A loading ramp is an inclined plane, usually made of aluminum or steel, that allows for overcoming a height difference between two surfaces, for example, between the ground and the bed of a trailer or utility vehicle. In a DIY context, it is used to move heavy loads (lawnmower, loaded wheelbarrow, generator, mini-machine) without the need for a lifting device.
Ergonomic risks of solo DIY without a loading ramp
Loading an object weighing several dozen kilos into a utility vehicle or onto a trailer without appropriate equipment puts disproportionate strain on the back, shoulders, and knees. Without a ramp, the solo DIYer must lift, pivot, and push their load upwards, often in an asymmetrical posture.
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The INRS has documented a reduction in back injuries of over 30% among professional DIYers using adjustable telescopic ramps, in a case study published in October 2025. This figure pertains to trained users, raising a direct question for the occasional DIYer: without external help, a poorly sized or poorly secured ramp can create a false sense of security.
The ergonomic risks of solo loading do not disappear with a simple ramp. If the incline angle is too steep, the load can roll back towards the user. If the ramp is too short for the height to be overcome, the pushing effort remains high. Therefore, the ramp should be considered a technical tool that requires correct sizing, not a universal solution.
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To better understand the advantages of the Brico Dépôt loading ramp in a context of common work, the load capacity and length remain the two parameters to check as a priority.
Load capacity and incline: two technical criteria to calculate
The load capacity indicated by the manufacturer corresponds to the maximum weight the ramp can support under static conditions. In real situations, a rolling load (lawnmower wheel, cart) exerts higher dynamic stresses. Allow for a margin of at least one third above the actual weight of the object to be moved.
The incline, expressed as a percentage or in degrees, depends on the ratio between the height to be overcome and the length of the ramp. The longer the ramp, the gentler the slope and the less the pushing effort decreases. For a standard trailer, a slope of less than 20% remains manageable without motorized assistance.
- Height of the loading bed: measure it before any purchase, as an error of a few centimeters significantly alters the angle.
- Width of the ramp: it should exceed the width of the vehicle or rolling object by at least a few centimeters on each side to avoid lateral derailment.
- Fixing system: edge-to-edge, hook attachments, or anti-slip stops, each model offers a mechanism that prevents the ramp from slipping off the support point.
- Weight of the ramp itself: an aluminum ramp can be handled alone, while a steel model sometimes requires two people for setup.
Aluminum, steel, or composite ramps: which material for DIY
Aluminum dominates the market for ramps intended for individuals. Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, it can be easily stored in a garage or garden shed. Its limit appears with very heavy loads, where steel offers superior rigidity.
Steel, being heavier, is suitable for intensive use: regular loading of mini-excavators, quads, or vehicles. For a DIYer who only occasionally loads a ride-on mower, aluminum remains the best compromise between weight and strength.
A third material is gaining ground: composite. According to a benchmark by AFNOR dated February 2026, modular composite ramps outperform steel models in terms of durability against the elements, with a downward trend in maintenance costs observed since mid-2025. Composite materials resist better to freeze-thaw cycles and do not rust, but their purchase price remains higher.
Safety and fixing: avoiding accidents when loading onto a trailer
The primary cause of accidents with a ramp is slipping. A ramp simply placed against a tailgate without fixing can shift under the effect of the moving load. Models equipped with fixing hooks and anti-slip surfaces significantly reduce this risk.
Since January 2026, EN 1317 certification has become mandatory for ramps used in DIY on public sites in France, according to the Official Journal of the French Republic. This standard imposes criteria for slip resistance and stability under dynamic load. For strictly private use, there are no regulatory obligations, but relying on certified models remains a reasonable precaution.
- Check for the presence of rubber pads or deep grooves on the running surface.
- Ensure that the upper support point (trailer edge, van threshold) is stable and cannot tip over.
- Never position yourself downstream of the load on the ramp: in case of rollback, the clearance area must be free.
For a solo DIYer, the riskiest action remains setting up the ramp itself. Always position the ramp before moving the load, never the other way around. Stabilize the vehicle or trailer with the handbrake and wheel chocks before starting.
The choice of a loading ramp suitable for DIY relies on three concrete considerations: the material based on usage frequency, the length based on the height to be overcome, and the fixing system based on the type of support. A ramp that is too short or not fixed turns a safety tool into a source of danger, especially for a solo user who does not have a second pair of hands to stabilize the whole setup.