Sizing angle iron for ramps

[deepNdirt]

mine are made from 2 1/2 channel iron with 2x2 angle cut between,

 

[garydc]

I built mine 5' long with 2" c channel & 1 1/2" x 1 1/2 " 1/4 " angle. I haven't loaded any thing much heavier than a car or my ck 20 but htey are standing up very well.

 

[Snowman9000]

I would not try it. Are your current ramps hinged or stored under the trailer? The reason I ask is I made a cradle to hold my ramps under the trailer. You simply pull a pin, slide them out, lift up the trailer end to the grove on the back of the trailer and that's it. My neighbor has the same type of trailer but the ramps have no storage compartment so he has to carry them around and put them in the bed of his truck. Its tough like you said.

Chris

My current ramps are just loose like your neighbor's. The weight is an issue but also the spacing gaps between the rungs.

I got the dimensions today. They are 5' long, with each side being a 2x3 x 1/4" angle. The rungs are 2x2 x 1/8" or 3/16" (I already forgot) angle spaced every 8". I think they would support 4000-5000 lbs each. The weakest spot is probably the angle at the top end that sets onto the trailer bracket.

I'm getting the idea of 2x2 x 1/4" angle sides and 1x1 angle rungs spaced closer than 8".

An alternative would be to make ramps that look like sections of mesh gate. Each one would need 3 pieces of square tubing running lengthwise, covered by mesh. One for each side and one right in the middle. With 3 tubes positioned that close together, they would not have to be huge, I don't think.

 

[PILOON]

Mine are 2 x 3 inch 5/16 angle with the 3" lip vertical by about 5 ft long and 12" wide.
Used 1/2 inch rebar to make spreaders and got lucky in that the recyclers had 12" wide X 8ft strips Heavy duty expanded mesh that I welded for traction surface.
The ramps are about 5 ft long and easy to handle one by one but not the pair, so I'd guess 50-60 lbs each,
My tractor weighs about 3200 lbs or so and I get no deflection when driving onto the trailer.
I do, however need to place legs under the trailer as otherwise I can practically lift the truck rear end by the hitch.
I shaped my ramps so that I have a lip that hooks onto the trailer rear end. (don't want to have the romp slide off of the trailer when climbing in!)
Once the tractor is loaded I slide the ramps between the wheels.
In fact I have loaded my tractor into my 3/4 ton pickup many times as well (without implements or FEL)

 

[medicshawn]

Also found this site LOTS of ramps....

Loading Ramps, Hauling, Transport, & Skateboard Ramp Superstore - Discount Ramps.com

 

[tulenutn2o]

My flatbed has the king of all ramps. Way overkill, but will take anything.The set for my dump trailer are stout too, but they View attachment 162931

View attachment 162932

View attachment 162933

View attachment 162934did bend under a 12k load. Bend, not break.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Heres the set for the dump trailer.View attachment 162935

View attachment 162936 They are 7' long with spacing of angles at 7"

 

[Skyco]

Regarding spacing of the cross members- what I've never figured out is why every ramp set I've seen, my two sets included, have the corner of the angle iron UP. Seems if it was the other way there would be closer spacing and twice as many edges for traction..
I realize the corner may be a little stronger, perhaps important loading a steel tracked machine, but for rubber tired vehicles, the cross pieces aren't usually the weak spot..
IOW it should be V instead of /\

 

[Diamondpilot]

Regarding spacing of the cross members- what I've never figured out is why every ramp set I've seen, my two sets included, have the corner of the angle iron UP. Seems if it was the other way there would be closer spacing and twice as many edges for traction..
I realize the corner may be a little stronger, perhaps important loading a steel tracked machine, but for rubber tired vehicles, the cross pieces aren't usually the weak spot..
IOW it should be V instead of /\

Mine are the made with the V up. I have used both and not sure which is stronger but the V up gives better traction and a smoother ride in my opinion.

Only issue I could see is if the tires are muddy it will make a mess but I never load a dirty tractor so its been a non issue.

Chris

 

[tulenutn2o]

Good point on the direction of the V. My only guess is when they normally are stored underneath, they will not hold water and muck? Mine for the dump are stored on side- so made no difference there. hmmmm.......:confused2: