Ramps for the 3500HD Cargo

[SheHaul]

Hello all!

New kid here! After deep contemplation, I have traded in my trusty pick up for the 3500HD SV High Roof. I own a transport company and while we will take pretty much anything from point A to point B, we specialize in motorcycle transport. With the truck I used my tricked out enclosed trailer with a ramp door but now with the NV, when transporting a single bike, I intend to use the van. Here's the issue...ramps! With my truck, regular ramps would work because the tailgate, when lowered, is straight across allowing the "fingers" or lip of the ramp to attach flush. However, the back of the NV is somewhat curved and beveled not really giving a good place to rest the ramps on the level. The ramps do have straps to attach to the hitch to prevent kick out when loading but I like overkill when it comes to safety. 

So the question is, do any of you have experience using ramps with the NV? If so, which ones do you use? Have you found that the regular old stand bys, when properly secured with straps, will do?

Thanks in advance and I've already enjoyed going through the wealth of knowledge on this site. I'm sure I'll have more questions and hopefully will be able to contribute at some point.

Thanks!!

[whitebread250]

Welcome SheHaul,

I use my 3500 high top for motorcycles also. I added some "grip tape" to the back and side door areas because the hard plastic is slippery when wet. I stuck it to the plastic and painted areas, it rough and holds the ramp still and feels safer climbing in and out. I use a 1000 pound folding ramp from better built. I have ridden up this ramp a 100 times on dirt bikes and a loaded KLR650. I do use a tie down to the receiver hitch to keep it in place just in case... I also use protaper tie downs in the van, best I've ever used. Hope this helps.Great choice on the NV 3500. 

[SheHaul]

Hey Whitebread250! Thanks for the info. The pictures were a big help. I'm thinking of purchasing the Black Widow Aluminum Folding Arched Motorcycle Ramp - 10' Long

Item ID: MF-12038. The link is here http://www.discountramps.com/product.aspx?p=MF-12038and I'm just wondering if it will rest on inside of the opening above the little metal part where the plastic starts. Just concerned because that is not a "straight across" area.  And if so, will securing the straps to the hitch be enough to hold it in place.

Again, thanks for the very helpful reply!

[whitebread250]

That is a great ramp! I think with that arch you won't have any problems reaching the floor of the van. You may need two tie downs because its so wide(one on each side). I like how easy to use and strong the tie downs are, and they work great in the safety chain holes on the receiver hitch to the middle of the ramp. That length and arch are the ticket for loading low street bikes. I think your customers will be impressed you delivered their bike inside the van with the a/c or heat on! Need to charge extra for that kind of service...  

[fenderfatstrat6]

what did you end up going with?