Post by bchutchens on Nov 1, 2009 20:04:00 GMT -8
General ATV Loading and Unloading Tips
1. Park the truck or trailer on a flat, firm surface that is free of obstacles. If it's possible to slightly incline either the front of the truck or the base of the loading ramps, loading and unloading can be done on much less of a slope. However, if the back end of the truck is raised, the loading ramps will sit on a steeper grade, making loading and unloading very dangerous.
2. Use the longest loading ramps that are available. Longer loading ramps will decrease the loading angle, making loading and unloading much safer.
3. If the loading ramps are not designed to hook or latch onto the truck or trailer, they should be secured in place with a retaining cable or strap before loading or unloading the ATV. If the rear tires spin while the front tires are on the truck, unsecured loading loading ramps can fail, causing the ATV to flip backwards onto the operator--this is a sure-fire way to kill yourself.
Never use unsecured or friction-hold loading ramps.
4. When using a one-piece or folding ramp rather than two separate loading ramps, you must ensure that it is positioned on flat, level ground; otherwise part of the ramp may lift off of the truck when the ATV starts to climb.
5. Most trailers sit significantly lower than the box of a truck, making loading and unloading much less dangerous.
6. Never change gears or engage 4x4 while loading or unloading.
7. Do not increase throttle or apply the brake when the ATV is on the loading ramps. Any sudden changes to throttle or brake pressure will shift the ATV's center of gravity and may cause a rollover.
8. If you hit the brake or an obstacle while you are leaning forward or standing, your body may be thrown forwards into the throttle. This causes an extreme loss of control, and you will very likely be injured. This is a basic design flaw in the positioning of the throttle, and it has been the cause of numerous accidents and injuries.
9. Ride straight up or down the loading ramps. Do not attempt to turn the ATV while it is on the loading ramps.
10. As with riding on any slope, you need to keep your weight uphill. Stand on the foot pegs or boards when loading or unloading, so that your weight is directly over or slightly forward of the ATV's center of gravity. If your weight is behind the ATV's center of gravity, the ATV may roll over backward.
Don't do what these guys did! YOU COULD DIE!
Here are the correct things to do!
1. Park the truck or trailer on a flat, firm surface that is free of obstacles. If it's possible to slightly incline either the front of the truck or the base of the loading ramps, loading and unloading can be done on much less of a slope. However, if the back end of the truck is raised, the loading ramps will sit on a steeper grade, making loading and unloading very dangerous.
2. Use the longest loading ramps that are available. Longer loading ramps will decrease the loading angle, making loading and unloading much safer.
3. If the loading ramps are not designed to hook or latch onto the truck or trailer, they should be secured in place with a retaining cable or strap before loading or unloading the ATV. If the rear tires spin while the front tires are on the truck, unsecured loading loading ramps can fail, causing the ATV to flip backwards onto the operator--this is a sure-fire way to kill yourself.
Never use unsecured or friction-hold loading ramps.
4. When using a one-piece or folding ramp rather than two separate loading ramps, you must ensure that it is positioned on flat, level ground; otherwise part of the ramp may lift off of the truck when the ATV starts to climb.
5. Most trailers sit significantly lower than the box of a truck, making loading and unloading much less dangerous.
6. Never change gears or engage 4x4 while loading or unloading.
7. Do not increase throttle or apply the brake when the ATV is on the loading ramps. Any sudden changes to throttle or brake pressure will shift the ATV's center of gravity and may cause a rollover.
8. If you hit the brake or an obstacle while you are leaning forward or standing, your body may be thrown forwards into the throttle. This causes an extreme loss of control, and you will very likely be injured. This is a basic design flaw in the positioning of the throttle, and it has been the cause of numerous accidents and injuries.
9. Ride straight up or down the loading ramps. Do not attempt to turn the ATV while it is on the loading ramps.
10. As with riding on any slope, you need to keep your weight uphill. Stand on the foot pegs or boards when loading or unloading, so that your weight is directly over or slightly forward of the ATV's center of gravity. If your weight is behind the ATV's center of gravity, the ATV may roll over backward.
Don't do what these guys did! YOU COULD DIE!
Here are the correct things to do!