PVI Multifold Portable Ramp

A portable ramp earns its keep when one ramp has to serve the front step on a weekday, a relative's porch on the weekend and the back of a vehicle in between. The PVI Multifold is built for that job: a welded aluminum folding ramp in 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft and 8 ft lengths that folds in half like a suitcase, separates into two halves for carrying and locks back together with a turn of a pin, no tools needed.

It is a portable ramp, not a permanent one. PVI's guidance is to measure the rise first and choose the length from the slope that rise needs: the PVI instruction sheet recommends the ADA 1:12 slope, which is 6 in of rise for the 6 ft ramp, while the Lowe's listings give 5 in to 10 in for the 5 ft model and 8 in to 16 in for the 8 ft model as the range for an occupied wheelchair or scooter. A rise that an 8 ft ramp cannot serve at a safe slope calls for the longer PVI Wheel-a-Bout or a modular system such as the PVI OnTrac or Modular XP.

Key Features

• Separates into two halves: Each half carries on its own, so the 52 lb 8 ft model in 30 in width moves as two lighter pieces rather than one long load.
• Tool-free pin lock: Rotating the pin locks or unlocks the two halves, so there is no hardware to carry or lose between uses.
• Suitcase fold with closure strap: The ramp folds in half and the strap holds the panels shut; the 5 ft 30 in model packs to 32.25 in x 16 in x 9 in.
• Full-width platform: A continuous deck rather than two tracks puts surface under front casters, rear wheels and scooter wheelbases alike.
• 1.5 in safety curbs: The Lowe's listing gives a 1.5 in safety curb that keeps wheels on the deck as the chair climbs.
• Built-in slope guide: A gauge on the ramp shows whether the set-up angle is within the range PVI considers safe.
• 800 lb rating on two axles: PVI rates the ramp at 800 lb with two axles on the deck and 400 lb when only one axle is on the ramp.

Who It Is For

Home entries with one or two steps, porches, garage and side-door landings, and loading a scooter or power chair into a vehicle where a lift is not fitted. It suits anyone who needs the same ramp at more than one address: caregivers moving between homes, mobility dealers, and churches, schools and venues that need temporary access. The 36 in wide BAR models give wider chairs and bariatric equipment more room; the 30 in WCR models fit standard wheelchairs and scooters.

Dimensions

• Lengths: 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft and 8 ft, each in a 30 in width (WCR) or a 36 in width (BAR)
• Folded, 30 in models: 32.25 in, 38.25 in, 44.25 in or 50.75 in long by 16 in wide by 9 in high (9.5 in high on the 8 ft)
• Folded, 36 in models: the same folded lengths by 17.5 in wide by 11.5 in high
• Weight: 34 lb to 52 lb for the 30 in models, 50 lb to 76 lb for the 36 in models

Measure the rise from the ground to the top of the step or landing where the ramp will rest, then use PVI's slope guidance to choose the length; the specification table lists the occupied-use rise range where Lowe's publishes one (the 7 ft 36 in model has none).

Installation

PVI's instruction sheet estimates 10 minutes and lists a drill with a 5/16 in bit and a pencil as helpful tools, neither included. Setting up for a single use needs no tools; the drilling is only for seating the two security pins in a landing you will use repeatedly.

1. Release the closure strap and unfold the ramp flat.
2. If the halves were carried separately, bring them together and rotate the pins until both sides lock.
3. Rest the upper lip squarely on the step or landing with the full width supported, and set the lower end on firm, level ground.
4. Check the slope guide; if it shows the angle is too steep, use a longer ramp or a lower landing.
5. For a landing you will use repeatedly, mark the two pin locations through the ramp's pin holes, drill 5/16 in holes about 2 in deep, set the ramp back in place and drop in the clevis pins.
6. Confirm the deck is clear and dry before the first trip, and have a qualified assistant present whenever the chair or scooter is occupied.

PVI Multifold ramp (WCR-630) in use, about 2 minutes

Manufacturer documents: Multifold product sheet (PDF), Multifold instructions (PDF).

Warranty

PVI Manufacturing Limited Lifetime Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty, which applies to all end purchasers other than residents of the State of California: PVI Manufacturing warrants to the original end purchaser of the product that the product is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty does not apply to any product that has been subject to misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, accident, usage not in accordance with product instructions, acts of God, or improper installation, or that has been used for rental purposes or repaired by someone other than PVI Manufacturing. This warranty does not cover normal deterioration of the product due to wear and exposure.

Five year warranty, which applies to residents of the State of California: For a period of five years after the purchase of the product by the original end purchaser of the product, PVI Manufacturing warrants to the original end purchaser of the product that the product is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The same exclusions apply: misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, accident, usage not in accordance with product instructions, acts of God, improper installation, rental use, repair by someone other than PVI Manufacturing, and normal deterioration due to wear and exposure.

Remedy: This warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at the option of PVI Manufacturing, any product that is returned to PVI Manufacturing and is reasonably determined by PVI Manufacturing to be defective. The repair or replacement of a defective product under this warranty will be made by PVI Manufacturing without charge for parts or labor. This excludes shipping or delivery charges to and from PVI Manufacturing's place of business. If the product has been discontinued, PVI Manufacturing may replace the product with a new product of comparable value and function. PVI Manufacturing also reserves the right to refund the purchase price as its exclusive warranty remedy.

Claims: Any claim alleging that the product fails to conform to this warranty may be made only by the original end purchaser and only while such purchaser owns the product. A defective product that is covered by this warranty must be returned, at the purchaser's expense, along with proof of date of original purchase (such as a receipt, check or other document PVI Manufacturing deems acceptable that shows the date of purchase and the identity of the product and purchaser), along with a description of the alleged defect, to PVI Manufacturing, 2620 Industrial Drive, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352.

Except as set forth herein, PVI Manufacturing makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and PVI Manufacturing disclaims and negates all other warranties, including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, conformity to models or samples, or any warranties or indemnities against intellectual property infringement. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, so these limitations may not apply to you. In no event will Prairie View Industries, Inc. be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages or for any liability in excess of the purchase price of the product.

Before using the product, the purchaser must first determine the suitability of the product for its intended use, and the purchaser assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. No person, agent, distributor, dealer or company is authorized to change, amend or modify the terms of this warranty. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights, and the purchaser may also have other rights that vary from state to state. The purchaser may not assign the purchaser's rights or obligations under this warranty without the prior written consent of PVI Manufacturing.

PVI warranty document (PDF)