Van Ramps Buying Guide
Whether you need to transport a motorbike, flightcases, events equipment, trolleys, or pallet trucks into your van, trailer, or truck, finding the right ramp for your personal or business needs can be challenging.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a van ramp. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each type, key features worth considering, and what to check before investing. Whether you need a folding ramp to load your motorbike, a wide ramp for loading flightcases or a pair of ramps to load a ride-on mower, we've got you covered.
What to check
Measure the vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest on your vehicle.
Check the usable width of the van where the ramp will rest. In addition check the width of the item you are loading.
Check the weight of the equipment or item you are loading and consider any weight it may be carrying, along with your weight where applicable.
Tips & Recommendations
1. Note: EU guidelines recommend a maximum loading gradient of 30% (1:3.3).
2. To calculate the minimum ramp length you need, simply measure the vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest. Multiply this measurement by 3.33, this will give you the minimum ramp length you require.
3. At The Ramp People, our van ramps have been built with this loading gradient in mind. The recommended load height for all ramps is noted on the product pages.
4. If you are loading items with low ground clearance such as pallet trucks, scissor lifts and cleaning machines, a longer ramp may be required to achieve a smoother slope. In these cases, we can custom cut ramps for a gentler gradient. Please contact our team for assistance.
Things to consider
For flightcases, trolleys and pallet trucks, one wide ramp is usually preferred. For motorbikes, ride-on mowers and diggers channel ramps are often preferable.
For items with low ground clearance, such as pallet trucks and cleaning machines, a longer ramp length is often required.
For occasional use, a non-folding or folding van ramp is often preferred. For regular use, you may wish to view the fixed van ramps.
Various van ramps are available including solid ramps and folding ramps which fold to half their length or width. Check you have the space to store your chosen ramp.
For portable ramps, check the ramp weight is suitable. Consider who will be lifting the ramp along with manual handling guidelines.
For vans with an extended bumper or tow bar, it is important to check the ramp will safely clear this. For beaver tail trailers, alternative connection options may be required.
Portable Non-folding Van Ramps
For loading flightcases, trolleys and goods, a single wide ramp is a popular choice. The wide design allows users to walk on the ramps with the equipment. These portable ramps rest securely on the back of the van. The van ramps have a curved rest on connection and an angled foot to ensure the ramp stays securely in place during loading.
The TÜV-certified premium van ramps have a pre-drilled hole to allow the ramp to be secured onto the van and offer smoother entry onto the ramp, ideal when loading items with lower ground clearance. Before purchasing check the storage space you have available in the van, if the van is not long enough, a folding solution may be more preferable.
- Lengths from 1.8m to 2.7m, for heights up to 815mm
- Capacities up to 900kg, load equipment and goods
- Two width options - 750mm or 975mm wide
- Safety edges to prevent goods coming off the ramp
- Easy to use, simply rest onto the van
- Portable design, lies flat for storage
- Lengths from 1.4m to 5m, for heights up to 1.5m
- 1000kg capacity, ideal for loading equipment and goods
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp in place during loading
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- Four connection options, perfect for vans and trailers
- Smoother entry for easy loading
- Lengths from 1.8m to 3.6m, for heights up to 1050mm
- 2000kg capacity, ideal for heavy equipment and goods
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp in place during loading
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- 4 connection options, ideal for vans and trailers
- Made in Italy, custom solutions available
- Safely bridge the distance from the loading bay to the van
- Capacities up to 3420kg, heavy duty solutions
- Portable design, rest in place when needed
- Smooth gradient, ideal for pallet trucks, cages and trolleys
- Commercial use in loading bays and warehouses
- TUV certified, custom solutions available
Viper Van Ramp
- Lengths from 1.8m to 2.7m, for heights up to 815mm
- Capacities up to 900kg, load equipment and goods
- Two width options - 750mm or 975mm wide
- Safety edges to prevent goods coming off the ramp
- Easy to use, simply rest onto the van
- Portable design, lies flat for storage
Premium Viper Van Ramp
- Lengths from 1.4m to 5m, for heights up to 1.5m
- 1000kg capacity, ideal for loading equipment and goods
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp in place during loading
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- Four connection options, perfect for vans and trailers
- Smoother entry for easy loading
Heavy Duty Premium Viper Van Ramp
- Lengths from 1.8m to 3.6m, for heights up to 1050mm
- 2000kg capacity, ideal for heavy equipment and goods
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp in place during loading
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- 4 connection options, ideal for vans and trailers
- Made in Italy, custom solutions available
Loading Bridges
- Safely bridge the distance from the loading bay to the van
- Capacities up to 3420kg, heavy duty solutions
- Portable design, rest in place when needed
- Smooth gradient, ideal for pallet trucks, cages and trolleys
- Commercial use in loading bays and warehouses
- TUV certified, custom solutions available
Folding Van Ramps
Folding van ramps are often ideal for those seeking a compact ramp solution. There are various folding designs available including solutions which fold to half the length and half the width to allow you to find a solution based on your storage space. Some of the options are also suitable for providing wheelchair access, making them ideal for businesses seeking to load goods and equipment over steps as well as providing access to those with limited mobility. The folding van ramps often have a lower capacity than the solid, non-folding solutions.
For those using the ramp regularly, the fixed folding van ramps are an ideal solution as it ensures the ramps are easily accessible and prevents the need of having to continually lift the ramp.
- Lengths from 1.4m to 4.4m, for heights up to 1.3m
- Capacities up to 1,000kg, load flightcases & trolleys
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp during loading
- Folds to half the length for storage, built on carry handle
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- TÜV certified, made in Italy - 2 year warranty
- Lengths from 1m to 2.8m, for heights up to 840mm
- 400kg, ideal for loading equipment and goods
- Folds to half the length for storage, built on carry handle
- Mesh anti-slip surface, suitable for goods and mobility aids
- Made in Sweden, 3-year warranty
- Not recommended for pallet trucks or solid wheels
- Lengths from 1.5m to 2.7m, , for heights up to 835mm
- Up to a 680kg, ideal for loading motorbikes, quad bikes and ride-on mowers
- Lightweight and folding for easy storage
- Security straps to secure in place during loading
- Not designed for solid wheels or tracked machinery
- Available in lengths from 2m to 4.3m
- Capacities up to 600kg, ideal for mobility aids, motorbikes, goods and more
- 2-part and 3-part compact folding solutions
- Fixed in place, ideal for regular use
- TUV certified & Safety Crash Tested solutions
Viper Premium Folding Van Ramp
- Lengths from 1.4m to 4.4m, for heights up to 1.3m
- Capacities up to 1,000kg, load flightcases & trolleys
- Pre-drilled hole, secure the ramp during loading
- Folds to half the length for storage, built on carry handle
- R13 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- TÜV certified, made in Italy - 2 year warranty
Foldable Anyramp
- Lengths from 1m to 2.8m, for heights up to 840mm
- 400kg, ideal for loading equipment and goods
- Folds to half the length for storage, built on carry handle
- Mesh anti-slip surface, suitable for goods and mobility aids
- Made in Sweden, 3-year warranty
- Not recommended for pallet trucks or solid wheels
Folding Loading Ramps
- Lengths from 1.5m to 2.7m, , for heights up to 835mm
- Up to a 680kg, ideal for loading motorbikes, quad bikes and ride-on mowers
- Lightweight and folding for easy storage
- Security straps to secure in place during loading
- Not designed for solid wheels or tracked machinery
Fixed Folding Van Ramps
- Available in lengths from 2m to 4.3m
- Capacities up to 600kg, ideal for mobility aids, motorbikes, goods and more
- 2-part and 3-part compact folding solutions
- Fixed in place, ideal for regular use
- TUV certified & Safety Crash Tested solutions
Channel Ramps
Channel ramps are often lighter than a single wide ramp and easier for one person to manage. They are a popular choice when loading machinery and vehicles such as diggers, ride-on mowers, motorbikes, quad bikes, and more.
For loading items such as flight cases, or when individuals need to walk on the ramp while pushing equipment, a single wide ramp with safety edges is the preferred choice. This design offers superior stability and ease of use, ensuring safe and efficient loading.
- Available in 1.5m to 2.7m lengths
- Up to a 680kg capacity per ramp, ideal for motorbikes, ride-on mowers and quad bikes
- Lightweight loading ramps, folds for easy storage
- Curved design for improved clearance
- Designed for domestic use only, not for tracked machinery
- Available in 2.3m or 3m lengths
- 1,000kg capacity - load ride-on mowers, quad bikes & ATVs
- Lightweight loading ramps, only 7 - 10kg per ramp
- Curved design for improved clearance
- Easy to use, simply rest on your van or trailer
- Domestic use only, not for tracked machinery
- Lengths up to 5.5m, for heights up to 1650mm
- Capacities up to 20,000kg, load rubber tracked machinery and vehicles including diggers and excavators
- 4 connection options to secure to your vehicle
- Angled foot for smooth entry onto the ramp
- Made in Italy, custom solutions available
- Lengths from from 1m to 3.5m, for heights up to 1050mm
- Capacities up to 1,500kg, ideal for trolleys
- Lightweight and portable simply rest in place
- 45mm high safety edges
- R12 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- Extended connection to bypass most bumpers
Folding Ramps
- Available in 1.5m to 2.7m lengths
- Up to a 680kg capacity per ramp, ideal for motorbikes, ride-on mowers and quad bikes
- Lightweight loading ramps, folds for easy storage
- Curved design for improved clearance
- Designed for domestic use only, not for tracked machinery
Lightweight Loading Ramps
- Available in 2.3m or 3m lengths
- 1,000kg capacity - load ride-on mowers, quad bikes & ATVs
- Lightweight loading ramps, only 7 - 10kg per ramp
- Curved design for improved clearance
- Easy to use, simply rest on your van or trailer
- Domestic use only, not for tracked machinery
Plant Machinery Ramps
- Lengths up to 5.5m, for heights up to 1650mm
- Capacities up to 20,000kg, load rubber tracked machinery and vehicles including diggers and excavators
- 4 connection options to secure to your vehicle
- Angled foot for smooth entry onto the ramp
- Made in Italy, custom solutions available
Channel Ramps with Edges
- Lengths from from 1m to 3.5m, for heights up to 1050mm
- Capacities up to 1,500kg, ideal for trolleys
- Lightweight and portable simply rest in place
- 45mm high safety edges
- R12 slip resistance for enhanced safety
- Extended connection to bypass most bumpers
Care & Maintenance
- The majority of van ramps require little maintenance, they can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The fixed van ramps should be checked regularly and the locking mechanism should be adjusted every 6 months.
- We recommend regularly checking your ramp for signs of damage and wear. If any concerns are noted please contact the manufacturer for advice to ensure the ramp is still safe to use. Do not continue to use the ramp if it is damaged.
- When ramps are used in a workplace setting, they should be inspected regularly in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Positioning & Use
- Portable van ramps should always be used on a flat surface to allow the foot of the ramp to sit flush with the ground. The curved rest on connection should rest securely on the vehicle.
- The premium van ramps offer a pre-drilled hole to allow the ramps to be secured to the vehicle during loading. The folding motorbike ramps are provided with safety straps to secure the ramp to the vehicle when in use.
- The fixed vans ramps do require installation, this can usually be done by a confident DIY'er or handyman. Installation instructions are provided with the ramps.
- Ramps should always be used within the recommended load height and capacity, always read the full product specification and user guide prior to use. Some ramps are not suitable for solid wheels or tracked machinery so please check the chosen ramp is suitable for your intended purpose.
- Where you are loading a vehicle or machinery, always check the maximum gradient it can climb to ensure it can climb the ramp and to prevent the item from grounding out or damaging the ramp.
- Where the ramp is used in the workplace, a health and safety assessment should be undertaken if employees are required to lift the ramp. Companies should act in line with Manual Handling Operations Regulations and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
Van Ramp Warranty Period & Certification
At The Ramp People, all of our van ramps include a minimum 1-year warranty, with many models offering 2-year or 3-year coverage for added peace of mind.
Designed with professional use in mind, our Premium Viper Van Ramps, AnyRamp, and Plant Machinery Ramps are all TÜV certified, meeting strict safety and quality standards. Additionally, many of our fixed folding van ramps are Crash Test Approved, ensuring maximum reliability and compliance.
Request a callback
Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.