Loading Ramps Followup

Steve@Advance · Oct 16, 2014

Thanks everyone for the input. I decided to go with the 4" channel, and 2x3x3/16 angle. They're going to be 5' long (because the channel comes only in 20' lengths).

According to jon f mn, they should support 10,000 lbs, well within my weight class. I do need the length, this is a specialty trailer, built to fit the Bobcat, and it will only load front first.

Evidently this was originally a rental unit. It has folding sheetmetal ramps that are about 3' long. It is a terrifying ordeal to load this thing without it (feeling like) it's going to turn over! It never has, but I can't imagine turning this loose on the public the way it is designed!

I should have them built in the next week or so, depending on how much time I get to stay on them. I'll try to send some pictures, hopefully with them working well!

Thanks!

504 · Oct 16, 2014

You might look at using the angle iron upside down,this gives you twice as much surface for the tires to bite on, V up instead of down. It also decreases the gap between the runners.

mjsnodgrass · Oct 17, 2014

I used 2" channel layed flat for the tread on my ramps. a little cheaper than angle iron and a little more surface to drive on

Jeff NWOH · Oct 17, 2014

I was told by a friend that runs a large equipment company to always put the angle on trailer ramps point up. It will shed the dirt and mud that way instead of filling up the groove. If you need more contact area, put the treads closer.

I also use a piece of angle on the end of my ramps instead of channel. I put it on with a leg pointing out from the top of the ramp as its laid down. It makes for less of a hump when loading something like a car.

dpendzic · Oct 17, 2014

the angle iron with the v up will hold more load .
This is because most angle iron will fail by buckling of the angle legs, so having them down keeps them in tension

jon f mn · Oct 17, 2014

Angle, open up, is also more suseptable to bending from the torque applied from the tires, especially with steel tracks or wheels.

Geo-TH,In · Oct 17, 2014

Steve,
If you are building 5 ft ramps, put knees on them and angle the knees so when they hit the ground, they are in front of the ramp's hindge pin. This will prevent the ramp from kicking up, which is a PIA. I also purchased springs to help me lift my ramps. Don't make the knees too long, you want to be able to get them up when trailer is loaded.
george

504 · Oct 18, 2014

Been that way on my trailer since new 20years ago,work fine.

Loading Ramps Followup

Steve@Advance

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504

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mjsnodgrass

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Jeff NWOH

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dpendzic

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jon f mn

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Geo-TH,In

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504

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