Retractable vehicle ramp with lift assist

A retractable ramp mechanism for a vehicle includes a frame mounted to the vehicle and a ramp mounted to the frame by way of a linkage for movements between stowed and extended positions. The linkage is constructed and arranged to permit an inner end of the ramp to pivot upwardly with respect to the frame from a lower position to an engagement position. In the engagement position, the inner end of the ramp may be engaged with a work surface of the vehicle. The linkage includes a mechanism for applying a biasing force to bias the inner end of the ramp upwardly to the engagement position when the ramp is in the extended position.