Ramp Capacity, Length & Load Height

This guide should help you gauge how long a ramp you require, so if you're in any doubt read the details below. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to give us a call. The crucial thing to know is your load height.

Load Height: this is the vertical measurement from the ground to where you rest the ramp onto.

Guide to the maximum load height is shown in the product description/table, please note the minimum Load Height will be 5% below the maximum height stated on the ramp, to calculate  use (maximum load height - 5% = minimum load height).

For vehicle ramps EU guidelines recommend that no ramps with a gradient greater than 30%  or 1:3.3 should be used. Essentially the load height x 3.3, gives you your ramp length. Furthermore no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. Going over this gradient is can cause accident, injury or death and may invalidate the warranty.

Please check the wheelbase measurement of the machine you are loading is suitable for the capacity the ramp can take based on the wheelbase measurement advised. To check your wheelbase, look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase. For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

For loading cars and other vehicles with either a) Low ground clearance b) Front and/or Rear overhang a gentler gradient is recommended (this will vary depending upon the vehicle). Please also note that most forklifts and pallet trucks are not built to be used on slopes. Please check the manual for the gradient information.

Further information can be seen in this blog article here

How do I identify what van ramp I require? 

First you will need to check your load height, this is the vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest. This height identifies the required ramp length, all of our ramps state the maximum load height on the listing.

You also need to consider the maximum weight you are loading.

In addition, we recommend checking the ramp width required in terms of the width of the items you are loading and the internal width of the van.

Please do also check the weight of the ramp is suitable for you. 

It is also to consider what you are loading, for example if you are loading an item with low clearance such as a pallet truck a longer ramp is likely to be required, please contact our team for advice. 

How long should the ramp be?

For Truck & Van Ramps Health & Safety recommend that a gradient no greater than 30% (16.5 degrees) should be used. Furthermore, no TUV TUV-certified ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. To calculate your gradient simply multiply the bed height of your vehicle by 3.3 to give the optimum length. If loading long/heavy cases or pallet trucks, or items with low clearance, a longer ramp is likely to be required. 

Do the ramps have a minimum load height?

The minimum and maximum load heights will be stated on the product page. If no minimum load height is stated, we don’t advise to use the ramps lower than 100mm of the stated max load height as the foot end will not sit flat on the ground. For example, if the ramp has a max load height of 900mm do not use lower than 800mm. For custom solutions, please contact our ramp specialists.

Can the ramps be used over the max load height?

No as the ramp will be too steep. Using the ramp above it’s recommended load height may cause accident, injury or death and will invalidate the warranty.

Should I allow extra capacity in the ramps for safety?

No. Our ramps are manufacturer and engineered to European TUV standards, which require us to build in a 200% safety margin. Please note, if ramp is overloaded this will void warranty.

Can I use a winch to assist loading equipment?

Winches fundamentally alter the normal weight distribution when loading machines and equipment. Stated weight limits are dramatically reduced when using a winch. Winches can be used but great care and attention must be taken, please speak with our sales advisers for help specifying ramps. The most important thing is to keep the rope of winch parallel with the ramp. If you intend to use a winch please make this clear to your sales adviser before purchasing.

How does the ramp connect to the vehicle?

All of our portable truck & van ramps use a rest on connection which rests onto the floor of the vehicle. The Viper Premium van ramps & the truck ramp range come supplied with a locating pin which can be used to anchor the ramp if a matching hole can be driven into the floor of the vehicle.

How do the ramps stay in place? 

The van ramps stay in place due to the curved rest-on connection which sits on the van and the angled foot of the ramp which ensures the ramp rests securely on the ground during loading. Please note it is important you are loading at the correct height to ensure the ramp sit securely on the ground. The weight of the load also assists in the ramp staying in place. 

Can the ramps be customised? 

Some of our van ramps are available to customise including our Premium Viper van ramps. Customisations include amending the width and length of the ramp and amending the connection option. The ramps can also be customised to be cut for alternative load heights, for example if you require a smoother gradient. The lead time on built-to-order items is normally 4-6 weeks. 

What is the difference between channel ramps and the single-piece van ramps? 

The channel ramps are a pair of ramps whilst a single-piece ramp is one wide ramp. Channel ramps are generally lighter to carry. We offer channel ramps with or without edges. Those without edges are popular for loading ATVs, quad bikes and ride-on mowers. The channel ramps with edges are commonly used for loading trolleys and similar however it is important to check the clearance on what you are loading to ensure that it does not hit the edges of the channel ramps when loading. For loading items with low clearance such as flightcases, one wide ramp is generally preferable. When using one wide ramp you can walk up the ramp behind the item which in many instances can make loading easier. 

What is the difference between the premium Viper van ramps and the economy Viper ramps?

Our premium ramps are TUV certified and produced in Italy which means they can be customised if required. The entry onto the ramp for the premium version is slightly smoother than the economy version. In addition to this, the premium version holds a higher capacity (1,000kg+) than the economy version. The premium van ramp is also available in longer lengths than the economy ramp. The premium Viper ramp also offers a pre-drilled hole to allow the ramp to be secured to the vehicle during loading when required. The premium ramps have achieved certification for R13 slip resistance.

How grippy is the surface?

As grippy as we can make it without causing damage to tyres or excessive wear to the surface. We offer various ramps with various surfaces, for example our Viper ramps have light serrations cut across the width which is suitable for dry, clean conditions. If you plan to use in wet or muddy conditions further grip might need to be added such as griptape or rubber covering. Our AnyRamp offers a mesh surface. 

Do you offer fixed folding van ramps?

Yes we have a range of fixed folding van ramps which can be secured to the van.

What can be loaded on the folding van ramps? 

The folding van ramps can be used to load goods into vans, trailers or over steps. They are commonly used by events companies to load equipment, businesses to load equipment and removal companies to load goods. 

Can the ramps be used for loading motorbikes? 

For loading items such as motorbikes, ATVs and quad bikes we would instead recommend viewing our range of motorcycle ramps. For loading plant machinery please instead view our Vehicle & Plant ramps. 

What are the longest van ramps you offer? 

Our Viper Premium heavy duty van ramps are available in lengths up to 5m. Our RollAble loading ramps are modular and therefore can be produced in any length.  

What are the van ramps made from?

The majority of our van ramps are produced from aluminium.