Method of controlling a vehicle having a load ramp

A method of controlling a vehicle, the method comprising:

• actuating via a motor a load ramp that is proximate to an access aperture on the vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the load ramp is coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle and extends from a cavity in the closure panel of the vehicle when moving between the retracted position and the extended position;
• determining via a controller that the load ramp is in an extended position;
• determining via the controller that a cargo item is not extending out of the access aperture of the vehicle, including referencing an image captured by a vehicle-mounted camera, wherein the vehicle-mounted camera is coupled to the vehicle such that a field-of-view of the camera includes the access aperture;
• preventing movement of the vehicle via the controller when the load ramp is in the extended position and a transmission is placed in a position that corresponds with traveling in reverse;
• activating via the controller the motor that actuates the load ramp between the extended position and a retracted position such that the load ramp is actuated toward the retracted position;
• sensing moisture with a moisture sensor positioned proximate to a free end of the load ramp;
• and
• activating a heating element via the controller to heat the load ramp based on the sensed moisture.