thanks so much for posting this video... I've looked at lots of designs and see most use a center stringer in truck base.... which then requires a two piece ramp making it more complicated. without a center stinger I'd assume the truck base would sag, therefore not allow the "ramp" to slide under... any problems like that? how much does it sag? is your truck "base" still 1/2" osb? has it survived all these years unpainted? thanks. -jay
With the frame I put together for the top sheet to lay on, there is no sag. the only place you'll see a little sag will be the 2x4 that goes across the width on the very rear of the truck. You may have to make the rear of the frame just a touch taller so the ramp can slide under it. After about 5 years I swapped out the OSB for a sheet of plywood. The OSB was being torn up from the skis getting on and off. My plan is just a general idea...feel free to modify it to your specific applicaiton.
Cool..have fun with it. I've used my design for about 4 or 5 years now without really changing anything and it works great. It is nice to know you can go anywhere by yourself and not need anyone to help you load it up. It is a nice "putter" job...i.e. it isn't hard to do, no tight spaces to work in, doens't take a long time, it doesn't have to be perfect. Glad to help you out.
Hey Blaine, here is a question, I am worried that my tailgate might be higher which would cause a incline issue. Do you know how high yours is, just to caluclate if it would work for me prior to building it.
My current tailgate is 32 1/2 inches high. You could be higher and still be ok but if someone had a big lift kit on a truck...well you may be out of luck. I know you can go higher with the angle but if you do you will have to watch out for the sled pushing the ramp like I mention in the video.
Great video! I have been looking into this idea and you already did it. With fuel prices, pulling a 19 foot v nose with one sled inside was such a waste. Thanks!!
19 foot V-nose for one sled???...what a pampered sled you must have! LOL...glad to help out. Build away, customize it to your needs and have fun with it.
Genius? At least now I have it in writing so I can show it to my wife...lol. Have fun building it and modifying it to your needs. Like I stated several times in other comments: This is just a basic design and guys can change, modify, customize ect...to their own situation. I now have a crew cab with a shorter box so I had to cut the frame shorter along with the 4x8 piece that goes on top and narrow it at the rear. The ramp is still 4x8 and everything works great.
Great vid Blaine! Thanks. I'm just about to follow your blueprint. I have a 6.5' box and was thinking of extending the base of your design over the tailgate for affectively an 8' platform. The only thing I might see a problem with is the ramp attachment. Any ideas? Thanks.
I now have a crew cab with the short box. I shortened the frame so now it is only a few inches from the end of the tailgate and trimmed the plywood on top (that the sled sits on) to that same length. A chunk of the track does hang off the back but the sled won't come off. Most of the weight on a sled is in the front. Just set the brake and put a couple of straps on it and the sled won't budge. I hauled it all around last winter no problem. I did leave the ramp 8 feet long.
Composite decking....hmmmm...It probably would work as long as it is thick enough. Just make sure it is supported enough and go easy going up it the first time. If it starts to flex too much you may want to abandon ship!
just built one of these to take my sled to the shop in my truck it works great the only issue is i have a tool box in my 8 foot box so there a lot of weight behind the axle.
I just bought a crew cab and had to modify mine for the shorter box and longer wheel wells. A little more of the sled is near the rear but that is ok.
@BlaineDP i had to put plastic where the skis go on the ramp so it didnt push up the first time i did it with no plastic the ramp just pushed right up i put the plastic on ramp doesnt more at all
Ya, I say in the video that the sled may push the ramp...it depends on the type of skis and carbides on the skis, Also, if you put the ramp at too high of an angle it can push the ramp too. You could put a small piece on the bottom of the ramp at the front of it so that piece will catch the edge of the tailgate so the ramp won't push forward. The only time it pushed the ramp on me is when I didn't have the edge of the ramp near the edge of the tailgate. That's why you go up it relatively slow.
It'll probably sratch the tailgate going in and coming out if you don't put anything over the tail gate. Remember, I just give the basic design and you customize it to your specific needs. I am using a 1994 GMC with 200,000+ mile son it..the last thing I care about is a little scuffing of the tailgate.
Click on the down arrow that is located just below the video. It is a drop down box and it gives a detailed list of materials, prices ect....if someone wanted to make themsleves a deluxe version and had to buy everything new they'd still probably not even have $100 into building the ramp. As you can see it is basically two 4x8 sheets, some 2x4's, some fasteners, a handle, a couple of eyelets, a couple of tie downs and putting it together is rather low-tech.
Great tutorial. Have you ever had any issues with bending or breaking the tailgate? Also, do you think this would work with a 6.5 foot bed? looks like yours is 8 feet. I guess the ramp would be shorter to fit in a shorter box, so that would make the ramp steeper.
great tutorial until the end. I would never drop any of my toys like that!......Awesome build though, especially the ramp sliding underneath. well made!
Your sled takes more of a beating 5 minutes on the trail than just being p[ulled out of the back of a truck. It's no big deal. I've been doing it for about 4 years now although I realize that it bothers some people.
With a 1.5" rip saw on it I can run the speedo past the 6pm position on a flat snow covered road. Straight down on the speedometer is 120mph. On the asphalt a similar trail motor went low 9's @ high 130's. With a bit more tuning it would have gone 8.99 @ low 140's. 100% pump gas motor with no race gas mix, oxygenated fuel ect...added to it.
In the upper right hand area of the page I detail all of the materials I used and cost out of my pocket. Click on the blue "more info" tag and it will expand and show you the complete list of items. My video just shows the basic design. Build your ramp system to your specs and use the strongest materials you can get. I had $47 in receipts for my project.
Dud e thats such a great Idea!!!! I am going to give it a go....I ride a v-max 4 800 wich is a pig of a sledd and this looks like it could be my answer to single person loading!!!!! thanks for sharing a great video!
well wat i would do to take it off is i would put the ramp back down and pull it off with the ramp. idk thats just wat i would do with mine. but nice i like it. its one of the best ones ive seen so far
I made the back sub frame longer. Then loading put the ramp ontop of the sub floor. To unload put the ramp on the tailgate, under the sub floor so the skis drop onto the ramp and slides down. No lifting. Works great for my polaris indy.
I also drilled pre holes in 1 x2" inch wide boards to save weight on the loading ramp. Instead of 2x4s) As long as the machine is moving BEFORE going up the ramp the boards give traction for the track to grab.I spaced them 7 inches apart. Hope this helps you all (ey)
Ya...ummm I forgot to say these ramps seem to work better with Cats...JK. :) Just take a look at your issue and try to modify it to work for your application. Maybe you need to get a set of those plastic ski guides and that will help get it off easier. Remember, my video is just a blueprint and everyone is free to modify it whether they want to use plywood instead, change lengths/widths, use bolts on everything ect... to make it safe and work for their application.
That's a heckuva idea, Blain. On behalf of everyone who will use your idea, THANK YOU!! My first thought, though, is the ramp will need to be too wide to fit under the whole thing after the sled is loaded. Too wide, that is, for my Dodge Dakota. Any ideas or suggestions?
It just depends on the ski stance of the sled you're loading. Some of them are wider than others. There are probbaly trucks out there that the bed is too narrow to fit the ramp into the back of the bed.
If the bed is to narrow for ski stance because of the wheel wells in the truck, why not bulid the sub floor to go over the wheel wells, as a idea. Thanks Blaine I built my loading system for $85 canadian and it works great!
Blaine, Just built one of these for my '96 F150 1 ton with 8' bed and it works awesome! Home Depot had pressure treated 8' 2x4's for $1.97ea! I used 1 inch pressure treated 4x8 for the ramp and added three 2x4's under the ramp to make it easier to slide in and the deck I used 1/2" pressure treated 4x8 and I screwed that down to the frame. I am using a piece of carpet for a traction mat for now. Once again, great idea and thanks for sharing it!!!!
Cheap, easy, removable and it works. Cool. Glad to help out. This will be the 4th year that I am going to use my ramp. Right now it is just sitting in the barn.
Great Video. I built one of these this weekend for the box of a 2008 Chev Avalanche works great. The only thing I did different is on the Loading Ramp I made the traction planks long enough that I could toe in some screws from the runners, as I noticed one of his fell off when he was loading. Bought all the items he mentioned in the list attached and it cost me $130.00 Cdn at Home Depot.
Ya, when I put my "traction devices" (cut 2x4's) on the ramp I only used 2 deck screws and used a hammer to knock off the back side of the fastener that went through to the other side. I knew they were loose before I started the video, but I just went ahead and did the video anyways and as you can see in the video one let loose. Since then I used 4 deck screws and used a set of bolt cutters to trim them flush with the back side and have had no issues since.
Awesome, works like a charm!!!!!! Only changes I made was using bolts at the ends of the 2x4's to hold them onto the plywood sheets. The deck screws were pulling out out at the ends. Oh, and also for the frame in the truck I just built the front and back and did not bother joining them together.
Its great in my Silverado! Im worried next year cause I think Im downsizing to a Colorado......
Ya, the deck screws can be weak for holding the 2x4's on. I put 4 of them in and if they would have pulled out this year, I too was going to use bolts to hold the 2x4's on. I adjoined the front and back because I didn't know if it would sag in the middle and hit the 2x4's on the ramp when I tried to slide it in. It is probably a bit over-built due to the fact that you tested it with just a front and back section and it is working good. It is fun to see people look when you load up in the lot....
The weight of it and the fact that it doesn't have much room to move side to side or bounce up and down to work its way out of the back of the truck bed. I have never restrained it by any means and never will. You can load everything up, drive 300 miles and the ramp never moves. In the years I've used it it has never moved more than an inch or two backwards even after long trips. If someone were paranoid about it you could just add an eyelet (or use the handle) and use a tie down to secure it.
I have a 10 minute time restriction for posting videos and I don't want to have a 3-part video. If someone can't figure out where to put a few screws and bolts from the video, a how-to video won't help them! haha.
wow, this is awesome..thank you! being a chick , I mostly go sledding alone and don't want to ask for help loading and unloading my sled. this is going to help me alot. Last season i had to drive around and find a snow bank to drive my sled on ... what a pain that was,, plus some times, the snow bank just wasn't hard enough!!! I am going to get to work building this sweet idea .... THANK YOU!!!
Glad to help. A self proclaimed "Chick" who "mostly sleds alone". Cool. I'm glad that going by yourself doens't hold you back. I've done the snow-bank thing too...what a pain. It takes a little "umph" to pull it out. You don't even have to tell anyone where you got the idea. Tell everyone you came up with it from concept to finished product and make all the boys jealous...haha. Have fun and safe sledding!
bitchin ramp and your even rockin a cat. sounds like you have some exhaust mods done..idk if thats just the camera but if you have some mods on there lemme know.
It is an 1107 Ron Hunyady trail motor. Runs on 87 octane so not a lot of compression in it. It has a stock ZRT can on it out of a 98 T-Cat. It rumbles a little bit, but it hides most of the HP from whoever the unlucky guy is who lines up against me to race :)
What is the link to the $70 Aluminum ramp? If it is better and cheaper then post it, I don't care. I posted my video to show people what I did and they could duplicate it if they want to. If you have a better/cheaper ramp, then go ahead and post the link so people can buy it if they want to.
That is Awesome I think i may have to make one to go in my truck for the sled and wheeler. Good job on the video, and if takes 8 min who cares you didn't skip over any details and thats the main point in a HOW TO DO VIDEO.
I went as quickly as I could, but I didn't want to leave out any key info. I thought that it would only take 3-5 min. I was suprised that it went over 8. As long as someone can watch it and make one that fits their nedds, that's what matters. Good luck building yours. I posted a "parts list" in the comments section.
I take the board in and out of the bed of the truck as I use it. Right now it is stored in a barn. My last ramp lasted years. I am just giving the basic design. If someone wants to use another kind of board or material then coat it ect.. so it will last 100 years then that is up to them.
Well, you could cut 6" off of the end of the 4x8 sheets and it should still get the job done. If 6" or so hanging off of the back of the truck is no big deal, then just use the 4x8 sheet and let it hang off the back.....I guess.
I figure that if a picture is worth a 1000 words, my video should be worth about 1,500 words. haha. I went about as fast as I could with the directions and still went over 8 minutes. I couldn't believe that I went that long. It is just easier if someone shows you how to do it instead of telling you how to do it. Thanks for the compliment!
Your idea is great,but it wont work for a small (s-10) sized truck as the bed is not deep enough or wide enough to accomidate a modern sized sled. If you could come up with a plan for a smaller truck ramp it would be great, or one that would work for both size of trucks.
What are you talking about? I've seen a pic on line showing an S-10 with 2 sleds in the back of it...haha. Someone was crazy for doing that. I think on the S-10's the skis go right over the wheel wells.
If you lay everything out ahead of time, you can get it done in 2-4 hours. The nice thing ab out it is that it doesn't have to be "perfect" building it.
It was divinely inspired. I never looked at any other design before I built it. I see that there have been a few systems built that are similar to mine, but it is hard for other designs to match the price, weight and ease of use. My design is just a template. Feel free to customize it to your application.
my concern is the eye bolts or tie downs pulling out of the particle board, i am a carpenter and know that osb plywood does tend to come apart after getting wet enough and those corners will pull out or rip off when you aren't expecting it, and could cause injury. otherwise, good idea!
i have a big trailer but would love to have a ramp to load m sled for solo trips. i may build something this summer. or buy alum ones.
Excellent point. I just used particle board because it was cheaper. I don't know what the difference would be strength wise, but I would think that plywood would be a bit stronger. If you go easy up the ramp like I did in the video, it really doesn't put a lot of strain on the eyelets. If you were 1/2 way up it, stopped and then gunned it there would be a decent amount of strain on the eyelets. The eyelets have to be off to the side to let the skis get by so it is a balancing act for strength.
I thought about tapering the 2x4's in the bed so that as you pulled the sled back off the tail gate they would fit tight against the skis so that the 2x4's in the bed would match up with the 2x4's on the ramp at the tail gate so you could pull it down the ramp. It kind of worked when I tried it the other day. You also need a "connector" between the ramp and the 4x8 sheet in the truck so that the skis don't turn too far when pulling it off the back. I didn't want to add another piece to it.
Good idea with the ramp sliding under the whole setup. Like those other guys have said. There would be a lot of money in making aluminum framed setups and marketing them.
I appreciate the push towards making them. I made/designed it to be easy to make, inexpensive and easy to handle. I should name it something like "The country boy's ramp".
Awesome idea. I'm going to build one for my dirt bikes. Can't tell you how many times I've nearly dropped the bikes loading with the single ramps. Wanted to get a large ramp, but it takes up the needed space for a third bike. Thanks for the video.
Some people want me to make money off of my idea, but I just want to help out fellow gear heads on a budget. Sometimes it is better to make friends rather than money.
08 AWD Charger. Wouldn't trade it for anything. I drive a lot for my job and it plows through everything with ease. If you see a silver AWD charger go by you at 70 in snowy weather in the outside lane, it's me with no worries.
Good idea, thought of it many times myself. But how does the ramp stay in place? I guess another simple tie down maybe from the sled somewhere to the handle on the ramp?
The ramp stays in place by using the tie downs in the eyelets on the front corners. The 2x4's that I have on the rmap for the track to grip on help to keep the force of loading the sled moving the ramp towards the ground and not pushing it forward. If you just have a 4x8 ramp without anything for the track to grip while going up the ramp, it will push the ramp forward when you try to load it.
The ramp stays in with no problem. I've used it a lot (stop and go and highway speeds) and it has never bounced more than an inch or two towards the tailgate. It is under the 4x8 sheet in the back of the truck so wind doesn't effect it. When you're not using it you shut the tail gate and the top 4x8 sheet doesn't move either. Experiment for yourself. Take a 4x8 sheet and put it in the bed of the truck with the tail gate down and drive around and see how much it moves on its own. Good question.
Just trying to help guys out on a budget like myself. Why should other guys go through the trial and errors like I had to. I show them how to put one together and show them how it works and take a lot of the fear and guess work out of it. Just trying to help out fellow sledders...
The 4x8 sheet in the bed just lays on top of the 2x4 frame. You adjust it slightly left or right so that the 2x4's on the sheet in the bed are slightly off set to the 2x4's on the ramp. The 2x4's on the sheet in the bed are closer together allowing for more room for your skis on the outside. You could screw the 4x8 sheet in the bed to the 2x4frame if you used it for a dirt bike. You'd cut a slot in the 4x8 sheet for the tire and have eyelets screwed into the 2x4 frame to connect tie-downs to.
blaine
thanks so much for posting this video... I've looked at lots of designs and see most use a center stringer in truck base.... which then requires a two piece ramp making it more complicated. without a center stinger I'd assume the truck base would sag, therefore not allow the "ramp" to slide under... any problems like that? how much does it sag? is your truck "base" still 1/2" osb? has it survived all these years unpainted? thanks. -jay
jaysay001 1 month ago
With the frame I put together for the top sheet to lay on, there is no sag. the only place you'll see a little sag will be the 2x4 that goes across the width on the very rear of the truck. You may have to make the rear of the frame just a touch taller so the ramp can slide under it. After about 5 years I swapped out the OSB for a sheet of plywood. The OSB was being torn up from the skis getting on and off. My plan is just a general idea...feel free to modify it to your specific applicaiton.
BlaineDP 1 month ago
Thats great Blaine! Appreciate you taking the time to do that. I am building one today.
MurrayGable 3 months ago
Cool..have fun with it. I've used my design for about 4 or 5 years now without really changing anything and it works great. It is nice to know you can go anywhere by yourself and not need anyone to help you load it up. It is a nice "putter" job...i.e. it isn't hard to do, no tight spaces to work in, doens't take a long time, it doesn't have to be perfect. Glad to help you out.
BlaineDP 3 months ago
Hey Blaine, here is a question, I am worried that my tailgate might be higher which would cause a incline issue. Do you know how high yours is, just to caluclate if it would work for me prior to building it.
mayhem4u224 4 months ago
My current tailgate is 32 1/2 inches high. You could be higher and still be ok but if someone had a big lift kit on a truck...well you may be out of luck. I know you can go higher with the angle but if you do you will have to watch out for the sled pushing the ramp like I mention in the video.
BlaineDP 4 months ago
Great video! I have been looking into this idea and you already did it. With fuel prices, pulling a 19 foot v nose with one sled inside was such a waste. Thanks!!
mayhem4u224 4 months ago
19 foot V-nose for one sled???...what a pampered sled you must have! LOL...glad to help out. Build away, customize it to your needs and have fun with it.
BlaineDP 4 months ago
Moment of clarity and realizing this guy is a genius: 6:35.
blak8819 4 months ago
Genius? At least now I have it in writing so I can show it to my wife...lol. Have fun building it and modifying it to your needs. Like I stated several times in other comments: This is just a basic design and guys can change, modify, customize ect...to their own situation. I now have a crew cab with a shorter box so I had to cut the frame shorter along with the 4x8 piece that goes on top and narrow it at the rear. The ramp is still 4x8 and everything works great.
BlaineDP 4 months ago
Great vid Blaine! Thanks. I'm just about to follow your blueprint. I have a 6.5' box and was thinking of extending the base of your design over the tailgate for affectively an 8' platform. The only thing I might see a problem with is the ramp attachment. Any ideas? Thanks.
Denali822 4 months ago
I now have a crew cab with the short box. I shortened the frame so now it is only a few inches from the end of the tailgate and trimmed the plywood on top (that the sled sits on) to that same length. A chunk of the track does hang off the back but the sled won't come off. Most of the weight on a sled is in the front. Just set the brake and put a couple of straps on it and the sled won't budge. I hauled it all around last winter no problem. I did leave the ramp 8 feet long.
BlaineDP 4 months ago
pretty fing kool. i would have done thst but my lil dodge dakota has small bed but kool vid.
jmr8708 6 months ago
Customize it for your bed. I shortened it for my crew cab truck bed (not and 8 foot bed) and it still works great.
BlaineDP 6 months ago
great idea! thanks for posting vid!
cyberhm4 9 months ago
No problem.....have fun building it.
BlaineDP 9 months ago
@ first I was like why have such a bed for the truck, then I saw the whole video and I saw why.
Very neat work there! bravo.
piersremus 10 months ago
Thanks for the comment and stop calling me Bravo...:)
BlaineDP 10 months ago
awesome desgin man u did a great job
86GMCSierra 11 months ago
Neat video!
subwayfan68 1 year ago
Thanks..just used mine again tonight.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
Very good job....thx for posting
GatheringSticks 1 year ago
No problem..just trying to help a few sled heads out.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
great vid, good tips. would composite decking work?
backcountryrebels 1 year ago 2
Composite decking....hmmmm...It probably would work as long as it is thick enough. Just make sure it is supported enough and go easy going up it the first time. If it starts to flex too much you may want to abandon ship!
BlaineDP 1 year ago
Sure glad I saw this. I made one and it works just great. Thanks for the video!!
Amatuervideoguy 1 year ago
No problem...just trying to help out fellow gear heads.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
just built one of these to take my sled to the shop in my truck it works great the only issue is i have a tool box in my 8 foot box so there a lot of weight behind the axle.
Menergy13 1 year ago
I just bought a crew cab and had to modify mine for the shorter box and longer wheel wells. A little more of the sled is near the rear but that is ok.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
@BlaineDP i had to put plastic where the skis go on the ramp so it didnt push up the first time i did it with no plastic the ramp just pushed right up i put the plastic on ramp doesnt more at all
Menergy13 1 year ago
Ya, I say in the video that the sled may push the ramp...it depends on the type of skis and carbides on the skis, Also, if you put the ramp at too high of an angle it can push the ramp too. You could put a small piece on the bottom of the ramp at the front of it so that piece will catch the edge of the tailgate so the ramp won't push forward. The only time it pushed the ramp on me is when I didn't have the edge of the ramp near the edge of the tailgate. That's why you go up it relatively slow.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
I have metal skis on my sled pulling it off the truck won't dent my tailgate will it?
straightplayer89 1 year ago
It'll probably sratch the tailgate going in and coming out if you don't put anything over the tail gate. Remember, I just give the basic design and you customize it to your specific needs. I am using a 1994 GMC with 200,000+ mile son it..the last thing I care about is a little scuffing of the tailgate.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
i built this last season, worked all winter long.
thanks for the great video!
joesudbury 1 year ago
Another satisfied customer...:)
BlaineDP 1 year ago
hey blaine...just wondering what was the aproximate cost of this ramp
mikeallan69 1 year ago
Click on the down arrow that is located just below the video. It is a drop down box and it gives a detailed list of materials, prices ect....if someone wanted to make themsleves a deluxe version and had to buy everything new they'd still probably not even have $100 into building the ramp. As you can see it is basically two 4x8 sheets, some 2x4's, some fasteners, a handle, a couple of eyelets, a couple of tie downs and putting it together is rather low-tech.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
Brilliant. This will work for my motorcycle.
tk409 1 year ago
Go forth and build
BlaineDP 1 year ago
I like it but you should put bolts in it with washers on to go in to the 2X4's so they wont rip out .
panthertv2 1 year ago
Agreed. Actually in the last year I've done that but in the interest of keep cost down on the initial build I just used what I had on the shelf.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
nice i like how the ramp slids under
2005yamahattr125l 1 year ago
yep, it slides under and is out of the way. It doens't move an inch when driving around.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
Great tutorial. Have you ever had any issues with bending or breaking the tailgate? Also, do you think this would work with a 6.5 foot bed? looks like yours is 8 feet. I guess the ramp would be shorter to fit in a shorter box, so that would make the ramp steeper.
moosebump99 1 year ago
great tutorial until the end. I would never drop any of my toys like that!......Awesome build though, especially the ramp sliding underneath. well made!
adriannyasia 1 year ago
Your sled takes more of a beating 5 minutes on the trail than just being p[ulled out of the back of a truck. It's no big deal. I've been doing it for about 4 years now although I realize that it bothers some people.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
....obviously....
theyamaha700 1 year ago
smart guy... he bought an Arctic Cat.
Flamed440 1 year ago
Best Comment yet....LOL! It has lots of mods on it.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
yea same with my F5, check it out... what cc is that ZRT anyways?
Flamed440 1 year ago
1107
BlaineDP 1 year ago
oh dang... whats the top speed? 150?
Flamed440 1 year ago
With a 1.5" rip saw on it I can run the speedo past the 6pm position on a flat snow covered road. Straight down on the speedometer is 120mph. On the asphalt a similar trail motor went low 9's @ high 130's. With a bit more tuning it would have gone 8.99 @ low 140's. 100% pump gas motor with no race gas mix, oxygenated fuel ect...added to it.
BlaineDP 1 year ago
i really dont wanna come across that sled on the trails haha
Flamed440 1 year ago
how much was this
MrSkidoomxz 2 years ago
In the upper right hand area of the page I detail all of the materials I used and cost out of my pocket. Click on the blue "more info" tag and it will expand and show you the complete list of items. My video just shows the basic design. Build your ramp system to your specs and use the strongest materials you can get. I had $47 in receipts for my project.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
This is awsome really really smart idea
kellnid8819 2 years ago
I found this very usefull! Thanks!
BSchorr 2 years ago
i would replace the wood floor with metal or srew some cheap but long lasting diamond plate or truck bedding
BADASSED88 2 years ago
Sounds good. Modify it as needed for your application. I just supply the basic design...
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Dud e thats such a great Idea!!!! I am going to give it a go....I ride a v-max 4 800 wich is a pig of a sledd and this looks like it could be my answer to single person loading!!!!! thanks for sharing a great video!
srv5401 2 years ago
I owned a 94 T-Cat so I feel your pain. That 1993-1995 T-Cat chassis I believe was the heaviest production sled ever.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
well wat i would do to take it off is i would put the ramp back down and pull it off with the ramp. idk thats just wat i would do with mine. but nice i like it. its one of the best ones ive seen so far
jkauffman990 2 years ago
I made the back sub frame longer. Then loading put the ramp ontop of the sub floor. To unload put the ramp on the tailgate, under the sub floor so the skis drop onto the ramp and slides down. No lifting. Works great for my polaris indy.
dreitze 2 years ago
I also drilled pre holes in 1 x2" inch wide boards to save weight on the loading ramp. Instead of 2x4s) As long as the machine is moving BEFORE going up the ramp the boards give traction for the track to grab.I spaced them 7 inches apart. Hope this helps you all (ey)
dreitze 2 years ago
I wish my sled would roll that easily.. Getting it down that is.. I've got an older Summit with a sharp angle on the back of the skis..
Otherwise, 5 stars.. Very insightful and helpful video..
35057 2 years ago
Ya...ummm I forgot to say these ramps seem to work better with Cats...JK. :) Just take a look at your issue and try to modify it to work for your application. Maybe you need to get a set of those plastic ski guides and that will help get it off easier. Remember, my video is just a blueprint and everyone is free to modify it whether they want to use plywood instead, change lengths/widths, use bolts on everything ect... to make it safe and work for their application.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Very good idea for a ramp i'm going to have to make one myself.Thank You!
MNTimW 2 years ago
Yes...join the club..hehe. I still have yet to se one on the road when I am driving around....but that day will come.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
That's a heckuva idea, Blain. On behalf of everyone who will use your idea, THANK YOU!! My first thought, though, is the ramp will need to be too wide to fit under the whole thing after the sled is loaded. Too wide, that is, for my Dodge Dakota. Any ideas or suggestions?
scottinoshkosh 2 years ago
It just depends on the ski stance of the sled you're loading. Some of them are wider than others. There are probbaly trucks out there that the bed is too narrow to fit the ramp into the back of the bed.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
If the bed is to narrow for ski stance because of the wheel wells in the truck, why not bulid the sub floor to go over the wheel wells, as a idea. Thanks Blaine I built my loading system for $85 canadian and it works great!
dreitze 2 years ago
What would you suggest for a 5 ft bed?
leblancchris 2 years ago
I don't know. If you go too short on the ramp it will be too vertical.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Sorry i meant a skinnier bed (i have a ranger)
leblancchris 2 years ago
thats a great idea, im going to build one for my 4 wheeler,, never have room for a ramp and ice fishing gear
gasman9126 2 years ago
Always nice to help out an ice fisherman.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Blaine, Just built one of these for my '96 F150 1 ton with 8' bed and it works awesome! Home Depot had pressure treated 8' 2x4's for $1.97ea! I used 1 inch pressure treated 4x8 for the ramp and added three 2x4's under the ramp to make it easier to slide in and the deck I used 1/2" pressure treated 4x8 and I screwed that down to the frame. I am using a piece of carpet for a traction mat for now. Once again, great idea and thanks for sharing it!!!!
jefff944 2 years ago
Cheap, easy, removable and it works. Cool. Glad to help out. This will be the 4th year that I am going to use my ramp. Right now it is just sitting in the barn.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
i was wondering how to fit my sled in my ranger, now i wonder no more, great idea
stoopsesh 2 years ago
You may have to trim it a bit to make it narrow enough to fit but you get the idea of how to make it work for your application.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
awesome man, was looking for a ramp. guess home depot has them cheap. thx
900wheels 2 years ago
One or two slivers in your fingers and you'll be done in no time.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Great Video. I built one of these this weekend for the box of a 2008 Chev Avalanche works great. The only thing I did different is on the Loading Ramp I made the traction planks long enough that I could toe in some screws from the runners, as I noticed one of his fell off when he was loading. Bought all the items he mentioned in the list attached and it cost me $130.00 Cdn at Home Depot.
Thanks Again BlaineDP
wakepirate 2 years ago
Coool. Glad to be of help.
Ya, when I put my "traction devices" (cut 2x4's) on the ramp I only used 2 deck screws and used a hammer to knock off the back side of the fastener that went through to the other side. I knew they were loose before I started the video, but I just went ahead and did the video anyways and as you can see in the video one let loose. Since then I used 4 deck screws and used a set of bolt cutters to trim them flush with the back side and have had no issues since.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
thats such a great idea and looks like it would work so smooth i dont have a sled but if i get one i will build one thats sweet
jessek469 2 years ago
thats not going to wreck my skis by pulling it off is it?
hottie1415 2 years ago
Your skis take more of a beating just riding down a trail.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
thats such a good idea dude. your a genius
kingdan42 2 years ago
Genius? I'm just trying to help people haul stuff around..I didn't cure cancer..haha. Thanks for the compliment.
BlaineDP 2 years ago
Sweet vid, i like how you can easily take it all out when you want to use the bed for someting else!
000PENNY000 2 years ago
Yep. Mine is sitting in the barn right now during the summer. I use the truck to haul around my boat, dirt ect..
BlaineDP 2 years ago
pretty cool!
LordLo 2 years ago
Great Idea love it.....
hopkinsgurl2010 3 years ago
Awesome, works like a charm!!!!!! Only changes I made was using bolts at the ends of the 2x4's to hold them onto the plywood sheets. The deck screws were pulling out out at the ends. Oh, and also for the frame in the truck I just built the front and back and did not bother joining them together.
Its great in my Silverado! Im worried next year cause I think Im downsizing to a Colorado......
Alonzopac 3 years ago
Ya, the deck screws can be weak for holding the 2x4's on. I put 4 of them in and if they would have pulled out this year, I too was going to use bolts to hold the 2x4's on. I adjoined the front and back because I didn't know if it would sag in the middle and hit the 2x4's on the ramp when I tried to slide it in. It is probably a bit over-built due to the fact that you tested it with just a front and back section and it is working good. It is fun to see people look when you load up in the lot....
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Brilliant! Sure helps out the old back!
twoodtec77 3 years ago
Helps out the young back too! ha ha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
or just back up to a snowbank or dirt pile. duh
gehrinco 3 years ago
Kind of tough when you're loading in an area that might not have a snowbank or dirtpile. duh.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
that is a good idea you are brilliant
skidoo793 3 years ago
So how does the ramp part not slide out the back? any ideas on restraining it?
thepinkzepp22 3 years ago
The weight of it and the fact that it doesn't have much room to move side to side or bounce up and down to work its way out of the back of the truck bed. I have never restrained it by any means and never will. You can load everything up, drive 300 miles and the ramp never moves. In the years I've used it it has never moved more than an inch or two backwards even after long trips. If someone were paranoid about it you could just add an eyelet (or use the handle) and use a tie down to secure it.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Thanks Blaine. Great ramp, wish I had seen your vid when I still had my ElTigre...
Thank you for taking the time, I can hear the saws and drills going in all my neighbors' garages as we speak up here in Canada, eh?
Thanks again.
bradbayer 3 years ago
I'm international. Cool.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
nice vid good idea
jwpmkp04 3 years ago
Thanks. Just trying to post something helpful.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
now make a vid on building it. lol nice job
lawnboy7260G 3 years ago
I have a 10 minute time restriction for posting videos and I don't want to have a 3-part video. If someone can't figure out where to put a few screws and bolts from the video, a how-to video won't help them! haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
wow, this is awesome..thank you! being a chick , I mostly go sledding alone and don't want to ask for help loading and unloading my sled. this is going to help me alot. Last season i had to drive around and find a snow bank to drive my sled on ... what a pain that was,, plus some times, the snow bank just wasn't hard enough!!! I am going to get to work building this sweet idea .... THANK YOU!!!
sssimonot 3 years ago
Glad to help. A self proclaimed "Chick" who "mostly sleds alone". Cool. I'm glad that going by yourself doens't hold you back. I've done the snow-bank thing too...what a pain. It takes a little "umph" to pull it out. You don't even have to tell anyone where you got the idea. Tell everyone you came up with it from concept to finished product and make all the boys jealous...haha. Have fun and safe sledding!
BlaineDP 3 years ago
bitchin ramp and your even rockin a cat. sounds like you have some exhaust mods done..idk if thats just the camera but if you have some mods on there lemme know.
flappysausages 3 years ago
It is an 1107 Ron Hunyady trail motor. Runs on 87 octane so not a lot of compression in it. It has a stock ZRT can on it out of a 98 T-Cat. It rumbles a little bit, but it hides most of the HP from whoever the unlucky guy is who lines up against me to race :)
BlaineDP 3 years ago
aluninum ramp
atvman424 3 years ago
What is the link to the $70 Aluminum ramp? If it is better and cheaper then post it, I don't care. I posted my video to show people what I did and they could duplicate it if they want to. If you have a better/cheaper ramp, then go ahead and post the link so people can buy it if they want to.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
easeir to just by alunimum rsmp for 70$
atvman424 3 years ago
What is alunimum rsmp?
BlaineDP 3 years ago
That's cool and all but can you play the intro to Mayonnaise?
juddrbaker 3 years ago
Heck no... You should know that! I can hit about 2 out of every 5 notes...haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
That is Awesome I think i may have to make one to go in my truck for the sled and wheeler. Good job on the video, and if takes 8 min who cares you didn't skip over any details and thats the main point in a HOW TO DO VIDEO.
klide263 3 years ago
I went as quickly as I could, but I didn't want to leave out any key info. I thought that it would only take 3-5 min. I was suprised that it went over 8. As long as someone can watch it and make one that fits their nedds, that's what matters. Good luck building yours. I posted a "parts list" in the comments section.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
seems to work pretty good
tylerc1992charlo 3 years ago
That's what I think. Just customize it to your specific application and save a lot of $.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
I take the board in and out of the bed of the truck as I use it. Right now it is stored in a barn. My last ramp lasted years. I am just giving the basic design. If someone wants to use another kind of board or material then coat it ect.. so it will last 100 years then that is up to them.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
and how long do you expect particle board to last in the snow??? can you say falaparticle board?
userperzz1 3 years ago
Well, you could cut 6" off of the end of the 4x8 sheets and it should still get the job done. If 6" or so hanging off of the back of the truck is no big deal, then just use the 4x8 sheet and let it hang off the back.....I guess.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Blaine great work! do you think this rig would work with a shortbox toyota tundra crewmax 5.5' box? with tailgate down it is almost 7.5'....
since you are the engineer, anythoughts?
Thanks again!!
killabodhi 3 years ago
Thanks Blaine. Great idea. I looked at ramps online and they wanted over $350 for them.
ckjacques53198 3 years ago
If you spent $ for the plastic slider guides for the skis, 3/4" plywood, and customized it more you'd still only have around $100 into it.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Great idea and nice job on the explanation video!
M8Stealth 3 years ago
I figure that if a picture is worth a 1000 words, my video should be worth about 1,500 words. haha. I went about as fast as I could with the directions and still went over 8 minutes. I couldn't believe that I went that long. It is just easier if someone shows you how to do it instead of telling you how to do it. Thanks for the compliment!
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Your idea is great,but it wont work for a small (s-10) sized truck as the bed is not deep enough or wide enough to accomidate a modern sized sled. If you could come up with a plan for a smaller truck ramp it would be great, or one that would work for both size of trucks.
shannonisgood 3 years ago
What are you talking about? I've seen a pic on line showing an S-10 with 2 sleds in the back of it...haha. Someone was crazy for doing that. I think on the S-10's the skis go right over the wheel wells.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
AMAZING DEVICE. IM GONNA BUILD ONE
arcticcatdude124 3 years ago
If you lay everything out ahead of time, you can get it done in 2-4 hours. The nice thing ab out it is that it doesn't have to be "perfect" building it.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Smart!
atmor37 3 years ago
I am going to go get my wife and make her read your comment...thanks. haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
I also have to remind my wife that I'm smart.
atmor37 3 years ago
Awesome idea. This solves the problem I had with storing the ramp after a 500 lb sled was loaded. American ingenuity at it's best.
mustangzrule 3 years ago
It was divinely inspired. I never looked at any other design before I built it. I see that there have been a few systems built that are similar to mine, but it is hard for other designs to match the price, weight and ease of use. My design is just a template. Feel free to customize it to your application.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
super vid
HondaManCR500 3 years ago
Does your truck have an 8 foot bed?
11ryanryan 3 years ago
Yes. That is a 94 GMC 4.3L work truck with an 8 foot bed.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
thats because its an arctic cat they weight that much. Skidoos are better. Just bustin your balls nice idea.
KSEsureshot 3 years ago
Ya, they should have a sticker on most sleds that says "Object is heavier than it appears".
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Nice job!
The best part is how the ramp slides undernieth the sled after its loaded and the tie downs are already right there to hook to the back of the sled.
Ryan aka "unchained"
mcdowell9323 3 years ago
I thought that was a nice added touch too. Not really planned. It just worked out that way. Makes me look like I know what I'm doing..haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
my concern is the eye bolts or tie downs pulling out of the particle board, i am a carpenter and know that osb plywood does tend to come apart after getting wet enough and those corners will pull out or rip off when you aren't expecting it, and could cause injury. otherwise, good idea!
i have a big trailer but would love to have a ramp to load m sled for solo trips. i may build something this summer. or buy alum ones.
apgarconstruction 3 years ago
Excellent point. I just used particle board because it was cheaper. I don't know what the difference would be strength wise, but I would think that plywood would be a bit stronger. If you go easy up the ramp like I did in the video, it really doesn't put a lot of strain on the eyelets. If you were 1/2 way up it, stopped and then gunned it there would be a decent amount of strain on the eyelets. The eyelets have to be off to the side to let the skis get by so it is a balancing act for strength.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Brilliant? I guess I'll take it..haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Brilliant....only wish I had seen this BEFORE I bought my new trailer
chuckainsworth 3 years ago
I like how you build an awesome ramp and then just yank it off at the end, great idea, seriously
Wer3044 3 years ago
I thought about tapering the 2x4's in the bed so that as you pulled the sled back off the tail gate they would fit tight against the skis so that the 2x4's in the bed would match up with the 2x4's on the ramp at the tail gate so you could pull it down the ramp. It kind of worked when I tried it the other day. You also need a "connector" between the ramp and the 4x8 sheet in the truck so that the skis don't turn too far when pulling it off the back. I didn't want to add another piece to it.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Good idea with the ramp sliding under the whole setup. Like those other guys have said. There would be a lot of money in making aluminum framed setups and marketing them.
akjst4u 3 years ago
I appreciate the push towards making them. I made/designed it to be easy to make, inexpensive and easy to handle. I should name it something like "The country boy's ramp".
BlaineDP 3 years ago
How about: Ramp'd Up - Portable Ramps to load and unload your favorite toys anywhere your pickup can take them!
akjst4u 3 years ago
Good name for it! Now go build them and give me 10% of your earnings...haha.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Awesome idea. I'm going to build one for my dirt bikes. Can't tell you how many times I've nearly dropped the bikes loading with the single ramps. Wanted to get a large ramp, but it takes up the needed space for a third bike. Thanks for the video.
rdrangstveit 3 years ago
Some people want me to make money off of my idea, but I just want to help out fellow gear heads on a budget. Sometimes it is better to make friends rather than money.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
nice silver car
catmanfirecat 3 years ago
08 AWD Charger. Wouldn't trade it for anything. I drive a lot for my job and it plows through everything with ease. If you see a silver AWD charger go by you at 70 in snowy weather in the outside lane, it's me with no worries.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Good idea, thought of it many times myself. But how does the ramp stay in place? I guess another simple tie down maybe from the sled somewhere to the handle on the ramp?
polarisjeffreyh 3 years ago
The ramp stays in place by using the tie downs in the eyelets on the front corners. The 2x4's that I have on the rmap for the track to grip on help to keep the force of loading the sled moving the ramp towards the ground and not pushing it forward. If you just have a 4x8 ramp without anything for the track to grip while going up the ramp, it will push the ramp forward when you try to load it.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
I meant when your travelling, how does the ramp not slide out and go tumbling down the road in pieces? Thanks.
polarisjeffreyh 3 years ago
The ramp stays in with no problem. I've used it a lot (stop and go and highway speeds) and it has never bounced more than an inch or two towards the tailgate. It is under the 4x8 sheet in the back of the truck so wind doesn't effect it. When you're not using it you shut the tail gate and the top 4x8 sheet doesn't move either. Experiment for yourself. Take a 4x8 sheet and put it in the bed of the truck with the tail gate down and drive around and see how much it moves on its own. Good question.
BlaineDP 3 years ago
Very nicely done. You could make a pretty penny making these out of aluminum and selling them! Good work bro!
MommysLittleMonster7 3 years ago
That's an awesome design. Nice job!
ZRSIXHUNDRED 3 years ago
Seen your post on HCS. Clever. really really good.
MadeInHell26 3 years ago
Just trying to help guys out on a budget like myself. Why should other guys go through the trial and errors like I had to. I show them how to put one together and show them how it works and take a lot of the fear and guess work out of it. Just trying to help out fellow sledders...
BlaineDP 3 years ago
how does the 4x8 sheet stay in the bed when going uphill?
thepinkzepp22 3 years ago
The 4x8 sheet in the bed just lays on top of the 2x4 frame. You adjust it slightly left or right so that the 2x4's on the sheet in the bed are slightly off set to the 2x4's on the ramp. The 2x4's on the sheet in the bed are closer together allowing for more room for your skis on the outside. You could screw the 4x8 sheet in the bed to the 2x4frame if you used it for a dirt bike. You'd cut a slot in the 4x8 sheet for the tire and have eyelets screwed into the 2x4 frame to connect tie-downs to.
BlaineDP 3 years ago