How to Build a Dirt Jump for an ATV

Some ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts enjoy taking their vehicles off of jumps for thrills and to perform tricks. These vehicles are designed for outdoor use, so dirt is the best material to use when you build a ramp. With a few shovels and a few hours it is possible to create a small- to medium-sized dirt ramp for ATV or dirt bike use.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovels
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a spot for the dirt jump. The jump should be located in an area far from houses or wandering pedestrians, and should include a long clear area for building up speed and for landing jumps.

    • 2

      Pile up dirt at the spot for the jump and begin to pack it down firmly with a shovel. The best dirt to use for jumps is high in clay content and low in sand, with little or no rocks or pebbles. Dirt compacts to a fraction of its original size, so it will be necessary to continually add more dirt and pack it down until the ramp is large enough. Make sure the jump is at least two feet wider than the ATV, and build the height to your own specifications.

    • 3

      Shape the jump using a shovel. Tamp down the dirt so that the front of the ramp curves upward, allowing a vehicle's tires a smooth transition from the horizontal momentum. Do not create too much of a lip on the ramp, as this may cause inexperienced riders to flip backwards.

    • 4

      Build the landing ramp. The location of the ramp will be based on estimates of how far you can jump an ATV. Do not build the landing ramp to be too large or too high, as this may cause harm to a rider who lands short.

    • 5

      Water down the dirt ramp thoroughly. Use a hose, if available, although rain works as well. Watering down the jump causes the dirt to cement together and gives the jump more structural integrity. Allow the jump to dry before testing or using it.