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Access Ramp To Bed

R

RPHagan

Charter Member
SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
138
Location
Scottsboro, AL
Looked through other topics and didn't see a string on this. Forgive me if there is and I missed it.

I am looking for a good ramp for access to the truck bed. My wife is handicapped and uses an electric scooter to get around in the malls, etc. She has a Chevy Venture with a davit lift that lifts the scooter into the back of the van so she can drive herself around (ever tried hand controls?--they're a trip :D).

Anyway, I would like to be able to take her more places in the Av, which she really likes. If I had the right foldable ramp, I think we could run the scooter in the bed and by folding down the handle bar and removing the seat, could even leave the covers on. the ramp would have to be solid or nearly so, not the ladder type that 4-wheelers use because the wheels are only 8" diameter. Also would have to be arched in such a way that it didn't high center since it's ground clearance is a few inches.

If anyone has experience with finding such a thing, or can give me some good links to manufacturers, I (and she) would be very grateful. Thanks. :)
 
Don't know if this meets the qualifications but you might want to check out Premier Motoring Ramp

tr100a.jpg


Hope you find something.
 
I own that ramp and can tell you that:

1. when compacted it fits into the truck's bed front to back (no need for diagonal)

2. it should support whatever your weight requirements are, especially since you will be using it x2 (750 lb rating per ramp)

3. it has a slight arch, for the clearence issue you mentioned.
 
Jackalanche - thanks for the testimonial, also I think I finall get the "arch" thing - I was afraid that would be a problem, instead of a help ;D
 
his arch issue is high centering related (of the device he intends to transport), I am aware of no ramp with a negative arch (what he was alluding to) but the arch in the "yellow ramp" is rather minimal. Griot's sells an insert for their car ramps to help sports cars with minimal clearance at the air dam get up car ramps without damaging the plastic - suggest he look to that source for help with the clearance issue.

My biggest concern? Whether it would fit in the bed when in collpased mode, without having to lay it diagonally - important criteria for him since the unit he is considering the ramp for would not permit diagonal placement of the ramps in the box once loaded.
 
Thanks, guys.

I was concerned more about getting a ramp that had no arch and would pose a high center at the top junction with the tail gate. Just "eyeballing" the one pictured, I think it will work. The scooter has about 4 1/2" ground clearance. Shouldn't have any problem on approach since there is minimal overhang on the front end. Good to know it's a solid ramp and that it'll fit in the bed. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks again,

RPH
 
Just to finish the loop on this particular ramp anyway. I ordered the ramps pictured in the post by gandolphxx from Premier Motoring via their web site on March 17th, which was Sunday. Believe it or not, the pair of ramps (in a LARGE box) arrived at my house in rural Ohio before noon today, Tuesday, March 19th. Unbelievable. I haven't had service like that since Amazon.com was just starting up!!!

Anyway, they are really nice ramps. Extremely tough, sturdy, stable. The fact that when retracted they fit lengthwise in the bed is a great feature. Highly recommend them if you need rolling access to the bed.

Thanks again, gandolphxx and Jackalanche for a super recommendation!!

RPH
 
Have you tried them out, hope they work :) Got to keep the wife happy if your can buy any other toys for your AV. ;D
 
Oh yeah,
I forgot to say they do the job nicely. Run the little scooter right in. Can remove the seat, lower handlebar, and put the tops on. I love it when a plan comes together!!!!! Thanks again,

RPH

PS. She's gotten past the "are you nuts?" phase and is now into the "resigned shake of the head" phase. Yippee---more toys!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
 
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