If you're thinking about buying an ATV, SxS, or UTV, one important thing to consider is how to transport it. As these are fairly large machines, it can be a pain to transport them to where you intend to use them. One of the easiest ways to transport an off-roader like an ATV or UTV is to use the bed of a pickup truck.

Getting it into the bed of the truck is your next challenge. This is where quality ATV loading ramps come in. It's important not to just use anything for an ATV ramp as you could damage both the ATV and your truck, not to mention yourself.

Well-constructed ATV ramps are essential to loading an ATV due to the fact that you'll need to drive the machine up the ramp and into the truck bed.

Loading and Unloading an ATV/SxS/UTV Into a Truck

Using ATV truck ramps is the easiest and quickest way to load and unload your ATV or UTV into the bed of your pickup. However, there are still some important safety precautions to follow to ensure that your vehicles remain undamaged and that you don't injure yourself. Here is a short guide to loading and unloading.

Step 1 - Buy Quality ATV Ramps

It's very important that you buy a set of quality ATV ramps. ATVs and UTVs are heavy machines and you can't just use anything as a ramp, such as a board or pieces of plywood. It's also important that you buy ATV ramps that are rated for the weight of your machine.

The average single-seat ATV weighs between 400 and 650 pounds, and the average UTV weighs between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds. Some four-seat UTVs can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. You may need to purchase a heavy-duty ATV ramp if your machine is on the higher end of the weight class.

Step 2 - Secure the Ramp

Start the loading or unloading process by securing the ramp to your truck with tie-down or ratchet straps. This prevents the ramps from slipping or sliding around when you drive up them with your ATV. Use a separate strap for each ramp and ensure they are secured to the truck's frame.

Step 3 - Use a Helmet

Even though it's a short distance to drive up the ramps into your truck bed and it's done at a slow speed, it's still best to wear a helmet. If something goes wrong and the ATV falls off, you won't have any protection without a helmet.

Step 4 - Get Into Position

Line up the ATV's wheels with the truck ramp, making sure it's perfectly aligned. You want the ATV's wheels to go up the center of the ramp so that it's completely stable. If you end up off-center, there's some risk that the ramps could tip or you might end up driving the ATV off the side.

Step 5 - Get In Gear

Put your ATV in the lowest possible gear. The key is to get low speed but plenty of power. If you have a 4WD setting, you want that to be active as well.

Apply the throttle firmly, but keep it smooth so you get just enough momentum to move forward. Don't back off the throttle while driving up the ramps or you might slide back.

Step 6 - Keep It Slow

Slowly inch the ATV up the ramps until all four wheels are fully in the truck bed. Once there, gently apply the throttle until the front of the ATV is within a few inches from the back of the cab. Shut off the ATV and put it in park. Don't leave the key in the ATV.

Step 7 - Secure the ATV

Use strong ratchet or tie-down straps to secure the ATV to the truck. It often helps to have a second person sit on the front and back of the vehicle while you secure the straps. Once it's secured, remove the ramps and close the tailgate.

Extra Points

Although having a second person is only mentioned in the last step, it's a good idea to have a second person present during the entire loading and unloading process. If something goes wrong, you may need their help or they may need to go for help if something serious happens.

Enthuze ATV Truck Ramps

Enthuze carries two types of aluminum ATV ramps. The most popular style is the tri-fold ATV ramp that gives you a highly secure and stable platform for loading your ATV, tractor, or UTV into your pickup bed or onto a trailer.

Crafted from durable and sturdy aluminum, this ATV loading ramp can handle a wide range of equipment with a weight rating of up to 1,500 pounds. The ramp also includes safety straps to hold it in place while you load or unload.

The second style of ATV loading ramp from Enthuze is the two-track style. This ramp also has a weight capacity of up to 1,500 pounds and comes with safety straps for convenient loading and unloading. As with the first ramp, this product is crafted with durable and sturdy aluminum.

ATV vs SxS vs UTV

If you're in the process of deciding on a four-wheeler or off-road vehicle, it can be helpful to know the difference between an ATV and a UTV or SXS. ATV stands for all-terrain vehicle, and it employs motorcycle-style seating and handlebar steering.

There are some two-person ATV models, but most are only for a single rider. Sometimes called quads or four-wheelers, ATVs are smaller than UTVs and easier to transport.

A UTV or utility task vehicle is also often called a Side-by-Side (SxS). This type of off-road utility vehicle features four or six wheels and bench or bucket seating for up to six people.

UTVs are more like small off-road vehicles versus the motorcycle-styling of the ATV. UTVs are good if you need more room and towing/hauling ability, but they can be heavier, and not all of them will fit in a truck bed.

Enthuze truck ramps can be used with both ATVs and UTVs provided the vehicle's weight is 1,500 pounds or less.

Rely on Enthuze for quality ATV truck ramps as well as other essential accessories for that ATV/UTV life, including recovery straps, tie-downs, ATV winches, and more. All Enthuze products are tested for the utmost in quality and durability before using the Enthuze name.

 

Related articles:

• ATV Winches and Winch Selection Guide
• How to Load a Snowmobile into a Truck
• A Buyer’s Guide to Loading Ramps