So today I went and treated myself to a brand new Sierra 1500, and with the bed being probably 2 foot higher than the POS 2001 Nissan Frontier I was driving around the ol trusty 2x6 with a metal flange at the end isnt gonna cut it for getting my bike in the back of this thing
Whats the best ramps people are using? Everyone just using a $150 harbor freight special or is there anything worth looking into? As I mainly race XC, mostly going to races alone, whatever gets my bike in the bed the easiest when it has 100 pounds of mud on it afterwards would sure be nice!
Best all around aluminum loading ramps?
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I drive a RAM and this ramp works perfect for me. Bought a cheap two step plastic stool to help get it into the back,
https://www.mooseracing.com/product/672208/productGroup/489619
This if could use.
https://readyramp.com/shop/readyramp-i-beam-full-sized-bed-extender-ram…
I've owned two of these and I love em. The real beauty of it is that it doubles as a bed extender!
https://readyramp.com/
I made sure to buy the standard bed, but thats cool!
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I use this Cargo Smart S curved ramp I got on sale at Menard's. I thought it might be goofy at first but it's actually pretty nice. The only cons are its heavy and the metal edges were sharp as hell so I duct taped over them to save my truck bed.
I'll add my endorsement for the Ready Ramp. I only use the bed-extender feature when hauling multiple bikes. I push my bike up the ramp in the morning, and ride it up at the end of the day with no issues. Been doing it for years.
I don't own any ramps but if I did I'd have to go with the StepRamp.
https://www.stepramp.com/
+1. Don't know if you do camping / riding but besides a bed extender and ramp it also makes a pretty solid ladder if you need to load stuff on the roof or hang a lantern in a tree etc. I've used it for both more than once.
Stepramp. Super easy to load a bike and not do the circus act of trying to quickly run up a ramp using your bike stand. I’ve seen a lot of guys do it, but also witnessed that one misstep. Not pretty
I use the double folding ramp ramp from HF and take it apart, gave half to my kid for his truck . I have an f150 with tailgate step so it works well . My buddy has the step ramp and that does seem pretty good but it was 3 times the cost and loading 2 bikes might be a pita.
I lowered the backend of my 2023 F150 with a 2" drop link. It levels the stance overall and makes it a bit easier to load bikes. It took a couple of hours to install and <$100 for the parts.
Step ramp is worth every penny.
FYI, there is a Black Widow knock off of the step ramp but it is a 6 step and too big for most shortboxes. But... I think you can just cut off a foot and have a functional step ramp for short boxes cheap
I got mine from here. Super cheap. Pretty much the same as the Moose one mentioned previously. I'v'e had it for about three years now no issues.
https://www.discountramps.com/bike-ramp/p/AFL-9012/
It's a Black Widow, aluminum, folding. It's even cheaper than when I bought it. $69
https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle/ramps/single-runner/p/MC-STEPR…
The Black Widow I mentioned
I like the 2x6, no one will want to steal it.
That’s what I use. It’s cheap in comparison and gets the job done. It’s decent quality too.
I like the looks of the step ramp, but loading two bikes in my van may be a deal breaker. Loading the one on the right should be fine, but the one on the left would be tough.
I use a lawn mower ramp. I got it at Home Depot a few years ago for $80 as I obviously only need one and they sell them individually not in pairs. It’s been great. Similar to the S ramp but more flat after the initial climb. I’ll see if I can find it real quick.
Pit Row
This looks like the exact same one I've been using since 2002... works just fine.
Another vote for the ready ramp. Had one for 5 years or so and it’s been great.
I still use the same aluminum ramp I bought back in 1999. I forget the brand and the sticker has worn off, but it's a lot like that Moose one up there (minus the articulating part). Just a single ramp. Thing is bulletproof.
I made the mistake of buying one of those slim aluminum channel ramps for my Sprinter and it lasted no more than a year.
I have a step ramp and mixed feelings about it. 1st, I'm 65 and have bad knees, back and poor balance and been using the old tri-fold aluminum ramp for decades. Saw the videos for step ramp and thought it was a great solution- maybe. Their vids show people starting their bike with electric start and walking it up the ramp with no hesitation. I haven't ridden my bike up into back of my truck since I was younger and no worry about hurting myself on occasion doing it
Got the step ramp and it's built really well, but super heavy. Also, really narrow and zero room for error requiring loading the bike in 1 smooth move. My easiest, safest way to load and unload takes a couple steps to get up and down - Slow and steady wins. I bought the extra step version thinking to use it on my stock 2018 Ford-150 but it still has a very steep angle and requires a buddy to help me load up. I recently bought a new Frontier that is much lower and will try the ramp on that when the weather gets better and hope it works better for me. If not it will continue to sit in my shop or get sold to someone in better shape to use as shown in the videos
Mine was $400.00 shipped with discount, but thinking I could have found a longer better made trifold for 1/2 that as a better solution to my situation.
This is what I use, it folds in half. When opened up, I can walk the bike up. I put straps in between runners so my feet wont slip through.

I use this one, it’s kinda like a step ramp except you can walk up either side. It’s a little bit short for my truck but still works good, it’s perfect for anything a little lower. Huge improvement over my old narrow aluminum c channel ramp.
https://www.harborfreight.com/super-wide-tri-fold-loading-ramp-90018.ht…
Throwing out another option for consideration - the DRC Hybrid (in various lengths):
http://www.drcproducts.com/trans/d36-41/index.html
https://youtu.be/iJRKag4ZLxM?feature=shared
I, too, have owned heavier and more featured ramps than this ^^^, but I keep coming back to this one given it's light weight, strength, safety (huge tailgate lip that doesn't damage trucks or people), high quality, and it tucks in easily anywhere. I think I've had it for 15 years or so.
I am surprised DRC products don't get more press, as they are super well designed and manufactured.
Another idea for your project.
I've used the same model for the last 10+ years, and it worked well even when I had a lifted truck. The ability to walk next to the bike is great, and it folds up into a fairly small package.
I will agree with this. I have the 6 step Step Ramp too. It's heavy and a bit steep for a full size truck, even with the 6 step model.
I also feel like I have to get a running start to make it up or get help from someone.
I own the Step Ramp. It is not cheap but is the best ramp I have owned. It makes it so easy to load into a truck even if it is a lifted truck.
Ha! I used to go racing with this guy , back in the late 70s- early 80s -- He would set up a 2x6 onto the tailgate before his 2nd moto. After his moto he would ride right to the truck, up the 2x6 ramp, strap his bike down...done! Then one time he needed a little bit extra "oomph" and as his back wheel came close to the top, he gave it a LITTLE throttle and clutch - the board shot back, the back end of the bike dropped with the wheel 18" short of the tailgate. He did a slow-motion tip over, somehow got his foot caught between the bike and the side of the truck bed, twisted his ankle, and the bars/lever scratched the crap out of the side of his truck! There were several of us standing there watching. We were all in tears we were laughing so hard...Good Times!! ;-)
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