ALUMINIUM-LOADING-RAMP-Kit ideas?

[red73mustang]

So I picked up an ALUMINIUM-LOADING-RAMP-Kit from ebay for $16 bucks shipped and was wondering about what type of planks to use with it. Mostly loading snow blowers, the occasional lawn tractor.

I have yards of untreated 2 x 6s I could use, but would they warp if unpainted or exposed to weather? should I go even bigger like 2 x 8s or 2 x 10s and is the extra width worth it for piece of mind? (as posed of the convenience of lighter weight using 2 x 6)?

Last, I plan on beveling the bottom ends of the planks. Should I bevel the top or bottom?

Thanks,Chet

 

[drivesitfar]

Red: can you post any pictures of your aluminum ramp ends? there are many types so before i could give you any ideas it would be nice to see them. or if you don't have a camera can you post the link to your Ebay ad you bought them from if there are pictures there?

i'd go with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10's if you can carry them. 6 inch ramps are not easy to get anything up on unless you have help to get the bike or lawnmower up on the truck's bed or trailer. also treated seems to hold up a bit better or some fine grain wood if there is any available.

 

[Outlander]

I had left over 2x6 (pressure treated) but the ramps are only used for very short heights (under 2 feet). If using for truck etc, I would go with 2x8 or 2x10 so there is wiggle room.

I assume you mean these types of ramp ends:
http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-pc-750-lb-7-1-2-in-aluminum-ramp-plate-end/A-p8453516e

 

[red73mustang]

Here is the link to the ramp kit I bought:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINIUM-L...=6f70d19e0eca444f8741bc98baeee542&pid=100275&

Also, how long should I cut the planks 6 or 7 feet?

 

[jakemac]

Here is the link to the ramp kit I bought:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINIUM-L...=6f70d19e0eca444f8741bc98baeee542&pid=100275&

Also, how long should I cut the planks 6 or 7 feet?

It depends on the height you need to lift to, and the weight you plan on putting on them.

I have several ramps that I put together. 4', 5', and 6' for different purposes. Nothing over a 16" lift though. The 4' and 6' are 2x12 PT. The 5" is 2x10 PT, but I prefer 12". The extra width gives me a little more wiggle room when I'm lining up the riding mower, but they can be heavy.

Whatever you use, look for the straightest grain you can get. In addition, keep the knots to a minimun size and make sure they're tight in the grain.

 

[Gotcha640]

I think you're going to need to apply some judgement as to the weight you're comfortable pushing up ramps on those, and as far as the length of the boards, do a little geometry and figure it out. The angle of the aluminum is set, the height of your truck is set, should be easy.

Most kits will also come with a ground end, with at least a little bit of grip, and some have rubber on the truck end to keep from sliding around.

What are you going to be loading? I'd hesitate with anything over about 150lb. They don't look great in the pics.

I think you might be better off with the ones from autozone, or Walmart, or whatever is around you.

 

[drivesitfar]

Red: i'd probably put at least 8 foot 2 x 8's on those aluminum ramp ends and if you can carry them i'd do 10 foot 2 x 10's or 2 x 12's.

i have 8 inch aluminum ramps that are 9 foot and even with 8 inch i have to be carful not to run off my ramps.

i have this Melcher 8 foot 30 inch wide ramp for loading treadmills and ellipticals and machines on my trailer.

what are you loading up the ramp because i don't remember you saying? and to a trailer or pick up?

 

[logical]

I have a set of the old Highland ramp-parts aluminum ends that I put on standard 2x8's 30 years ago. They were never out in the weather but are good as new and I've loaded some pretty heavy stuff into a pick-up with them....300 lbs easy but they bow a little at that weight. I think they are a full 8'.