Trailer Ramps ............

[Ductape]

I need to come up with a set of ramps to load things into my lo pro dump trailer. Stamped steel ramps, similar to these at HF are easy enough to find around here ( 2 Piece Steel Loading Ramps ). I frequently move my wood splitter and cub cadet lawn tractor..... and would like to be able to move my B3030 (tractor with loader, loaded tires.... NO backhoe) with the dump also. My concern with these ramps is the weight rating.... usually in the 1000 to 1500# range (per PAIR). I'm trying to keep the price somewhat reasonable...... so at this point I'm not considering the $400 aluminum ramps @ Northern.

If the stamped steel ramps are rated at 1000# and are 6' long...... would the strength increase if I cut them down to 5' .......... or 4' ?

I'm not completely opposed to making my own, but not being an engineer type, I'd naturally overbuild and make them to heavy to move easily.

Anyone have any other solutions? Suggestions?

 

[Craig Clayton]

Here is a post I did some timw ago. What I found is the longer the ramps are the less scary the loading process is. I went with 10' pieces because they were for free.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/166804-homemade-garden-tractor-ramps.html
Craig Clayton

 

[Soundguy]

what about beefing them up with some supports that went to the ground and make them a right triangle vs a span.

might be cheaper to beef than to fabricate from scratch..

soundguy

 

[FastPauly]

I agree Soundguy....for the initial cost, these would be one heck of a jump-start on coming up with what is needed. If the length of them is sufficient...a little post fab work would result in a set of nice "traction enhanced" ramps.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Keep in mind that if the ramps are short you will only have the weight of the front or the rear of the tractor on them while loading.Not the weight of the whole tractor.
Bill

 

[Soundguy]

still the beefier they are the better, unless weight is an issue.

soundguy

 

[Ductape]

still the beefier they are the better, unless weight is an issue.

soundguy

I'm only concerned that they'd be comfortable enough to move around by myself without getting a hernia. Unlike with a flatbed / deckover / etc. , they won't be hinged. I'll need to lift and carry them into place when I use them. Perhaps I'll give some thought to adding a center support of some kind to the stamped steel ramps..........

 

[Soundguy]

my 16' flatbed uses detach and store HD ramps. they will go 2 tons easy. while they are a tad heavy.. figure 80# each.. I never have to worry about them folding and killing me while loading.

soundguy

 

[sld]

I use some aluminum ones that are rated for 3k lbs. They only weight about 40 lbs each. If I did the triangulation thing Soundguy mentioned I bet that weight capacity would double. The lever arm length is cut in half.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 18' trailer has slide in HD ramps in the rear. They are 5' long and I bet they weigh 75# each but I have loaded 5,500# trucks on it with no issues.

Chris

 

[dstig1]

Try these guys. Loading Ramps, Hauling, Transport, & Skateboard Ramp Superstore - Discount Ramps.com I was very happy with my $300 set of 5' alum ramps for my trailer. Rated to 5k lbs per axle (of the vehcile you are loading). The old steel ones that came with the trailer were cracking and weighed a ton. I can lift these two ramps at the same time.

 

[Skyco]

Ramps are something I don't dare go the minimum on...have seen too many "ramp fail" videos

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. my 16' trailer ramps have loaded a heavy jd before.. well over 4k, as well as a stretch e350 conversion van.

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Ramps are something I don't dare go the minimum on...have seen too many "ramp fail" videos

i say a large letter series jd with the heavy cast rear centers.. not the lighter stamped ones.. being loaded onto a tall flatbed using long span ramps.. one folded and the tractor rolled. driver was seriously injured.. not sure if he died or not.. and the tractor broke in half at the rear.. axle snapped and all.. was a catastrophe.. i'm sure they would have wanted some better ramps than 'just barely adequate.....

soundguy

 

[flusher]

I need to come up with a set of ramps to load things into my lo pro dump trailer. Stamped steel ramps, similar to these at HF are easy enough to find around here ( 2 Piece Steel Loading Ramps ). I frequently move my wood splitter and cub cadet lawn tractor..... and would like to be able to move my B3030 (tractor with loader, loaded tires.... NO backhoe) with the dump also. My concern with these ramps is the weight rating.... usually in the 1000 to 1500# range (per PAIR). I'm trying to keep the price somewhat reasonable...... so at this point I'm not considering the $400 aluminum ramps @ Northern.

If the stamped steel ramps are rated at 1000# and are 6' long...... would the strength increase if I cut them down to 5' .......... or 4' ?

I'm not completely opposed to making my own, but not being an engineer type, I'd naturally overbuild and make them to heavy to move easily.

Anyone have any other solutions? Suggestions?

Even with loaded tires, that B3030 is considerably under 3000 lb.
I'd stop agonizing, bite the bullet and get a pair of lightweight aluminum ramps like these

5,000lb Per Axle Truck Trailer Ramps From Discount Ramps.Com

 

[OneMan]

my 16' flatbed uses detach and store HD ramps. they will go 2 tons easy. while they are a tad heavy.. figure 80# each.. I never have to worry about them folding and killing me while loading.

soundguy

Sorry I'm late to join this thread but have been busy with snow and new puppies (10).
My proble or question is: My sopn has a 22' trailer with the pack away ramps that go under the trailer. Yes they weigh a ton and support the tractor (JD3032E) while being loaded but........"The trailer has to be connected to the pull vehicle while loading and the back end rises while loading.
I'm looking for a way to make supports for the rear of the trailer which will support it while loading but can be stored or folded. The foldup type seem to have a support buile into the design but the pack aways don't have the extra support.
Any help,,,,,that is if you can understand my rant..

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sorry I'm late to join this thread but have been busy with snow and new puppies (10).
My proble or question is: My sopn has a 22' trailer with the pack away ramps that go under the trailer. Yes they weigh a ton and support the tractor (JD3032E) while being loaded but........"The trailer has to be connected to the pull vehicle while loading and the back end rises while loading.
I'm looking for a way to make supports for the rear of the trailer which will support it while loading but can be stored or folded. The foldup type seem to have a support buile into the design but the pack aways don't have the extra support.
Any help,,,,,that is if you can understand my rant..

Go to HF or TSC and get 2 of these. Simple fix that is totally adjustable.

Heavy Duty 2000 Lb. Capacity Top Wind Trailer Jack

Another simple fix is to carry a single jack stand in the tool box on the trailer. You can get them for about $15 a set. I carry one and simply place it under the rear of the trailer but leave about 2" so when the loaded trailer squats you can get it out. If it does get stuck just drive forward slowly and it will pop out.

Chris

 

[OneMan]

Go to HF or TSC and get 2 of these. Simple fix that is totally adjustable.

Heavy Duty 2000 Lb. Capacity Top Wind Trailer Jack

Another simple fix is to carry a single jack stand in the tool box on the trailer. You can get them for about $15 a set. I carry one and simply place it under the rear of the trailer but leave about 2" so when the loaded trailer squats you can get it out. If it does get stuck just drive forward slowly and it will pop out.

Chris

Does the jack get welded to the trailer frame at the rear? Could it be attached on the side rails near the rear? This sounds like a simple solution for a problem I thought was complicated.

 

[jimmysisson]

Keep in mind that if you support a ramp partway up its length you will have trouble unless grade is level and equal-supporting (flat pavement). Best to have a ramp that is strong enough at full length, and add a foot to it at the trailer/hinge end if no jacks there. You really don't want to go off.
Jim

 

[Diamondpilot]

Does the jack get welded to the trailer frame at the rear? Could it be attached on the side rails near the rear? This sounds like a simple solution for a problem I thought was complicated.

Yes, just weld them on the rear corner of the trailer where it will fold up out of the way, not get in the way, and keep the tail lights clear.

Chris