CARGOSMART Model 3006, 12” Aluminum Ramp Plate Kit, Create Your Own Ramps to Easily and Safely Load & Unload Your ATVs, Motorcycles, Lawn Equipment, Can Be Used with Trucks, Vans Or Trailers, 2-Pack

A simple way to turn boards into dependable ramps

I’ve owned plenty of purpose-built aluminum ramps, but for odd jobs and one-off moves, I reach for a couple of 2x12s and this aluminum ramp plate kit from CargoSmart. The idea is straightforward: bolt the plates to the end of your boards, drop them onto a truck bed, van, or trailer, and you’ve got a customizable ramp set that’s long enough, wide enough, and inexpensive enough to justify keeping on hand. The kit’s simplicity is its strength, and after building and using a few versions, it’s become a staple in my loading gear.

What’s in the box

The kit includes two aluminum ramp plates (12 inches wide by 9 inches deep), two rubber protective pads to keep your tailgate or bumper from getting scuffed, and the needed fasteners. You supply the boards. The plates are thick enough to inspire confidence, with a textured surface that adds traction under dirty mower tires and motorcycle boots. They’re not bulky, and because they’re aluminum, there’s no rust to worry about.

A quick note on boards: “2x12” means nominal—most measure about 1.5 by 11.25 inches. That matters during install and for overall stiffness. I prefer straight, knot-free boards with good grain, and I avoid anything cracked or twisted. If you plan to haul heavier equipment or use longer spans, choose better lumber and consider reinforcement (more on that below).

Installation and fit

Attaching the plates is a straightforward drill-and-bolt job, but there are a couple of fit details worth planning for:

• The plate channel is tight. On one of my builds, the plate didn’t slide perfectly over the end of a standard 2x12. A quick pass with a sander and a block plane on the board’s edges took care of it. On another, I used a router to ease the corners, which made for a cleaner fit. Either way, you want the plate snug so it doesn’t shift under load.

• Pre-drilled holes are handy, but not sacred. I’ve found the factory hole pattern a touch close to the board edge for my liking, especially on softer lumber. If the edge distance looks marginal, mark and drill your own holes a little farther in. It takes a couple more minutes and buys you peace of mind.

• Use the rubber pads. The included pads go on the underside of the plates at the contact point with your vehicle. They’re simple and effective, especially on painted tailgates and coated trailer decks.

From unboxing to functional ramps, I was set in under half an hour per board, including trimming and sealing the wood.

Performance on different setups

Here’s where these plates justify themselves. I’ve used them on:

• Pickup trucks with taller bed heights. With an older 4x4, I went with 12-foot boards to tame the approach angle. The plates’ 9-inch depth gave me plenty of overlap on the tailgate, and the rubber pads kept things from marring the paint. Long boards flex, so I added a “T” stiffener—a 2x4 screwed along the underside down the center. That cut deflection noticeably without adding much weight.

• A half-ton pickup with 8-foot boards. For lighter gear (a push mower, a dirt bike), 8-footers work fine. The approach angle is steeper, so rolling heavy ride-on equipment up those feels sketchy. If you have a full-size pickup and plan to load heavier stuff, go 10–12 feet.

• A low-deck utility trailer. This is where the kit shines. On a trailer, even 6–8 foot boards give you a gentle slope. The traction surface on the plates helps when the boards are dusty, and the lip bites cleanly on the trailer’s edge.

• A short threshold ramp made from plywood. I’ve used one plate on each end of a 3/4-inch plywood panel to bridge a small step for a wheelchair. The plates protect the edges and create a smooth roll-on/roll-off transition. It’s not a permanent solution, but for temporary access it worked well.

Under tires and boots, the plate’s texture is a legitimate upgrade over bare wood. Even damp, it stays grippy. That said, I like to add adhesive anti-slip tape to the boards themselves, especially near the transition zones.

Stability and safety

Two habits make these ramps feel secure:

• Secure the ramps to the vehicle. The kit doesn’t include a strap or retainer, so I loop a cam strap around the board and anchor point (tow hooks, bumper bracket, or trailer frame) to prevent kick-out. If I’m loading solo, I’ll add wheel chocks to the vehicle and a spotter if possible.

• Support long spans when needed. Long boards can bounce, especially with wheeled equipment that transfers weight abruptly. A center support under the span or that 2x4 “T” reinforcement makes a big difference.

Check your boards regularly—if you see cracks, splinters near the bolt holes, or significant cupping, replace them. I also snug the hardware periodically; aluminum and wood move differently with temperature and humidity.

Durability and maintenance

Aluminum doesn’t rust, and the plates haven’t shown any deformation or rounding at the lip after repeated use. The traction pattern remains sharp. Wood, on the other hand, needs care. I seal my boards with an exterior finish and touch up cut ends. Store them flat to avoid warp. The plates themselves only need an occasional rinse; if you’re around salt or fertilizer, give them a quick wash to avoid staining.

Customization and versatility

The big advantage of a plate kit over a fixed ramp is adjustability:

• Choose your length based on your vehicle height and the equipment you’re moving.
• Pick your width—2x12s feel secure under ATV and mower tires; narrower boards can work for bikes if you’re mindful.
• Build specialty ramps, like a compact threshold bridge or a wide platform for a snowblower, using plywood and reinforcement.

Because the plates are removable, you can repurpose boards later or build multiple sets for different tasks without buying multiple full ramps.

Trade-offs and limitations

A few realities to keep in mind:

• Fit isn’t always plug-and-play. Expect to trim or ease board edges for a snug seat. It’s a 10-minute task, but it’s a task.

• The stock hole locations may be closer to the edge than ideal. Don’t hesitate to drill new holes where you get better edge distance on your particular board.

• There’s no integrated ramp retainer. Plan to use straps or pins to keep the ramps from sliding.

• Wood is the limiting factor. The plates are stout, but your ramp capacity is dictated by board quality, length, and how you support it. If you’re regularly moving heavy equipment, use longer boards, add reinforcement, and load slowly—or step up to a dedicated rated ramp system.

Practical tips from the build

• Select straight, clear boards; avoid big knots near the ends.
• Slightly round the board corners at the plate end for a cleaner fit.
• Seal the boards to reduce water absorption and improve longevity.
• Add anti-slip tape to the wood surface.
• Mark a centerline on each board to help you keep wheels aligned when loading.
• Label the top/bottom of each ramp so the plates always contact the vehicle the same way.

Value

As a budget-friendly, do-it-yourself solution, this kit punches above its price. Buying two boards and the kit cost me far less than a set of purpose-built ramps, and I ended up with the exact length I wanted. If you only need ramps occasionally, or you need an extra-long set that’s hard to find off the shelf, this is an easy win.

Bottom line

The CargoSmart ramp plate kit turns a common piece of lumber into a reliable loading solution with a grippy surface, a protective lip, and enough overlap to feel secure on tailgates and trailer decks. Installation is straightforward, with minor carpentry to dial in the fit. Performance is solid so long as you respect the limitations of your boards, secure the ramps, and use sensible reinforcement for longer spans.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit to anyone who wants a customizable, affordable ramp setup for ATVs, motorcycles, lawn equipment, or short access ramps. It’s sturdy where it needs to be, simple to install, and adaptable to whatever boards you have on hand. Just budget a few extra minutes for fitting, plan to secure the ramps during use, and choose your lumber wisely. With those considerations, it’s a dependable, cost-effective alternative to pricier one-piece ramps.