Anyone use a ramp to load their steel -plse close

Larry Lenhart · From: Ponca City, Oklahoma

I am wondering about the feasibility of building or buying a ramp to load my steel guitar into my hatchback. I have bad shoulders and try to avoid lifting much weight. My case will have wheels, but cant figure out if I could actually use a ramp to roll it up in the back of the vehicle. This may not even be practical, but if anyone has done this, I would be curious about how they went about it. If this is in the wrong area to post this question feel free to move it. Thanks in advance for any advise.
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Carl Kilmer · From: East Central, Illinois

You could have Kevin Hatton build you a 2 piece case and that
would really lighten the load. That's the best I ever did. Very Happy

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Scott Duckworth · From: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies

I have a aluminum folding ramp for my power chair. I suppose I could use it to "roll" stuff into my Mountaineer, but none of my stuff has casters.

I do have a hand truck that converts into a cart, and everything fits on it so I can roll it from the vehicle to the building.

I agree with Carl, just try to lighten your load as much as possible.
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Don R Brown · From: Rochester, New York, USA

Back when I was a lot younger, it was quite cool for the local rock bands to have an old hearse to drive around in. Maybe you could get one, and use a coffin dolly or whatever they call them to wheel the steel in and out of the venue! Smile

Larry Lenhart · From: Ponca City, Oklahoma

Yes I have split cases for the steel...but still have to lift them into the vehicle. Don, interesting you mention that, my hs rock band played in a battle of the bands one time at a jr college and the winning band was called the "undertakers"....they parked their hearse out front of the dance hall...haha

Thanks Scott for the idea about the folding aluminum ramp...i might check into that. I know I can buy a kit and use wood to build my own ramp....i might look into that as well. I guess I am just a wimp...I had to give up banjo playing (some say thats a good thing !) because of the position of the neck bothering my shoulders too much...I have a lot of arthritis, calcium deposits in my shoulder as a result of a bicycle accident many years ago. So far playing the guitar and steel arent issues with the shoulder.
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Zum Encore, Remington D8 non pedal, Hallmark Mosrite clone, Gretsch 6120 DSW, Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90,1976 Ibanez L5, Eastman archtop, Taylor Dreadnaught, Telonics pedal, Squire Tele, Squire Strat, Fender Tonemaster, Gold Tone 5 string banjo, Little Wonder tenor banjo, 3 Roland cubes 30s and 80, Carvin combo bass amp

Tom Campbell · From: Houston, Texas, USA

I use two motor-cycle ramps, spaced the width of the wheels on my case and my folding two wheeler. Been using this method for years...fast and efficient once you get the routine down.

Darrell Birtcher · Posted 15 Apr 2015 7:51 am

Larry,
I know a guy who has an aluminum ramp attached to the bumper of his hatchback car. He folds the ramp down and lifts the hatchback. He has his steel, seat, and amp loaded onto an aluminum cart and he winches it in with an electric winch that he has mounted behind the front seat. The winch has a remote control. Works really slick and looks pretty safe.

Larry Lenhart · From: Ponca City, Oklahoma

Darrel
that sounds like a great, clever idea altho expensive way to do it. thanks

Thanks for the ideas guys...I will keep researching it.
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Zum Encore, Remington D8 non pedal, Hallmark Mosrite clone, Gretsch 6120 DSW, Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90,1976 Ibanez L5, Eastman archtop, Taylor Dreadnaught, Telonics pedal, Squire Tele, Squire Strat, Fender Tonemaster, Gold Tone 5 string banjo, Little Wonder tenor banjo, 3 Roland cubes 30s and 80, Carvin combo bass amp

Darrell Birtcher · Posted 15 Apr 2015 2:25 pm

Actually, I think he got everything at Harbor Freight and it wasn't very expensive.

Steve Collins · From: Alaska, USA

My band tried this for all of two gigs. The ramp we found that was strong enough to do the job (it will get walked on, I promise) was a space hog in itself, so we ditched it. Got a van with a really low deck, eliminated the lifting altogether.

Larry Lenhart · From: Ponca City, Oklahoma

Yes, I am not going to pursue the idea any longer. With split cases, the big one with wheels, I think I will be able to manage just fine without the ramp...as you say it would take up too much space itself. It was a passing thought, but not a good one for me. I think I will be able to use a two wheel dolly that I currently use, set the steel up against the back of the hatchback, tilt it and roll it in to the back of the vehicle without doing much lifting at all. So you can close this thread. Thanks for the ideas guys !
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Zum Encore, Remington D8 non pedal, Hallmark Mosrite clone, Gretsch 6120 DSW, Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90,1976 Ibanez L5, Eastman archtop, Taylor Dreadnaught, Telonics pedal, Squire Tele, Squire Strat, Fender Tonemaster, Gold Tone 5 string banjo, Little Wonder tenor banjo, 3 Roland cubes 30s and 80, Carvin combo bass amp

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