DIY Truck Ramps

Homemade truck ramps simplify loading a truck bed.

A truck lets you haul loads from one place to another. But without an easy way to get heavy items into the bed of the truck, the bed of a truck is useless. Lifting items into the truck bed can be difficult and potentially dangerous, depending on their weight. Creating do-it-yourself ramps can enable the truck owner to load and unload the truck bed safely.

Things You'll Need

• 2 boards, 2 inches by 6 inches by 6 feet
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Set of truck ramp ends
• 4 carriage bolts and nuts
• Drill
• ¼-inch drill bit
• Circular saw
• Adjustable wrench
• Brackets (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut one end of both boards to a 45-degree angle with the circular saw. This will allow the ends of the ramp to sit flush against the ground when the ramps are hooked on the back of the truck.

2. Measure 1/4 inch from the sides of the boards at their uncut ends and ¼ inch down from the top of the boards and mark the locations. There should be two marks for where the holes will be drilled for the bolts. Repeat this process for both boards.

3. Drill holes in the boards with a ¼-inch drill bit at the marked locations.

4. Position the ramp end under the edge of the board with the drilled holes and slide the carriage bolts through the drilled holes and through the ramp end. Secure carriage bolts in place with the nuts. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts. The ramps can now be positioned on the end of the tailgate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want wider ramps for your truck, connect the 2-by-6 boards with straight brackets. Use at least three straight brackets for a 6-foot ramp.

References

• Todd Krueger, Owner, Working Hands Carpentry, Elkton, SD