← News

Avoid Ramp Failures: Canadian Loading Ramp Safety, Dealer Checklist

10 min read
ATV positioned on a loading ramp

Use rated ramps that are securely attached, work with a spotter, keep the machine in low gear, and run four Working Load Limit (WLL) rated tie-downs once it’s loaded. Then confirm everything holds with a tug test right away and another check after a short drive. That’s the whole job in one line. The sections below break down how to choose the right gear, attach it correctly, and execute the loading process without surprises.

TL;DR:

  • Always verify that the ramp’s load rating exceeds the vehicle’s weight with a safety margin, and avoid ramps that have been subject to recalls or damage.
  • Secure ramps with locks, straps, and anti-slip mats before loading, and center the vehicle to prevent shifting during ascent.
  • Use four properly rated tie-downs at each corner of the vehicle, tensioned and checked with tug tests after initial securing and periodically during transit.
  • Wet, muddy, or damaged ramps significantly increase the risk of slipping; inspect and clean them before every use, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  • Walk vehicles up the ramp at idle speed initially to assess grip and stability, then proceed with low-throttle riding under a spotter’s supervision for safety.
Dirtybirdypowersports
dirtybirdypowersports.com
Choose Your Next Off Road Machine
Dirty Birdy Powersports helps Canadian riders find ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles through transparent, pressure free expertise from real riders.
Explore ATVs and UTVs

Table of Contents

Quick safety checklist to run through at the loading site

Before any wheels touch the ramp, run through this list out loud with whoever is spotting for you.

  • Assign a spotter and agree on hand signals before the engine starts.
  • Park on level, firm ground and chock the trailer or truck wheels.
  • Check the ramp’s weight rating against your machine and inspect it for bends or cracks.
  • Lock the ramp to the tailgate or trailer deck and lay down anti-slip matting if you have it.
  • Wear a helmet and solid footwear, and keep bystanders out of the loading zone.
  • Do an immediate tug test on the tie-downs once the vehicle is loaded, and plan a re-check after a few miles of driving.

Skipping any one of these steps is how a routine load turns into a dropped machine or a bent ramp.

Choosing a ramp: capacity, length, material and mechanism

The ramp is the single piece of equipment most likely to fail if you buy the wrong one. Match its capacity to your vehicle’s weight with margin to spare, and look for a stamped WLL or capacity tag rather than guessing from the price tag.

  • Match the ramp’s rated capacity to your vehicle’s weight, plus a safety margin.
  • Use longer ramps to reduce incline: a lower slope means less strain on the engine, the operator, and the ramp itself.
  • Compare aluminum (lighter, corrosion-resistant) against steel (heavier, more durable) and check the traction surface on both.
  • Decide between single-piece, two-piece, or powered lift ramps based on how often you load and how much storage space you have.
  • Confirm the ramp carries a load-rating tag and has not been subject to a recall.

A 2025 recall of Traveller aluminum loading ramps documented ramps bending or breaking under load, reminding us that even a ramp that looks fine on the shelf can fail once weight is on it.

Pro Tip: Measure your trailer or tailgate height, then pick a ramp length that keeps the incline at a comfortable walking grade rather than the steepest angle the ramp allows.

How to attach and lock ramps so they can’t slip

A ramp that shifts mid-load is one of the most common causes of a dropped machine. Lock it down before anything rolls.

  1. Engage ramp locks or tailgate pins so the ramp hooks onto the tailgate or bumper and can’t lift off.
  2. Run ratchet straps from the ramp to a bumper, hitch, or dedicated anchor point, and tension them evenly on both sides.
  3. Lay anti-slip matting, rubber pads, or tailgate protectors anywhere metal will touch metal.
  4. Center the ramp on the opening, use side rails or kick stops to keep the tires tracking straight, and store the ramp securely once the load is done.

Hardware anchor kits like the CFMoto Quick Attach Accessory Anchor Kit give you a fixed point to run straps from instead of relying on whatever bracket happens to be nearby.

Step-by-step loading technique for ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles

Once the ramp is locked and matted, the loading sequence itself is where most incidents happen if the rider rushes.

  1. Shift into low gear before the front wheels touch the ramp.
  2. Keep a finger covering the brake and apply steady, even throttle, never a burst of speed.
  3. Center both tires on the ramp track and never attempt to turn while any wheel is on the ramp surface.
  4. For motorcycles, use a wheel chock or cradle rather than trying to balance the bike by hand the whole way up.
  5. Watch the spotter continuously and stop the moment the agreed signal calls for it.
  6. If the machine stalls or the ramp shifts underneath it, stop immediately, apply the brake, and let the spotter secure the ramp or vehicle before attempting a controlled rollback.

OSHA’s guidance on ATV and UTV loading recommends centering tires on the ramp, using the longest ramp practical, never turning while on the ramp, and securing ramps with tie-downs or anti-slip matting, all of which line up with the sequence above.

Pro Tip: Walk a heavier or unfamiliar machine up the ramp at idle speed the first time rather than riding it, so you can feel for any shift in the ramp before committing to momentum.

Technician walking ATV up loading ramp

Securing the machine for transit: tie-downs, WLL guidance and tug tests

Getting the vehicle onto the trailer is only half the job. How you tie it down determines whether it arrives the same way it left.

  • Use four tie-downs, one at each corner, angled roughly 30 to 45 degrees to the deck for the strongest hold.
  • Check that each strap’s WLL rating matches your vehicle’s weight: Quebec’s Ministry of Transport guidance suggests a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) WLL for heavier vehicles in certain categories.
  • Attach straps to frame-rated anchor points on the ATV, UTV, or motorcycle, never to plastic trim or suspension components.
  • Do an immediate tug test on every strap once the load is secured, then re-check tension after the first short leg of driving, often cited around 80 km, since suspension settling loosens straps.
  • Carry a spare set of straps and inspect hooks and webbing for chafing or rust before every trip.

Dealer-tested anchor advice, including options rated above 6,000 lb WLL, is covered in our guide to ATV tie down points, and our notes on setting up an ATV for towing walk through anchor placement in more detail.

Site, weather and product-failure hazards to watch for

Rain, mud, and snow turn an ordinary ramp into a slide. Clean debris off the ramp surface before loading and add matting whenever conditions are wet, since a wet aluminum ramp loses traction fast.

  • Inspect ramps for bends, cracks, missing rivets, or a traction surface worn smooth before every use.
  • If a ramp is subject to a recall or shows a structural problem, stop using it immediately and follow the manufacturer’s recall instructions rather than attempting a repair.
  • Favor drive-on or drive-off trailer configurations with a low deck height if you load frequently, since they cut the incline and the fall distance compared to standard ramps.

BC ForestSafe’s safety alert on ATV loading identifies the ramp-to-trailer transition as the most dangerous moment in the whole process and recommends locking two-piece ramps to the deck as a simple fix for a common failure mode.

Dealer perspective: lessons from nationwide delivery

Dealer perspective: lessons from nationwide delivery — overview diagram

Loading hundreds of machines onto trailers for delivery across the country teaches you where things actually go wrong, and it’s rarely the ramp itself. It’s a missing spotter, a strap left loose because someone was in a hurry, or a ramp that was never locked down in the first place.

Our delivery routine includes preparation and safety checks every time, regardless of the rider’s experience. If loading isn’t something you do often, asking for help rather than guessing your way through it is the safer call.

— Dirty

How we can help with delivery, accessories and loading support

We handle nationwide delivery on every CFMOTO ATV, UTV, and motorcycle we sell at MSRP, so your machine can arrive already road-ready instead of leaving you to sort out loading gear on your own. For riders handling their own hauling, our parts and accessories lineup includes anchor hardware like the CFMoto Quick Attach Accessory Anchor Kit for building out secure tie-down points.

Dirtybirdypowersports

For roadside visibility while you’re loading near traffic, Strobe My Ride’s guide to trailer warning lights covers options worth adding to your setup. Check out our full lineup of ATVs, UTVs, side by sides and more to get a quote or ask about delivery to your location.

FAQ

What is the safest way to load an ATV onto a trailer?

Lock the ramp to the trailer or tailgate, keep the ATV in low gear, center both tires on the ramp track, and never turn while any wheel is on the ramp surface, following the sequence recommended in OSHA’s loading and unloading guidance. A spotter with agreed hand signals adds another layer of control during the ramp transition.

How many tie-downs does an ATV need for transport?

Most guidance calls for four tie-downs, one at each corner of the vehicle, angled around 30 to 45 degrees for the strongest hold, as outlined in Quebec’s vehicle securement guidance. Heavier vehicles may call for straps rated around 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) WLL depending on the category.

How often should I re-check tie-downs during a trip?

Run a tug test immediately after loading, then check tension again after the first short leg of driving, often cited around 80 km, since suspension settling tends to loosen straps early in a trip. After that, a quick visual and tug check at fuel stops is a reasonable habit for longer hauls.

What should I do if a loading ramp is recalled?

Stop using the ramp immediately and follow the manufacturer’s or retailer’s recall instructions rather than attempting a repair yourself. A 2025 recall of Traveller aluminum ramps documented multiple bending and breaking incidents, the kind of structural failure a recall is meant to catch before it causes an injury.

Is it safer to drive on a ramp or walk the machine up?

Walking an unfamiliar or heavier machine up at idle lets you feel for any shift in the ramp before committing to momentum, which many delivery crews prefer for first-time loads. Once you’re confident in the ramp’s grip and lock, riding up at a steady, low throttle with a spotter present is standard practice under OSHA’s guidance.

Sources

enloading ramps safety
News →