Maximise Accessibility: How to Choose a Van Loading Ramp

Vans are one of the most versatile vehicles as you can use them to transport furniture and shipments or run a fast food place on the go all in the same space. But what helps make a van more practical than it already is, actually has nothing to do with the space it offers.

Loading ramps for vans are made to make it easier for wheelchair users to get on and get off them. These types of ramps are simple in design yet they are still safe for physically challenged persons to get on the ramp without the need of assistance. That is if you go for the correct loading ramp for your van.

Types of Loading Ramps

Source: gmmobility.co.uk

Steel

The most rugged and heaviest ramp that you'll come across is made of steel. Steel ramps are the most impact resistant and they are also able to handle the most amount of weight. Steel ramps for vans are the most common as they are they are a tried-and-true solution that can survive through most conditions. You should however be wary of water and salt as steel ramps are not that well protected from corrosion.

Aluminium

Talking about corrosion protection, aluminium loading ramps for vans are the best for surviving through corrosive conditions. Aluminium ramps are also much lighter which is why most people prefer them as they are easy to set up and remove. If you need to do this frequently aluminium ramps are a much better solution. However, aluminium ramps can't hold up well when it comes to supporting a lot of weight. That's their only downside as otherwise aluminium ramps are also easy to maintain and keep clean.

Folding

No matter if they're made of steel or aluminium folding ramps are a more versatile solution than fixed ones. The former are better when the storage space in your van for them is quite limited. Folding the ramps also makes it easier to take them out. Keep in mind though that you need to lubricate the folding mechanism which increases the cost of the ramp as it offers extra functionality.

What Matters on a Loading Ramp

Capacity

The weight rating of a ramp refers to the amount of weight it can safely support without getting damaged or broken. The higher the load capacity the heavier the ramp and usually the larger it is. But if you go for an aluminium ramp that won't always be the case as different manufacturing processes make for tough yet extremely light ramps. Larger loading ramps for vans are also not as easy to set up and store which means it's best to balance out stuff instead of going for the bulkiest ramp.

Surface

You can get a ramp with either a solid or perforated (textured) surface. The latter is definitely preferred as it makes for a safer van loading ramp since it provides more grip. This is especially important on rainy days. This is thanks to non-deburred holes which are about 8 cm in diameter. Keep in mind though that these holes can pose a problem if you need to have small casters go over them. 

Width

Side rail clearance or simply put, the width of a ramp is going to determine the size of wheelchairs you can have on it. Wider ramps for vans are always welcomed by making sure that the ramp also fits on the van. If your van has an opening that can't fit most wheelchairs then you might want to consider changing the van instead of going for a different ramp width. 

Length

Source: vanramps.co.uk

The length of a ramp is something that you can go further than what you need. That's because longer ramps are more forgiving with heavier people since it's much easier to push someone up a more gradual slope than a more aggressive one. Remember though, longer ramps are going to take a lot more space when stored, so make sure you have enough otherwise you won't be able to bring them with you.

Non-Swivel vs Swivel

Ramps come in two different versions when it comes to the way they can be installed. Unless you go for removable ramps, you can have either a swivel or non-swivel ramp. Swivel ramps are brought up and to the side when not in use.

This way you have quick access to any cargo you have at the back of the van and a more versatile solution. When you do need it just swivel it back into position and lay it down. Non-swivel models are made to just fold up and thus they are more of a permanent solution. Their fixed nature makes non-swivel ramps more affordable and easier to install.

Swivel Type

If you decide to go for a swivel van loading ramp you can go for a right or left-hand ramp. A left-hand swivel ramp is not as common but you can definitely go for such a design as it helps accommodate shelving or additional AC units. Right-hand swivel ramps are more common as it's easier to remove them as a driver and it's to what side a van door opens if it's a single piece.