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Post by Goosey on May 12, 2011 8:20:53 GMT -5
So now that I have a truck in case of a scooter emergency, what sort of ramp would you use? Not a lot of $, but I'd like to be able to get a scooter up there without dropping it (remember short girly girl here) :help: What do you use?
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Post by 2strokd on May 12, 2011 8:30:53 GMT -5
I just use one of those "ramp kits" you can buy at most hardware stores. They bolt on any 2x12 and work good enough to get the job done. If you use treated wood they last longer, but the ramp will be a bit heavier. Use some gloves or remember not to slide your hands across them tho. If you do, i bet its only once lol.
Shakerdriver uses a set of those nice light aluminum ones. But they are pretty pricy at around $100.
Let me see if i can find anything?
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Post by 2strokd on May 12, 2011 8:35:38 GMT -5
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Post by 2strokd on May 12, 2011 8:36:40 GMT -5
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Post by reveeen on May 12, 2011 8:39:39 GMT -5
I, myself, just pick them up, and put them in the back of my Ranger (but I'm an old man who has worked hard most of his life). Maybe this kind of thing: www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-steel-loading-ramps-44649.htmlor you can make a simple ramp with a plank and a piece of flat iron (bent at an angle with a bolt in the end to index on the hole you will drill in your tailgate) What I find is: it's awful helpful to have someone with you when loading..... to "steady" the thing up in the truck before you can get there to tie it down. |
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Post by 90GTVert on May 12, 2011 9:08:24 GMT -5
I use a 6ft by 3ft or so aluminum folding (width) ramp. The longer the ramp the easier it will be to push it up and less likely you are to bottom out. I'd go with an 8ft, just don't want it hanging over the tailgate. If you have an 8ft bed, definitely go that way. I keep it secured in the back of the truck all of the time with a cable and lock since the aluminum can withstand the elements it's easier just to have it handy. All that said, I got my ramp for free from a friend. If I had to buy it on my own, I'd go with something like 2strokd linked to or make the ramp from a board.
I used to load my scoot by picking it up like reveeen, but that get's old quick if you load scoots on any regular basis. Also, it's a lot easier not to damage something using a ramp.
Whatever ramp you use, make sure it has a way to secure to the truck. When backing off the ramp, if you use the brake it pushes the ramp away from the truck. Mine uses a strap that attaches to the bumper that you can tighten up. It may seem like it's unnecessary, but I had the ramp slip and fall while unloading something once when I didn't take the time to use it and that sucks.
Pick up a set of ratchet straps to secure the scoot via the handlebars. You can get motorcycle straps, but they are more expensive and ratchet straps work well. I just use one one each handlebar grip. Do it right and you can move the whole truck when you wiggle the scoot. On the center stand apply even force. If you have to use a kickstand make sure there is more pressure on the side to pull it toward the kickstand.
If you are ever in a jam and don't have a ramp but need to load the scoot and can't lift it, you can sometimes find a ditch or ramp or something to pull the truck in that'll make it way easier. Of course you're lucky if you ever find that stuff nearby when you need it. Also not a good idea if it's wet out. Don't need a broken down scoot AND a stuck truck.
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Post by Goosey on May 12, 2011 9:42:27 GMT -5
Hmm, So wider would be better for me. And 6 ft, or a folding 2 - 4' sections. Straps, I kept the straps from my shed in a box, and I can't say how many times those things have come in handy. I keep them in the truck. I can see me having to walk it up so wider would be better. Definately need 2 people to push and pull on a narrow ramp. My scooters are pretty heavy. I'll have to have some folks keeping an eye out for something in aluminum at the mill. They throw away some of the best stuff there. And look into the kits. Thanks guys  |
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Post by Fox on May 12, 2011 10:42:43 GMT -5
It's always best to have a helper in the bed of the trucks to grab the front of the scooter and pull it up the ramp as someone else pushes it up the ramp.
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Post by 2strokd on May 12, 2011 11:37:28 GMT -5
Very true!
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Post by jmkjr72 on May 12, 2011 19:03:41 GMT -5
yep head over to fleet farm and get some cheap brackets and a 2x12
ill take a pic later when i think of it of the cheap brackets i bought to make my ramp
how long of a 2x12 will depend upon the ride hieght of the truck
for the colorados and rangers i have one thats about 5 feet long it works but its nicer on om trailer that is lower to the ground
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Post by Goosey on May 12, 2011 22:20:38 GMT -5
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Post by 2strokd on May 13, 2011 6:36:33 GMT -5
Im sure they would have em yes.
Thats what those rubber things are for lol.
Just kiddn!!!
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Post by Goosey on May 13, 2011 8:32:33 GMT -5
Thanks, seems like the best way to go. It's more of an emergency back up for me, so I don't need anything real nice, and expensive.
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Post by jmkjr72 on May 13, 2011 20:00:10 GMT -5
 i think the brackets were about 2 bucks each |
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Post by Goosey on May 13, 2011 21:36:53 GMT -5
Nice I'll have to do a wander around the hardware store. |
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