Patent ID: 7128357

Claim:
A loading and unloading system for a truck having a bed, the system comprising: a ramp; a first storage compartment formed under the bed of the truck and adapted to receive the ramp; a ramp mounting assembly for mounting the ramp such that the ramp can be moved from a stored position, wherein the ramp is positioned within the first storage compartment, to an extended position wherein the ramp extends outwardly from the first storage compartment through an opening in the first storage compartment; a tailgate; a second storage compartment formed under the first storage compartment and adapted to receive the tailgate; and a tailgate mounting assembly for mounting the tailgate such that the tailgate can be moved from an upright position, wherein the tailgate blocks the opening in the first storage compartment and impedes the movement of the ramp to the extended position, to a lowered position, and to a retracted position wherein the tailgate is positioned within the second storage compartment, wherein the tailgate does not block the opening in the first storage compartment and does not impede the movement of the ramp to the extended position.