck or loading dock. There are a few things to consider before making a purchase.

First of all, think about how you will be using your ramps. After all, you don't want to invest in ramps that won't work for your purpose. Each ramp is designed slightly differently depending on what it will be used for.

Ramps that are used for recreational vehicles are quite different from ramps used in a business setting. It depends on the kind of business, but a loading ramp can be used to move various types of cargo, large appliances, or furniture, even catering equipment. But in general, ramps used in a business setting will be heavier duty.

Personal use ramps are a different story. Here you will primarily be using a set of ramps to transport recreational vehicles like dirt bikes or quads. Ramps also come in handy moving wheelchairs or mobility scooters from one place to another.

There are many types of ramps available, including portable, semi permanent, or fixed.

Fixed ramps are not designed to be moved, so are permanent. This kind of ramp is often installed at a home where a family member uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter. These ramps are sometimes installed for use at loading docks.

Semi permanent ramps are designed to be set up for use, where there is little need to move them. But the option remains to move them if necessary. For example if your loading area changes due to seasonal issues, a semi permanent ramp would be a good choice.

A portable ramp is the most versatile type. For that reason they are the most popular kind of ramp. When you use a portable ramp, simply attach it to the trailer, truck, or cargo area, so the goods or vehicle can be loaded or off loaded when you reach your destination.

This type of loading ramp can be moved and can also be adjusted to the right position for safe and efficient loading or unloading. A portable ramp can be folded, making for easy storage when not in use.

Loading ramps are available in varying sizes, shapes, and weights. When you choose a ramp it's important to look at the weight capacity needed for the load. Your ramp has to be rated at the correct capacity to be sure of safe loading and unloading.

For heavier loads a heavy duty ramp is a good choice. If you are looking for a more light weight ramp, an aluminum loading ramp is probably your best option.

Another consideration is size. Your ramps need to be large enough to extend out far enough to avoid too steep an angle. It's dangerous to try to load or unload on a ramp that is too steep.

Ramps should also be plenty wide enough to accommodate the width of your cargo or your recreational vehicle. Ideally you'd like to be able to have extra room on either side to avoid problems. And if you are attempting to walk a vehicle onto its landing area, you may want enough room to comfortably walk along beside it.

A good safety feature to consider getting with the ramp is a non slip surface. Having this type of surface on the ramp comes in handy when the ramp is exposed to snow or rain.

Purchasing loading ramps should only be a one time investment so think carefully about the primary use of your ramp, before you buy. By considering which features are important to you, you will be able to get a set of ramps that will prove to be durable over a long period of time.

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