Making loading ramps less slippery

[Dusty Floor]

I have a pair of 2x10s (with ramp brackets on one end) that I use a couple times a year for jobs like loading my snowblower or chipper shredder into my pickup. They work well for the job, but can be slippery underfoot (esp. since the snowblower tends to be moved when there's snow on the ground). I usually end up driving the snowblower up by walking between the ramps.

I was thinking about some of those stick on non-skid treads, but I'm not sure if they'd have enough grip for this application. Anyone have experience with these or a better idea?

-tom

 

[lotsoftools]

How about a do it yourself bedliner? Herculiner maybe

 

[DaleK]

Light expanded metal. Drywall corner beads pounded flat

 

[Strouty]

Skateboard grip tape

 

[wrench409]

A product known as anti-slip tape.

Comes on a roll and looks like 80 grit sandpaper with industrial strength adhesive backing.

It's used on ramps for 18 wheeler trailers, tops of round fuel tanks on tractors, skateboarders call it 'grip tape'.

It's available at big box home improvement stores.

 

[Ray916MN]

Paint with sand in it.

 

[Rentawrench]

Just use some Sand in the new paint you roll on .

 

[caper150]

asphalt shingles

 

[Dusty Floor]

Thanks, I think I'll give the anti-slip tape a try.

 

[5lima30]

asphalt shingles

^^^This! Also roll roofing is commonly used on slippery ramps.

 

[AZ Pete]

or you can screw or nail cleats to the ramps. Just cut some 1" x 1/2" lathe and nail, screw of glue it across the ramps every 8" or so. I would be concerned that tape will not adhere to the wood, over the long run.

 

[Bgcj5]

On my ramps I used about 300 self tapping screws. I always have great traction both walking up and loading items. It is cheap and easy.

 

[cyamaha2007]

I use the self taping screws also. They work well

 

[nehog]

Also boat deck anti-slip paint... But that's basically a rubberized paint with sand/grit in it.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

Like others have said, I too use the tape. Mine is made by 3M and has been working well for three years going. Here's my homemade ramps:

Here is a close-up:

And here is the tape I use. Just make sure it is where you want it before removing the backing because the stuff grabs hard:

 

[Boost Creep]

Skateboard grip tape

thats what i used too. works great

 

[Outlander]

or you can screw or nail cleats to the ramps. Just cut some 1" x 1/2" lathe and nail, screw of glue it across the ramps every 8" or so. I would be concerned that tape will not adhere to the wood, over the long run.

I did this with my tilting snowmobile trailer so my ATV tires would grab.

asphalt shingles

Great idea for the ramps. I made myself a set too, they are a bit short for my truck so a bit steep to load up my snowblower. I have a spare package of shingles under the snow in the yard....maybe I'll dig them out.

 

[Super Mech]

I have a pair of 2x10s (with ramp brackets on one end) that I use a couple times a year for jobs like loading my snowblower or chipper shredder into my pickup. They work well for the job, but can be slippery underfoot (esp. since the snowblower tends to be moved when there's snow on the ground). I usually end up driving the snowblower up by walking between the ramps.

I was thinking about some of those stick on non-skid treads, but I'm not sure if they'd have enough grip for this application. Anyone have experience with these or a better idea?

-tom

I have the stick on rubber treads that HF sells. Saw them on the shelf and the glue was all dried up. I asked the manager if he could do better on them and I think I got them for like a 1.00 each. Used construction adhesive and they have been on for 3 years no problem.

 

[Racecarl]

I used some old belts from a John Deere round baler. These belts are about 6" wide and have a diamond pattern on one side. I made the belts about 16" longer than my ramp boards so that the ramps will stay put when they get a load on them. I use these ramps to haul my snowblower and the traction the baler belts provide is very effective.

 

[Outlander]

How long did you guys make your ramps to make it a reasonable incline into your trucks? Mine are too short (4 ft) so no amount of traction will do it I am afraid. It will make it possible I guess with 2 of us.

 

[jabberwoki]

asphalt shingles

#2 if the ramp is wood

 

[White 99]

I have a hard time getting the glue on the sand paper type to stay to my stair treds. Is constrution glue the best to restick it with? The treds are on plain wood; no paint.

 

[cos]

Hi Just got done with same project. Used Simpson mending plates 3"x6". Turned sharp side up and nail to plank. Ground sharp points down a little.

 

[Lippyp]

The pair I made for my trailer were made out of the only thick ply I had to hand, an old piece that I'd been mixing cement on so its ****** ugly but has plenty of grip due to the lumpy crust of old mortar on it!

 

[mgilde13]

I used the 3M Safety Walk (proper trade name) as well. My ramps are green treated 2x12s with two strips going down each ramp. I was also worried about pealing so I hit it with the staple gun around permitter and a few down the middle.

 

[rlitman]

All these friction tape / shingle surfaces sound great when dry (or even wet), but I don't think they'll be that good when packed in snow for the OP's uses.

I would want something with a deeper tread. Something like the rubber grip mats sounds ok. The expanded metal sounds like a great idea. For a small ramp for a snowblower, I made chevrons out of thin strips of wood nailed and glued down to the ramp.