My loading ramps (photos)
Thanks to several scattered threads (because it's hard to tell whether this item is an "accessory" or part of the "racks, hitches & towing" category) I got a lot of great information from ROC posters and found the pair of loading ramps that will work for me.
I got these from R.A.M.P.S. Inc., which carries a series of aluminum ramps for differing needs. I was looking for a relatively lightweight, compact ramp that could handle up to 1,000 pounds. (After manually unloading and loading a hydraulic posthole digger last month, there's no way I want to do something like that again, on safety grounds!)
I chose a "7.5 ft. plated arch" ramp, which will do well for any maintenance machines I need to get in and out of the bed. I liked the plated surface, which I think will be more useful with small wheels. And I particularly liked the light weight (16 pounds each) and small length when folded (3.25 feet long). The price was also right, and they offer free shipping (which although it was UPS ground, took only about four working days to my house).
Here's some photos of my ramps on and near the Red Ridge:
Out of the box. I have already attached the safety straps.
This shows a length comparison between folded and unfolded.
Here is one of the ramps, showing the black safety strap attached about two-thirds of the way up the ramp as the manufacturer recommends.
The manufacturer's label showing loading specifications.
Each ramp rests on the "top" of the tailgate on the aluminum extensions, which are capped with red plastic. Two things about the welds: Although the corner appears to be digging into my baby's plastic tailgate cap, it's actually smoothed out and it left no damage. And, you could think of the welds as either really rough-looking, or really reassuring because you can see them! :act024:
What I will use as an attachment point. Note that this is the FIRST safe attachment point forward of the bumper. There is what looks to be another, more logical one, but you'll find it's made of molded plastic.
Pretty close to the exhaust and muffler. But of course you're not operating the truck while these ramps are in place.
Here is the pair of ramps with safety straps installed. The buckle part of the strap is about 12 inches long and has a sewn in loop, so it attaches easily at the ramp end. The buckle has clear markings to show where the free end should be inserted. Nice touch!
Here is a side view of the installed ramps. Good look at the arching angle.
And a three-quarter view…
…and a straight-on rear view. I think the posthole digger might still be a challenge on weight grounds, but I don't anticipate any trouble with the snowblower, and smaller wheeled machines should be a breeze.
Once your machine is loaded, you have options for carrying along the ramps. Here is the pair, tucked into the front of the bed.
They also fit quite nicely in the cab. I did not try it with the seats down, but I think a single ramp would fit fine there.
I'm pleased with how easily these set up and store, and I feel I've added to the utility of my truck with this ramp set. Although the welds could look a little prettier, the price more than makes up for that detail.
Thanks to several scattered threads (because it's hard to tell whether this item is an "accessory" or part of the "racks, hitches & towing" category) I got a lot of great information from ROC posters and found the pair of loading ramps that will work for me.
I got these from R.A.M.P.S. Inc., which carries a series of aluminum ramps for differing needs. I was looking for a relatively lightweight, compact ramp that could handle up to 1,000 pounds. (After manually unloading and loading a hydraulic posthole digger last month, there's no way I want to do something like that again, on safety grounds!)
I chose a "7.5 ft. plated arch" ramp, which will do well for any maintenance machines I need to get in and out of the bed. I liked the plated surface, which I think will be more useful with small wheels. And I particularly liked the light weight (16 pounds each) and small length when folded (3.25 feet long). The price was also right, and they offer free shipping (which although it was UPS ground, took only about four working days to my house).
Here's some photos of my ramps on and near the Red Ridge:
Out of the box. I have already attached the safety straps.
This shows a length comparison between folded and unfolded.
Here is one of the ramps, showing the black safety strap attached about two-thirds of the way up the ramp as the manufacturer recommends.
The manufacturer's label showing loading specifications.
Each ramp rests on the "top" of the tailgate on the aluminum extensions, which are capped with red plastic. Two things about the welds: Although the corner appears to be digging into my baby's plastic tailgate cap, it's actually smoothed out and it left no damage. And, you could think of the welds as either really rough-looking, or really reassuring because you can see them! :act024:
What I will use as an attachment point. Note that this is the FIRST safe attachment point forward of the bumper. There is what looks to be another, more logical one, but you'll find it's made of molded plastic.
Pretty close to the exhaust and muffler. But of course you're not operating the truck while these ramps are in place.
Here is the pair of ramps with safety straps installed. The buckle part of the strap is about 12 inches long and has a sewn in loop, so it attaches easily at the ramp end. The buckle has clear markings to show where the free end should be inserted. Nice touch!
Here is a side view of the installed ramps. Good look at the arching angle.
And a three-quarter view…
…and a straight-on rear view. I think the posthole digger might still be a challenge on weight grounds, but I don't anticipate any trouble with the snowblower, and smaller wheeled machines should be a breeze.
Once your machine is loaded, you have options for carrying along the ramps. Here is the pair, tucked into the front of the bed.
They also fit quite nicely in the cab. I did not try it with the seats down, but I think a single ramp would fit fine there.
I'm pleased with how easily these set up and store, and I feel I've added to the utility of my truck with this ramp set. Although the welds could look a little prettier, the price more than makes up for that detail.