How To Choose The Right Cargo Van Ramp

Does your business involve moving bulky objects? Are employees manually lifting heavy gear or boxes? If you can answer yes to these questions, then your operations can benefit from a cargo van ramp. It’s workplace equipment that can make a difference.

• Reduces the need for lifting and the likelihood of injury
• Lessens the chance of an item falling or being dropped
• Minimizes interference with cargo space capacity

Let’s dive into the details about choosing a cargo van folding ramp.

Placement: Side Door Vs. Rear Door

There’s no clear answer about where to mount a folding ramp; there are quality systems for rear and side doors. Think about how your cargo van is used now. Is access mostly done from the side or the back? Do particular cargo loads make access more practical from the side or the rear? Or does it not matter? Keep in mind that some side ramps can be conveniently installed in the dead space above a sidestep.

At the same time, you’ll want to assess where loading and unloading are done. For example, tight garages and alleyways may prevent using a side-mounted folding ramp. 

Ramp Length: Bi-Fold Vs. Tri-Fold

Comparing bi-fold and tri-fold ramps really come down to how the folded apparatus fits in the van. For example, a Link 135-inch bi-fold ramp can only work in a Ford Transit with a high roof. But, a Link 119-inch tri-fold ramp requires less than 47 inches of vertical space, so it can fit in any cargo van. 

A longer ramp has a lower load angle, making for an easier time when dealing with heavy cargo. It simply takes less effort wheeling in a load or guiding cargo down a long ramp. So, longer is always better when dealing with bulky loads.

Keep in mind, although cargo van ramps are made of aluminum, they can still be heavy. This is why Link offers cargo van ramps with an optional spring assist, to make deploying and stowing ramp fairly effortless. However, the spring assist option is not available on tri-fold ramps.

Ramp Adaptability: Rotation Vs. No Rotation

One downside to a folding ramp is that it blocks access through the door where it’s mounted. This can be lessened by a more narrow width (which is covered below), but a rotating ramp offers maximum flexibility. A swivel ramp is placed at the back of the van; it rests on a pivot in the corner of the back cargo area. The ramp can be stored in the normal position (parallel to the closed rear doors) or rotated 90 degrees to rest behind or adjacent to the wheel well. A rotating ramp can also swing to the outside to allow easier loading and unloading.

Selecting Ramp Width

Most folding ramps come in a choice of widths (commonly 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, or 47″). A narrow ramp provides easier access around the structure when it’s folded and stored, while a broader ramp is better suited to handle wide-load carts.

Get Help With Folding Ramps

Let the professionals at Upfit Supply assist with purchasing a folding ramp for your cargo van. We’ll guide you through the vital steps and suggest solutions that meet your business’s needs. Contact us today for personalized help.