How-To-Pick The Proper Atv Ramp

By: Mike Nagy

There are many different ATV ramp choices out on the market today which can be very confusing and overwhelming for ATV riders. The wide variety of these ATV ramps allows riders to find the perfect ramp system that will allow each of them to load and haul safely according to their different situations and setups. Now, before an ATV ramp can be chosen it is the riders responsibility to think about what they are really looking to do with the ramp.

For instance, are you looking to load your ATV onto a trailer or truck? Are you trying to load in the mud, snow, rain, dirt, etc.. Also, are you going to be loading by yourself because if this is the case it is highly recommended that you purchase a ramp that is extra long to make the angle less severe. With that being said, one of the last options to consider before purchasing an ATV ramp is deciding which style of ramp will best suit your needs/wants.

Here is a list of the ATV ramp styles currently available:

Types of ATV Ramps

Bi fold - Folds the width in half. (Harder to fit under ATV when storing for travel)
Trifold - Folds the width in thirds. (Easiest to fit under ATV when storing for travel. Available with an open center track please verify before purchasing a ramp to make sure the open center is ok for your situation.)
Dual Runner - Two separate ramps ("runners") available in folding or non-folding styles. (Somewhat easy to fit under ATVs but requires a higher ground clearance ATV.)
Hitch Mounted Ramps - Attaches to trailer hitch (receiver) and folds up for storage/travel.

Please note that straight ramps require additional length in order to avoid bottoming out some ATVs when cresting the bed compared to arched ramps.

Now that you have a better understanding of the many different styles of ATV ramps we are able to go to the next steps to help determine which ramp setup is best for you and your ATV.

Important facts to consider when choosing an ATV ramp system:

1: Total Overall Weight(Found by combining the following):

Dry Weight: Check ATV owners manual.
Fuel Weight: Check ATV owners manual – gallons x 8.5 lbs.
Accessory & Attachment Weight: Check ATV owners manual.
Driver’s Weight
Load/Cargo Weight

ATV ramps are designed for equally distributed weight across at least 4 tires/2 axles. DO NOT assume that the weight of the ATV is equally distributed across multiple axles as most likely the weight on one axle is greater than on the other. NEVER exceed the weight capacity of the ramps. It is recommended that you always get an ATV ramp system that has a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of your ATV especially in the case where you might upgrade or purchase a larger ATV in the future. After all, Why buy ramps twice?

2: Ramp style choice.

3: Ramp width needed to accommodate ATV. (Allow yourself to have extra width space on the ramps to make loading and unloading safer/easier.)

4: Load Height: What is the load height from the ground to the bed of your truck or trailer while on level ground ?

With the above information decided upon a ramp setup can be purchased. Please take careful consideration to select a ramp length that you believe will be long enough for you to drive up safely since most ATVs have a wheelbase/ground clearance ratio that will climb almost anything the length of the ramp at your load height, in most cases, will come down to what you believe will give you the easiest incline. A rule of thumb to figure this out is to drop the tailgate on your truck or trailer and place one end of the tape measure on the truck tailgate or trailer and measure out on an angle till you find a length that looks optimal.

*Always wear a helmet and proper protective gear when riding your ATV*

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