Were there any commercially produced enclosed ramp trucks? Was this ever a thing? I've been searching modern OT 14' box trucks, and it appears all have flat floors. I'd like to haul a hot rod while towing a vintage camper. Only thing I can think of is buying a box truck and detach the back half of the frame and floor behind the axle and reattach on a slant. So there goes a year of shop time...Want the security of an enclosure, but the drive on ability of a ramp truck. Anyone?
My son bought a cheap box van for hauling his T bucket when he had it. We just made some simple 2x12 ramps reinforced with some angle iron on the bottom and then supported with a couple jackstands in the middle. Winch in the front for pulling it in. Insurance was a pain though, everyone wanted to charge a commercial rate. Can post pictures later if you're interested.
As posted earlier, this type of hydraulic lift, when adapted to a 20 ft box truck, might be workable for you, but the cost of this type of lift, isn't a cheap one.
Bought the van for $1000. We added the 2x12 runners on the floor, made the "steps" to help getting over the wheel wells. Added a frame work for a receiver type winch mount in the front and tie down loops front and rear. Pulled it in with the winch and normally just backed it out. Slid the ramps in under the car.
The big Red truck is a Grumpy Bill Jenkins Pro Stock hauler from the 70's. The next 2 pictures are the Ford Cab over Customized by Larry Watson to haul the Golden Sarah and "Kookie Car" Where is this hauler now ?? The white truck with the red spots is an early JJ rig. The last (sorry 4 the off topic racer)...Jungle Jim's (JJ) mid 70's Box truck/Ramp truck Hauler. All "Box Truck/ Ramp Trucks...
Was wondering how @Marty Strode plans on loading his cars in his cabover. Sorry, couldn't find a current photo.
Yup...but instead of 2x12's, we used an engine hoist...wouldn't want to move a finished car this way but necessity is the mother of invention (I believe that's how the saying goes).
In my overly ambitious mind, I had great plans to swap the van body out and replace it with the COE body on the trailer to create an early enclosed car hauler...but I soon realized that I had too many projects and this one landed on the cutting room floor. And, I apologize in advance if this is considered a body/frame swap or a too new no-no by the mods.
Discount Ramps out of Wisconsin builds quality aluminum truck ramps: @ https://www.discountramps.com/car-ramps/c/5150/ Jim
Box type ex rental with a good set of ramps and air bags on the truck. Drop the air which lowers the rear and lessens the approach angle.
Another used-to-be open ramp truck with added-on skin. I have a few other similar shots saved off the interwebz that show this kind of "upgrade" to the hauler. Cheaper than buying a semi.
One unique one I remember belonged to Petty Enterprises. It appeared that they took a crew cab roll-back wrecker, and either built a box on it, or attached a pre-made box on the deck. Loaded and unloaded just like a regular roll-back . . . Except it was a box. Too small for race duty with the Cup car. I assumed it was used to carry a show car, or maybe move stuff from shop to shop.
If shopping surplus rental trucks, I think U-Haul has some large trucks that are built with lower deck’s and suspension than the same size Penske or Budget trucks.
I’ve had similar thoughts while looking for a way to haul a classic car with a camper. There are some options like those container ramps that might give you the flexibility you're looking for. I found ramps nz really helpful when I was moving some heavy gear around. They offer sturdy, secure ramps that could be used to create a more customized setup for your truck. I once had a project where I had to fit an old truck and a trailer into a shipping container, and using a ramp system like that made a world of difference. It was way easier than trying to modify the truck itself. Might save you a lot of time and effort compared to doing a major frame rebuild!
There was some guys that went to the sand dunes . They took a long school bus and cut the floor and frame out behind the rear springs . Then made a hinged floor that raised and lowered by hydraulics for a ramp . They cut the back in half for the rear doors .
Not sure what it would be worth , but these “tarp “ trucks are pretty cool . Also would make loading and unloading alot easier as you can get in and out of the car much easier . The tow companies we use at work all have at least 1 in their fleets for moving forklifts in the rain and snow .
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