My 2019 Caliber Ramp PRO project

Last year, I used and wrote a review on Caliber’s Ramp PRO. The short story is, I really liked it. I found that the quality, design and function were excellent and well suited to the task.

The longer story can be found here.

The one ramp reality that I did not care for was how to secure and transport the ramp after loading the sled. Strapping it between the sled and the side of the truck bed was less than easy. And it always seemed to result in unwelcomed contact with one of our (if I do say so myself) always impeccably cleaned and shined SledMagazine.com long term trial snowmobiles.

For 2019 I decided to make a raised platform prototype that would allow me to easily slide the folded Ramp PRO in and out under the sled. It seemed like an easy task, but it took a few attempts to accomplish my vision.

My “all for fun” goal was to come up with an affordable, functional idea that would keep the Ramp PRO away from my sled and more easily accessed.

The challenges and design criteria for my raised platform were as follows;

• Easily folded up within the truck bed, allowing the tailgate to be closed when not in use.
• Secured to the truck bed.
• A clear span area strong enough to not crush under the weight of the sled
• Keeping the moveable track section secured enough that the traction force of loading did not move it out of position
• Incorporate my truck bed mounted Superclamp attachment point into the raised platform’s tie down capability.
• Light enough to be easily removed from the truck at the end of the season, by 1 getting older snowmobiler.

Here are the basics of what I did it. Yes, I’m sure many snowmobilers who are more skilled and talented could do it better, but it works great and I’m high on my success.

I used wood in my version (obviously a “collapsible for shipping” aluminum design would be optimal for a retail product).

2 ski sections that go the full bed length, hinged at the rear incline end to fold in when not in use. These sections are tied together with a 2×4 at the very front of the bed to prevent them from bowing in. The 2×4 has eye hooks with turnbuckles that secure it to factory attachment points at the front of the truck bed.

The free span center section that the track rests on is just long enough to support the track. This allows it to be slid in when not in use and also gives access to securely tie the skis down to the bed. I originally used a 2×2 screwed across the bottom of the center section to fit in the gap between the bed and tailgate to keep it in loading position. The torque of loading was too much for the screws and they failed. My quick and easy ending solution was to put a limiting rope from the front 2×4 to the center section. This seems to work fine in keeping it from sliding and correctly located during loading. Gentle unloading has not been an issue. 

To secure the skis of the sled, I attached a short section of chain from my bed mounted Superclamp attachment point. This chain reaches the hook on the Superclamp and allows me to tighten and lock the Superclamp normally.

The sled is further secured by a ratchet strap at the rear going across the track, attaching to factory attachment points on each side of the bed.

Our partners at Caliber products were very interested and supportive of this effort and assisted by providing their industry leading Trax Grabber and Low Pro grip glide products. These Caliber products made the end result even better and definitely added a touch of high class. Who knows maybe this little project will help to inspire the next great innovation to come from Caliber Trailer Accessories and Products.

www.caliberproductsinc.com – Innovative solutions for Snowmobiles, ATV/UTV and Marine.

Caliber also asked us to trial there new Sled Wheels, more on that product later.

Snowmobiling has always been about innovation and the innovation is not limited to snowmobiles. Getting your gear, accessories and equipment just right will always be areas open to personal innovation.  So the next time you have an idea to make something better, make it happen!