Cargo Van Ramps, Using a Cargo Van Ramp
What Surface is Best for My Cargo Van Ramp?
24
Jan
Jan
One size shouldn’t have to fit all. Trying to accommodate a plethora of needs and situations into just one product ends up creating a diluted product that doesn’t truly satisfy any of the multitude of needs or situations it was designed for. While that 3-in-1 body wash and shampoo and conditioner might seem convenient, the quality of such an overstretched product is much less than if you sprung for the exact right shampoo or body wash for you.
Thankfully, at HandiRamp we keep this same attitude in mind when designing our ramps. One length or width or even surface type shouldn’t have to fit every business, because not every business has the same needs or environment. We pride ourselves on the personalization of our cargo van ramps, so you can select which of our three available van ramp surfaces — standard, grit tape, or starburst — best suits your business’s needs.
Standard Surface
The first surface available for your new ramp is the regular type that comes equipped on all HandiRamp cargo van ramps unless requested otherwise. However, don’t underestimate this standard covering just because it’s the base model. This surface is standard for a reason, it’s excellent for the traction and longevity of your ramp.
The classic cargo van ramp surface is HandiRamp’s patented aluminum 360-degree non-slip raised traction buttons. The raised buttons offer maximum traction while utilizing the ramp in all possible weather conditions, so you won’t lose your footing on the job. The buttons are even self-cleaning, so with each new step debris like snow or dirt that can quickly clog up other kinds of cheap surfaces will not adversely affect your business’s operations.
To read more about how the raised-button non-slip surface can persevere through even the most difficult weather conditions, click here.
Most businesses that don’t regularly encounter the most extreme weather and environmental conditions during their day-to-day operations would benefit from the standard surface ramp. While you wouldn’t have to spend any extra on one of the optional surfaces, you would still be well prepared for many adverse conditions with the standard raised-button surface. And the traction offered by this surface benefits almost any business, because not slipping while on the job is always an important priority and one you won’t have to worry about anymore with this cargo van ramp surface.
Grit Tape
The grit tape is the first of the two optional variations that can be requested for your new cargo van ramp. This surface is a slightly less protrusive non-slip surface relying on an abrasive tape as opposed to the raised buttons to maintain traction and prevent injuries.
Compared to the standard aluminum non-slip ramp surface, the main benefit of the grit tape is it allows for slightly more maneuverability for using carts with small wheels on the ramp. Businesses that would best be able to take advantage of this surface type are those who frequently need a van ramp to wheel things like dollies or lawnmowers in and out of their cargo vans. While the flat surface of the grit tape would allow for easier maneuvering of these kinds of tools without the wheels snagging on the raised buttons of the standard surface, it would still retain the same high levels of traction that are absolutely necessary for any business to safely carry out its daily operations.
Grit tape wears faster and is less reliable than the standard aluminum surface and needs to be replaced or patched every few years as the grit wears down in the most traveled areas. Because it is a completely flat surface, despite how effective it is for traction, if it’s covered by snow it won’t be able to offer any traction.
If your business frequently operates in extreme cold and usually encounters snow or ice, the grit tape surface may not be the choice for you.
If your business also primarily transports heavy equipment or larger deliveries then you may also want to opt for the standard surface to ensure that you absolutely have enough traction to safely load and unload your cargo vans.
Starburst Surface
The second optional surface variation available for your new van ramp is the starburst surface. This is HandiRamp’s most rugged surface option, offering the most aggressive traction. As the photo below indicates, the aluminum starburst studs, and “studs” really is descriptive here
If the heightened traction and weather resistance afforded by the standard surface interests you but you want to turn those factors up to a factor of 10, the starburst surface may be the right fit for your business. Thanks to its usage of a raised surface similar to the standard surface but with a wider pattern, even the snowiest and most difficult environmental conditions are no match for this uber-dependable surface.
The starburst surface can be best utilized by businesses that operate large motorized equipment up and down their cargo van ramps like zero-radius mowers, riding seeders, and large motorized snow blowers. The starbursts will offer the best traction for the heavy equipment and operator.
The best part about all three of these options is they are all constructed to reach HandiRamp’s high standards of quality and durability, ensuring your purchase will benefit your business for a long time. All of our ramps with each ramp surface are welded together by our in-house expert craftsman in Kenosha, Wisconsin. To ensure the maximum strength and lifespan of our ramps, we utilize welds and not bolts, which are prone to coming loose after extended use leading to costly and unnecessary repairs.
What Next?
If you’ve finally made up your mind about purchasing a new HandiRamp cargo van ramp to enhance your business and help it reach its full potential, browse our selection of cargo van ramps or browse all of the available accessories. If you still need a little extra convincing, you can keep reading about how a ramp improves delivery operations here and just how beneficial investing in new cargo van ramps is for your business here.
Thank you for reading and hopefully you found this both entertaining and educational. If you have any lingering questions, please call our ramp experts at 800-876-7267 to discuss anything from delivery to pre or post-installation help to custom solutions. Stay tuned for more tips, information, and updates from HandiRamp.
