Preparing for a Safe Loading

If you need to load cars onto flatbed trucks, ensuring the safety of your vehicle is essential. Whether you’re a collector or running a business, your vehicle’s safety is a priority. Car transportation costs can add up, making loading cars onto a flatbed yourself a cost-effective option if you’re comfortable driving a truck. While several options exist for getting a car onto a flatbed—like a hydraulic tilt tray or loading dock platform—SureWeld loading ramps offer a convenient and affordable solution.

Setting Up

Using aluminum ramps is straightforward, but taking some safety precautions can help you avoid damage to your vehicle. Start by parking on a flat surface; avoid inclines, as they create an uneven loading area. Make sure the loading tray is level with the ground.

Once your truck is positioned, place your ramps. Aluminum ramps are ideal for most uses since they’re lightweight, cost-effective, and more resistant to weather damage than steel. For extremely heavy-duty tasks, steel ramps are more durable, though most general uses won’t require that level of strength.

Positioning the Ramps

Positioning your ramps correctly is crucial. Align them to match the width between your car’s wheels. This alignment minimizes the risk of slippage by ensuring the car rolls up the ramps centrally. Measure from the center of one wheel to the other, then use that measurement to place the ramps on the loading surface.

Securing the Ramps

Ramps come with different securing methods. SureWeld ramps, for example, use a steel pin system that locks into a corresponding hole on the loading vehicle, providing a firm connection to prevent the ramps from shifting.

Anchoring the Ramps

After securing the top of the ramps, anchor the lower ends for added stability. An adjustable fixing bar is ideal for connecting the ramps and eliminating movement. Adjust the bar to the wheel width, ensuring the ramps are centered accordingly. If you don’t have a fixing bar, anchoring straps can serve as a good alternative. Loop each strap through the top rung of each ramp, then secure it to a sturdy point on the truck.

Loading the Car

With everything secured, carefully drive the car up to the ramps. It’s helpful to have someone guide you, but if that’s not possible, check your alignment before moving. Maintain a steady pace up the ramps until fully on the truck bed. Once loaded, secure the car to the flatbed, remove the ramps, and you’re ready to go.