If you have ever gone riding across the country on an ATV, you would certainly know how thrilling and exciting it can get. However, you also would know that it isn’t easy to transport the ATV from your garage to the riding trail without the help of ATV ramps.
It might seem a bit difficult to understand how to use an ATV ramp, but it is a fairly simple process. It may take a little bit of practice, but nothing more than that. Small ATV ramps are used for smaller trucks. If you are going to load the ATV into a large truck or trailer, then you would need a longer ramp. Your ATV ramp needs to be wider than your ATV. You should carefully measure out your ATV before you either build your own ATV ramp or buy one from the market.
You cannot simply use an ATV Ramp without some set of rules or instructions to follow. Don’t worry; we are here to help you with that!
Using an ATV Ramp
When you are loading the ATV with the help of an ATV ramp, there is always a danger of injury. Keeping that in mind, you need to be a little bit cautious while using them. Follow the steps which have been provided below so that you would learn how to use ATV Ramps safely and securely, even if you are a first-time user.
1. Parking your Truck
Before you start using your ATV Ramp, you need to park your trailer or truck on a surface which is flat & firm. Make sure it the parking brake is in position.
2. Clearing the back of the truck
After the truck is safely parked, take the stuff out of your truck and make sure there is ample space in the back for your ATV.
3. Attaching the Ramp
Now is the time to attach the ramp to the truck. Place it at the lowest angle possible. Attach the ramp to the back of the truck and make sure it fits snugly. If there are safety cables present, install them as well.
After attaching the ramp, you should check your ATV and see if there are any additional items present in it which might cause overloading. If such is the case, take those items out.
4. Loading the ATV
If you have a winch, you can use that to load your ATV with the help of the ramp. If not, you can also ride your ATV up the ATV ramp. But you need to make sure you don’t overload the ramp. You need to ride slowly, and with constant acceleration. This is the point where a lot of accidents occur. Therefore, you shouldn’t rush this step. It is better to walk the ATV up the ramp instead of riding it up the Ramp. Ask a partner for help in doing that.
You should keep in mind that when you are moving a vehicle at steep angles, it can flip backward. To ensure that this doesn't happen, try to load the ATV while it is in reverse gear, if possible. After the ATV has been safely taken over the ramp and into the back of your truck, tie it down so that it doesn’t move around a lot.
Conclusion
ATV ramps are a pretty useful piece of equipment when they are used properly. If you take a few precautions while using the ramp, you can be positive that you will load your ATVs into the truck with ease. Once your ATV is safely loaded inside the truck, you need to make sure it is safely tied down. By doing this you ensure the ATV is not jostling around during transport. There are a few things you need to look at while you are loading your ATV with the help of the ATV Ramp. We have discussed them above so that you would know how to safely use ATV Ramps.
Happy Riding Folks!