Wtd:- Bike Loading Ramp for Van - Borrow and return for cash

Ninja · Caption Abuser Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

Hi - I'm after borrowing a bike ramp to accomodate a 240kg bike and me into a van - so total load weight to be no more than 360kgs (oy!) ...

Post to me and I'll post back (I'll meet costs)

OR if you're on the route (see map)

I can pick it up on the way through to getting the bike (FRi PM) and drop it off on the way back (Sat PM)

[edit]no more map[/edit]

Cheers James

(I'm not after buying one at £80 a pop for a one off or cobbling something iffy together if I can borrow one!)
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James
4 wheels transport the Body ... 2 wheels transport the SOUL

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

You're unlikely to be able to push the bike while standing on the same ramp for most bike ramps, as they are usually only a bit wider than the wheels.

If you're wanting to do it cheapish, some thickish planks of wood should do.
For my van I've got a plank of wood for walking up and a custom made ramp for my van (sorry, only properly fits my van though).
How high the back of the van is, is important. LDVs are pretty high (mine), so wood probably wouldn't work so well, others are lower, so should be ok.

ING · Derestricted Danger Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Karma :

GET A 6X3 INCH LENGTH OF TANALISED TIMBER, IT WILL WORK A TREAT.
IT'S THE TIMBER USED FOR DECKING JOISTS.

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I use a fold out ramp that my grandad had for his mobility car thingy.. (to put it in the shed) they fold up nicely, light weight and do the trick nicely, doubt they are all that expensive?!

Oh and I last used it to get a supermoto onto the back of an L200 pick up which is ferking high up!!!
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Craggles · Traffic Copper Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

If you're renting a van, it may be worth paying the extra for one with a tail lift. Then you needn't worry about a ramp, or collecting/picking up the ramp.

(or even if you have a van, it may be worth just renting one with tail-lift)

Craig
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gsxrboy · Scooby Slapper Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Karma :

As G said use wood, if you want a grippy surface use a good thick paint to cover the wood then sprinkle sand on it, you dont need much and it will be like walking on sand paper, its what I use at work and my feet are covered in oil.....
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

We didn't have much luck getting the trailer ramp to work with a van, the van being so much higher than the trailer meant the angle was all wrong. Plus there was nowhere to attach the ramp to, so it slid off impressively and we had to catch the bike in mid air.

Long strong wood for a friendlier angle should work better... our issues were with four people trying to get a vfr400 up it, so a 240kg bike just isn't gonna happen on a short steep ramp.

binge · Emo Kiddy Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Karma :

I know it sounds dangerous. But if you have a plank of wood which is able to hold 250kg then surely it would beable to hold an extra 70 or so.
If it does, can you not lay one big fat lump of wood from the center, and put another plank about a foot in distance from the middle one. THat way you can ride the bike up, and put your feet on the planks of wood at each side.

Thats what my uncle does to get his Moto Guzzi into the back of his DAF van.

Just mind your head on the way in Laughing

<|Ben|>

Ninja · Caption Abuser Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

Thanks all - the back of the van is fairly high and I had reservations about using a 'standard' bike ramp - as Bendy said, the angle would potentially be too acute to safely get up.

2 or 3 big old sleeper style planks will have to do it.

Thanks for looking. Thumbs Up

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James
4 wheels transport the Body ... 2 wheels transport the SOUL

Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Depending on the van, scaffold planks should be long enough to use and take a fair bit of weight. I've used them twice now getting a ZXR750 (heavy old bastid') into vans. Don't be tempted to ride it in though - it will hurt if it falls Shocked

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Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Ninja · Caption Abuser Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've bought two major planks of wood from my local merchants - 3.6metres long and about 10cm thick by 25cm wide - as well as two boards of hefty plywood - enough to have a comfortably wide and strong ramp.
Thumbs Up

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James
4 wheels transport the Body ... 2 wheels transport the SOUL