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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353 |
Heading to Iowa and don't feel like pulling my trailer all the way out there. Any advice on a set of atv ramps that would work on your average half ton 4x4 pickup bed?
We're hunting an area with a lot of unimproved(non gravel base) roads and if it turns wet we won't be getting around in a truck.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 284
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 284 |
actually i picked up a folding aluminum ramp from Cabela's. Works great. just make sure you get one that can handle the weight. i load my ATV on my truck bed all the time with it. Then you can fold it up and stick it right under the ATV for unloading later. It was $80. Gander has them, so does F&F.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,247
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,247 |
I use the aluminum bi-fold model when I want to carry my ATV in the bed. Like semi says, you can slide them up under the machine for transport. I loop a couple of bungees over the ATV rear axle and hook them to the ramp so it won't slide out. One thing I cannot stress enough is being careful with the ramps. After I set mine up and unstrap the ATV, I run the ratchet straps down to the ramp and snug them up to prevent the ramp from slipping off the tailgate.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,554
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,554 |
I've been using something similar to this for the past 6 years and it works great and is cheap to build. I put some spare roof shingles I had laying around on the ramp itself to keep me from sliding off when it gets wet. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...dex&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
That's ok, I'll ass shoot a dink.
Steelhead
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353 |
Good advice on these. Had a buddy who had to be life flighted out of the mountains after an accident loading his on a truck with a ramp. Need to get moving on it in next couple of days.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12 |
I also use homemade ramps made with those ends and 2x10's. I like a little extra width even though they weigh a bit more. Mine are 6' long. For tall trucks, 7' might work better but obviously they won't fit in a 6' bed. I used 6" non-slip tape on mine with added staples all around. It's held up for several years so far. If you have snow, it doesn't help much, though.
No bungee cords for me. I want ties that won't stretch at all. Bungees are way too weak if you spin a tire. Chain is best. Years ago, I came within an inch of one kicking out on me. I've never loaded without ties since. That's a good way to permanently screw yourself up.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 732
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 732 |
Also it helps to have the quad in 4X while loading. Less chance of the rear wheels kicking the ramps off the tail gate or truck box.
Dave
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,474
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,474 |
I bought one of the aluminum variety here locally from Bass Pro. The key is to be sure to use the straps that come with them to secure the ramp to the truck to prevent the ramp from slipping. It works great on/with my truck.
You are welcome to borrow mine for your trip if you'd like to try it out first before buying one. Let me know.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 415
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 415 |
I use the aluminum bi-folds mentioned by others. However, I got them on-line from an outfit somehwere up in MN or WI. They were the same price as Cabelas and Bass Pro, but are a little more heavy duty. They are longer than the bed on my truck, but I just use the safety straps to secure them to the bed and have never had a problem going down the road with the tailgate down.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12 |
I often load my atv in my partner's truck with a 6' bed. We can't leave the tailgate down because we take a camp trailer. We need them either 6' or folding.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 732
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 732 |
Rock Chuck, here's an idea to contemplate when you need to shut your tailgate hauling a quad & pulling a trailer. Not hard to build as you do welding. It raises the front wheels of the quad up so the tailgate can close. Also gives a lot more storage room under the quad for gear. http://reddeer.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...CROSS-TRAX-ATV-RISERS-W0QQAdIdZ157117573
Dave
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12 |
The quad isn't the problem. It fits in. I was responding to the comment about ramps over 6'.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,064
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,064 |
I use a tri-fold aluminum ramp w/ the safety cabels to load and use the device pictured to secure the ATV to the truck. It's called a Louisana Guard Dog. Works great and holds the quad rock solid w/out any tie downs, straps, or chains. Added benefit is you can lock it @ the tounge and the hitch. ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/biglmbass/LAguarddog.jpg)
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12 |
I don't think I'd trust that hitch with a 20' camper hanging on it.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35,293
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35,293 |
I like the tri or bi-folds. I don't have a set though, I've got a set of home made suicide ramps. I'm your perfect example of accident waiting to happen, especially since my wheeler fits best in my truck if loaded backwards  I dumped it this summer loading it backwards. This old cat aint quite as quick as he used to be but I was still able to get out of the way as me & the wheeler dumped off sideways as I was trying to load in reverse up a set of loose ramps. My tailgate sits about 3 1/2' off the ground. Definately go for the big one piece type of ramp & make sure you have a decent set of chains or something to secure each side so the ramps cant kick out or slide sideways on you.
Something clever here.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,206
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,206 |
I have a set of the 6' Harbor freight steel ramps. I always unload by pushing the atv out in neutral on its own. It never rolls more than 10 ft or so on its own. For loading, I ALWAYS look for a ditch or depression to back the truck into to lessen the slope of the ramps. I just don't feel comfortable riding up at full slope when the truck is on flat ground.
I have seen plenty of trucks on the wildlife refuges here that have the truck parked on top of the bifold ramps used to unload the atv. Never leave the ramp on the tailgate. You come back and you have no ramp!
Moe
"Pick out two!"
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,554
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,554 |
I saw a lot of that this summer and folks think that they are safe by doing it that way. Thing is, there is nothing to stop someone from jacking up the truck and stealing them that way.
Were it me, I would put them inside the truck so they are locked up. I leave my el cheapo ramps in the back of my truck and nobody has ever touched them.
That's ok, I'll ass shoot a dink.
Steelhead
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,949
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,949 |
I like the tri or bi-folds. I don't have a set though, I've got a set of home made suicide ramps. I'm your perfect example of accident waiting to happen, especially since my wheeler fits best in my truck if loaded backwards I dumped it this summer loading it backwards. This old cat aint quite as quick as he used to be but I was still able to get out of the way as me & the wheeler dumped off sideways as I was trying to load in reverse up a set of loose ramps. My tailgate sits about 3 1/2' off the ground. Definately go for the big one piece type of ramp & make sure you have a decent set of chains or something to secure each side so the ramps cant kick out or slide sideways on you. I have busted 2 back glasses out of my pickup trying to load backwards. Be carful!
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,206
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,206 |
I leave my el cheapo ramps in the back of my truck and nobody has ever touched them. Same with my $40 Harbor Freight specials....
Moe
"Pick out two!"
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,420 Likes: 12 |
With my old boards and homemade tailgate hooks, I'm always expecting to come back to find a $20 stuck to them with a note to buy something worth stealing.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 95
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 95 |
As already mentioned:
Bifolds.
Securely attached to PU.
Find a ditch/depression to lessen the angle.
4WD engaged.
Then lock them up so some a**hole doesn't steal them while you are out riding.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,353 |
Ran out of time and towed the dang thing all the way to Iowa. Had a nice buck come in on second day and stuck around for 2 days with the guys. Drove all the way home and never pulled it off the truck. It did rain for 3 straight days so it would have been handy if I hadn't scored early.
I will say that the ramps which lock on to the tailgate are the only way I would do it. My buddy wasn't as fast as Northern Dave and had most of his nose torn off and had blood coming out of his ears on his helicopter ride. He recovered but doesn't recommend it.
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