National Fleet Products introduced its new fold-down van step and under-deck Hide-A-Ramp. The Van Step provides access in and out of cargo vans, and the Hide-A-Ramp slides out from under its integrated deck housing to provide van entry. Both products are initially designed for the Ford Transit platform, with versions for additional makes and models to come.
The 22-in.-wide, all-aluminum Van Step folds down to provide effortless three-step entry and egress from the rear of any Ford Transit van. A steel mounting plate enables easy installation on passenger- or driver-side positions. Application of a second mounting plate allows users to move the steps from passenger-side to driver-side or center locations at will. Removing or relocating the steps is fast and simple and requires only the extraction and reinsertion of two quick-release pins located at the hinge site on the plates.
The Van Step is constructed of high-traction aluminum mesh that provides users with a slip-resistant surface for use in a variety of environmental conditions. The mesh allows dirt and other contaminants to pass through it, keeping van interiors cleaner, and can even function as a boot scraper. The entire step is powder-coated in high-visibility yellow to promote safety and awareness around the rear of the vehicle.
National Fleet Products’ new Hide-A-Ramp is a complete departure from other offerings on the market. Its unique, unitized, no-drill floor-mounting concept utilizes the Ford Transit’s existing factory anchor points and nests precisely between its wheel wells. The top of the Hide-A-Ramp’s housing rises just 6 in. above the Transit’s original deck and becomes a sturdy new floor surface that can accommodate heavy loads on hand trucks and small-wheeled vehicles such as lawnmowers, lawn tractors, spreaders, ATVs and more, up to 2,500 pounds.
Because no drilling is required for installation, the Hide-A-Ramp and its housing components assemble quickly and do not foster corrosion, as the integrity of the van’s original floor structure remains uncompromised. The unit’s low profile won’t encumber the installation or use of other interior accessories. All components of the ramp and housing combined weigh only 350 pounds. An optional pallet tray is also available and allows palletized materials such as fertilizer, salt or sand to be loaded through the side door and remain stowed out of the weather and near the cab for easy access when replenishing hoppers before unloading vehicles at a worksite.
The 48-in.-wide ramp has a flat surface edge-to-edge with raised traction ridges and no side rails. By eliminating the side rails, the ramp’s design allows equipment, like mowers, to move up and down and, if necessary, extend over the edge of the ramp without getting hung up. The ramp boasts a robust weight capacity of 2,500 pounds.
