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Link Van Ramps vs HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re a small business owner, independent contractor, or fleet manager, you already know that loading and unloading a cargo van is no small task—especially when you’re moving heavy equipment, carts, or deliveries. Whether you’re outfitting a single Sprinter van ramp, a fleet of Ford Transit ramps, or looking to upgrade your Promaster ramp setup, choosing the right cargo van ramp is critical.
Two popular options in the market are Link aluminum ramps and HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps (CVRs). But which one is actually better for your operation?
In this post, we’ll compare the two brands side by side and help you decide which ramp makes the most sense for your van, your workflow, and your budget.
What Both Brands Offer
Let’s start with the basics. Both Link and HandiRamp manufacture aluminum ramps designed to be mounted inside cargo vans. These ramps help workers roll in and out loads safely and quickly—no lifting required.
Both Ramp Types
- Are built from lightweight but strong aluminum
- Are mounted inside the van’s cargo area
- Fold up and out of the way when not in use
- Support a range of weight capacities
- Are ideal for industries like HVAC, delivery, medical transport, and mobile repair services where wheeled equipment is used at the customer’s location
But the similarities end there. When you get into the details—like customization, usability, durability, and installation—the differences between Link and HandiRamp become clear.
Van Ramps: In Stock Versus Only Made When Ordered
Link Ramps
Link offers a wide combination of lengths and widths, including some whose dimensions make them unsuitable for vans that have a higher load height, like a Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. One assumes that because of the multiple length-width combinations that Link has determined that each ramp is fabricated only when ordered.This can create a wait time of 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. This means you may not have your ramp when you need it.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps
HandiRamp takes a customer-first approach to the cargo van ramp business. We have applied the 80-20 rule to sizing our in-stock cargo van ramp business. We know that 80% of our customers purchase a ramp that’s either 7, 9, or 10.5” long with a width of 36” or 45”. As a result, we carry these popular-sized ramps in stock and are able to ship within 24 hours–a stark contrast to the wait you can expect from our competitors. If you need a custom solution to your unique ramp needs, we also offer fabrication services for completely custom-designed ramps. Connect with our team at 262-228-9360, and you can expect your custom ramp at your doorstep within three weeks!
Want a wider ramp for bulky equipment? Need a certain slope or a custom bracket for mounting? HandiRamp will work with you to make it happen.
Bottom Line: From in-stock popular ramp sizes, to fully custom, HandiRamp has the edge that you are looking for.
Weight Capacity: How Much Can They Handle?
Link Ramps
Most Link ramps have a capacity that ranges from 750 to 1,500 lbs of load capacity (LB20 series).
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramp
HandiRamp CVRs come in two in-stock weight capacities, including 1,000 and 1,500lbs. Honestly, a ramp that can hold more than 1,500 lbs is almost useless because of the load capacity limitations of the vehicle itself. That said, if you have a unique need, HandiRamp can fabricate ramps with capacities of up to 3,000 lbs. If you’re transporting heavy vending machines, palletized loads, or powered equipment, this higher capacity gives you peace of mind. Bottom Line: HandiRamp and Link in-stock ramps hit the sweet spot, but for the heaviest-duty use, HandiRamp wins.
Ease of Ramp Deployment
A ramp isn’t doing you any good if it’s hard to use. After all, what is the point of a ramp if not to keep things quick and efficient on the job site? That in mind, let’s look at how these ramps handle in the real world.
Link Ramps
Link ramps can require more effort for deployment, and the force used to stow and deploy the ramp can be uneven. The most popular series of Link Ramps, the LB20, relies solely on gas struts to help raise and lower the ramp.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps
HandiRamp puts a big focus on safety and ease of use. Our True Spring Assist™ system makes raising and lowering the ramp easy—even for solo operators. The combination of gas struts and springs ensures that the effort required to deploy and stow the ramp is both consistent and controlled. Bottom Line: If you want a ramp that’s easy to use daily, especially alone, HandiRamp delivers a smoother experience.
Van Ramp Walking Surface and Safety
Link Ramps
Link Ramps utilize off-the-shelf ribbed aluminum for the walk surface of their ramps. The ribbed surface provides good, unidirectional traction but can actually become a slip and fall hazard if you need to shift your weight or the cargo from one side of the ramp to the other.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps
HandiRamp is unique in that we offer a patented 360-degree anti-slip traction surface. The raised traction buttons provide grip no matter what direction you’re heading on the ramp, allowing you to safely reposition even the heaviest of cargo. In addition to the standard 360-degree non-slip button surface, we also offer a flat, grit tape surface and a more aggressive star burst surface (images). The flat grit tape surface is perfect for use by carts with small wheels, and the aggressive Star Burst traction surface is perfect for heavy motorized equipment that is driven into and out of the van.
Bottom Line: HandiRamp’s Patented 360-degree traction surface not only provides a more sure-footed platform for you and your equipment, but we also offer two additional options to suit your specific needs.
Installation and Mounting Options
Link Ramps
Link ramps have dozens of bits and bobs that are bolted on to the off-the-shelf extruded aluminum sides of the ramp. Handles? Bolted. Pinch guard? Bolted. Latch assembly? Bolted. With each bolt used, another point of maintenance and failure is introduced into the ramp. Doesn’t quite fit into the ‘trouble-free, buy it for life’ philosophy with hardware like this.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps
HandiRamp van ramps, professionally welded in our Wisconsin facility, feature fully-welded primary construction. Welded folding van ramps have several advantages over the nut-and-bolt construction you see in the Link and WM ramps. First, welding improves the stability of the ramp. When bolted parts come loose, the structural rigidity of the ramp diminishes, leading to flexing, rattling, and ultimately lost parts. Second, welding greatly enhances the durability of the ramp. Fewer parts mean fewer points of failure.
Bottom Line: HandiRamp ramps are built for long-term reliability and easier upkeep.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
Both Link and HandiRamp use aluminum for the ramp surface, but that’s where the mechanical similarity ends.
Link Ramps
Link ramps have dozens of bits and bobs that are bolted on to the off-the-shelf extruded aluminum sides of the ramp. Handles? Bolted. Pinch guard? Bolted. Latch assembly? Bolted. With each bolt used, another point of maintenance and failure is introduced into the ramp. Doesn’t quite fit into the ‘trouble-free, buy it for life’ philosophy with hardware like this.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramp
HandiRamp van ramps, professionally welded in our Wisconsin facility, feature fully-welded primary construction. Welded folding van ramps have several advantages over the nut-and-bolt construction you see in the Link and WM ramps. First, welding improves the stability of the ramp. When bolted parts come loose, the structural rigidity of the ramp diminishes, leading to flexing, rattling, and ultimately lost parts. Second, welding greatly enhances the durability of the ramp. Fewer parts mean fewer points of failure.
Bottom Line: HandiRamp ramps are built for long-term reliability and easier upkeep.
Cost Considerations
Let’s be honest—budget matters. Efficient loading, unloading will save you in the long run, but upfront costs can be the lynchpin for accessing those savings. So how do these ramps compare?
Link Ramps
Link ramps tend to be priced on the higher end, especially considering their weight capacity and limited customization.
HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps
HandiRamp ramps are competitively priced, and because they can be tailored to your exact needs, you don’t pay for more than what you actually need. Plus, the easier installation and lower maintenance can save money over time. And if you are in the Kenosha area, we offer professional installation services to save you the headache of ensuring you’re set up for success.
Bottom Line: HandiRamp offers more value for your investment.
Support and Availability
Link
Link is a large manufacturer with a wide distributor network, but customers may experience slower turnaround times, especially when ordering less common sizes.
HandiRamp
HandiRamp works directly with customers. Their ramps are built to order in the USA and ship quickly. Need help choosing the right ramp? You can speak directly with a product specialist who understands your van type and loading needs. We are always here to help at 262-228-9360!
Bottom Line: HandiRamp gives you faster service and personalized support.
Final Verdict: HandiRamp vs. Link Aluminum Ramps
Both Link and HandiRamp make solid aluminum ramps. But if you’re looking for a cargo van ramp that checks all the boxes—usability, customization, high capacity, and great service—HandiRamp comes out ahead.
Choose HandiRamp If You Want:
- A Sprinter van ramp, Ford Transit ramp, or Promaster ramp that’s built to fit
- Higher weight capacities for heavier gear
- Easy deployment with spring-assisted lifting
- Custom lengths, widths, and mounting options
- Fast, personal support and expert guidance
Whether you’re outfitting one vehicle or a full fleet, HandiRamp’s cargo van ramps are designed to help your business work smarter, not harder.
Need Help Choosing a Ramp?
Call our friendly ramp experts at 262-228-9360—we’ll walk you through the options and help you find the perfect solution for your cargo van.
Looking for a reliable cargo van ramp? Need a heavy-duty Sprinter van ramp or Ford Transit ramp for daily loading? HandiRamp has you covered with top-tier Promaster ramp solutions built to perform.