National Fleet Products is offering a series of loading ramps that fold up vertically inside truck bodies and trailers, then swing out and down for use in pick-up and delivery operations. Called WM System Loading Ramps, the product is said to be a low-cost, maintenance-free alternative to hydraulic liftgates.

The ramps stow vertically just inside a van’s rear- and side doors, and take up approximately 8.5 inches of depth when folded and locked. With a built-in spring assist and sturdy side handles, a ramp requires only about 20 pounds of force and five seconds to unfold or be folded back into its low-profile vertical storage position. From there it can be lowered for use, then raised again for storage.  

“The ergonomic ease and simplicity of our WM System Loading Ramps are quite simply unparalleled within the commercial vehicle industry,” said Steven Peterson, president of National Fleet Products. “Compared to hydraulic liftgates, our WM System ramps require little training, are far faster, more reliable, and operate for years with virtually no maintenance, not to mention our equivalent load capacities.”

If a ramp is not needed for loading or unloading, a swivel-action mechanism enables it to swing 90 degrees in and out like a door, allowing unfettered access to the vehicle’s interior. Vehicle-specific mounting plates are available for all major platform makes and models, and installation can take as little as two hours.

“By storing inside the vehicle until deployment, WM System Loading Ramps remain cleaner and drier than exterior-mounted hydraulic liftgates” and do not interfere with a vehicle’s tow hitch, Peterson said. “The aluminum WM System ramps come in both ridged and shot-blast anti-slip surface textures that significantly improve traction on inclined surfaces while reducing the risk of injury from a loss of footing.”

When required, a WM System ramp can also function as a bridge or gangplank for use with loading docks, vehicle-to-vehicle cargo transfers and access to other elevated surfaces like steps, he said. Whether used as a traditional ramp or as a horizontal span, the WM System provides a stable surface for those working on and around it.

WM System Loading Ramps come in two-panel configurations in lengths of between 98 and 128 inches, and three-panel configurations in lengths of up to 16 feet. Ramp ends have rollers and adjustable flaps that can accommodate a wide variety of surface angles and textures.

Videos of a WM System Loading Ramp are at https://www.nationalfleetproducts.com/light-plus-series. Demonstrations of the system can be arranged by contacting National Fleet Products directly at (763) 762-3451 or by emailing sales@nationalfleetproducts.com. WM System Loading Ramps are in stock now and available in the United States and Canada through the company’s distribution network.