Some people are absolutely lost when it comes to choosing and using ATV ramps. There's really no trick to using ramps, but it does take a little practice to get the procedure just right.

Here are some guidelines to prepare you and help you through the ATV ramping process. If you can follow these steps carefully, you should enjoy a fairly uneventful experience.

Choosing ATV Ramps

Common sense is really the most common rule of thumb. Choose a ramp that is wider than your ATV. Take careful measurements BEFORE placing your order. Having said that, when buying wide-runner ramps, use the width of your ATV's wheelbase as the reference of the ramp's width. If you prefer a single-runner ramp, on the other hand, the width distance should be at least as wide as your tire.

A standard ATV ramp size is used for smaller pickup vehicles, and longer ramps are used with larger trucks. Before you pay for the ramp, check the capacity of the ramp and the load of your ATV. If you think that your ATV is heavier than the load capacity of the ATV ramp, try pairing two ramps to enhance the overall load capability.

Using Your ATV Ramps

Step One: Park your truck on a flat and firm surface, and use the parking brake. Clear all materials out of the truck or trailer bed and secure the vehicle and the trailer before beginning the ramping procedure.

Second Step: Secure the ramp on hard-packed ground, position it at the lowest possible angle, and then connect the ramp to your truck or trailer bed. When using runners, make sure that each ramp is properly spaced to match your ATV's wheelbase. Double-check that the ramp is secure and has a snug fit.

Third Step: With safety cables, support the ramp firmly against the trailer bed.

Step Four: Double-check the load capacity of the ramp and the current weight of your ATV. Remove any additional heavy gear from your ATV to prevent overloading (and damage to your ramp and ATV).

Step Five: If you have a winch, use it! This is the best way to draw your ATV up the ramp and on to the truck or trailer bed. If you don't have a winch, you can ride your ATV up the ramp. This must be done slowly and carefully with smooth, slow acceleration.

At this point, the worst accidents can happen. Don't rush it. Accelerating abruptly or riding too quickly can cause you to fall off of the ramp or crash into the back of the truck cab. To be safe, buy a winch to ramp your ATV, particularly if you have no previous ramping experience.

Sixth Step: Fasten your ATV securely. Once loaded, use extreme care to be sure that your ATV is secured to the trailer or truck bed.

Once you get the hang of it, using ATV ramps is really quite simple. Still, you'll need practice to get it done right. It's always best to have another person with you, just in case. Follow each of these steps and have a friend standing by in case of accident.