Gravity Tilt Convert to Hydraulic Controlled

[Redbug]

My gravity tilt trailer has a valve that you open or close to control the bed. You can close the valve with the bed tilted down and the bed will stay put no matter how much weight you have on the deck. That was one of the issues I investigated before I got the trailer. My trailer has two hydraulic rams and the fluid just goes from one ram to the other with the valve in between. A simple design.

 

[Imaybail]

Talked with the manufacturer today and they said I could just attach a remote ball valve connected to lines at each end of the cylinder and control where it is positioned. So just need to rig it up and mount it along the rail where the locking mechanism is located.

 

[BWinTX]

You will need some sort of reservoir as the amount of fluid from the retract and extend are different.

 

[TMGT]

You will need some sort of reservoir as the amount of fluid from the retract and extend are different.

It's already a functional system so I don't think he needs to do anything other then add the valve. I'm guessing they just used a fixed orifice to control the drop rate as opposed to an adjustable valve.

Looks like you'll get this done reasonably inexpensive.

 

[Imaybail]

Yeah, I’m not sure how the cylinder works now, maybe just moving fluid from the gland end to the piston end. No hoses on it, ports are plugged. Factory just said get a couple of 3/8” hoses, and a ball valve to connect them. Have to unload the tractor tomorrow and see what’s up.

 

[TMGT]

Does it just use air instead of fluid?

 

[Imaybail]

No, it’s a double acting cylinder, according to the builder. Could be used on a dump trailer with supporting brackets.

 

[TMGT]

No, it’s a double acting cylinder, according to the builder. Could be used on a dump trailer with supporting brackets.

Without any external setup though it sounds like it might just use air to dampen, unless there's internal valving which I doubt (and could cause a complication for adding a valve).