No matter how much you invest in a quality, top-of-the-line trailer, it’s nothing more than a lawn ornament if you can’t load it. Getting the right ramp for your deckover trailer is more important than many shoppers realize. While the correct style will help you get the most use out of the bed, other options can leave you short on space. Before purchasing or custom ordering your trailer, there are a few things about ramps that you need to keep in mind.

What Is a Deckover?

If you want to get the most room possible from a trailer, choosing a deckover is your best bet. These are essentially flatbed haulers designed to give you optimal space. While some trailers and car haulers have the bed sitting between the wheels, a deckover has the “deck” lying on top of or “over” the flatbed wheels.

Anyone who’s attempted to fill a pickup truck knows what a pain it can be trying to get larger items into the bed while maneuvering around the wheel wells. Deckovers eliminate this problem entirely thanks to their signature design. You should look into this type of trailer if you plan on using it for tasks such as:

• Moving wider objects or vehicles
• Loading and unloading quickly
• Transporting cargo that can be exposed to the elements
• Cleaning the deck frequently
• Hauling wrapped or well-secured cargo

Having all of that extra space means being able to bring everything you need with you. Remember that these are open-air designs, too, meaning you’ll need to cover your cargo before hitting the road.

The Right Ramp

It makes little difference what you plan to haul if you can’t get it in the trailer. Choosing the right ramp is important because it can drastically change how your trailer can be used. Since a deckover trailer is generally higher of the ground thanks to the bed being situated over the wheels, access can be an issue if you don’t have a good method in place. Some types use an attachment called a beaver tail that extends the rear of the trailer a bit to accommodate accessibility equipment. There are a variety of ramp designs to choose from, including;

• Removable ramps: This lightweight style provides the most versatility for your trailer. Because they are removable, they can be used at the rear or sides of the trailer, giving you a host of loading options. You can also store them under the trailer as well, ensuring they’re at hand whenever you need them. Owners who use their trailers for occasional ATV, vehicle transport or other purposes will find removable ramps to be an excellent option.
• Adjustable sliding ramps: For some owners, using a trailer is a daily activity. Contractors and landscapers who constantly move things on and off trailers don’t want to fuss with setting up ramps. Having rod-mounted adjustable sliding ramps attached to the rear bumper via a small beavertail guarantees you won’t be looking around for your ramps as they’re always ready when you need them. 
• Flipover ramps: Sometimes, you need the full length of your trailer to haul something huge. With a 5-foot beavertail and equally lengthed ramps, these units flip down for easy loading and unloading, while in the closed position they are level with the bed. This essentially increases the deckover length, giving you even more room for cargo.

Knowing how you’re going to use your trailer lets you choose the best ramp to suit your needs. When picking your ramp or designing a deckover trailer, don’t hesitate to contact a Millroad Manufacturing dealer today. Their experts will help you find exactly the kind of ramp that will make the most out of your deckover for years to come!