Arched vs flat aluminum ramps

[BWSwede]

Greetings,

I am considering the purchase of aluminum ramps to replace the heavy steel ones that came with my 18+2 dovetail 14k equipment trailer. There is an option to purchase flat or arched. I know what the advantage of using arched ramps is for loading mowers and such (which I have not loaded yet) but I am curious to know what the disadvantages of arched ramp are, if any when loading cars, trucks, and tractors.

TIA,
Blane

 

[TractorGuy]

On a low vehicle the car will bottom on the arch. On a tractor it wouldn't matter unless you have a belly mower that doesn't raise high enough to clear it. I have both a heavy flat set for my car and tractor and a light set of arched for my mowers.

I don't see any real advantage to the arched design.

 

[RickB]

I don’t see much of an advantage for arched ramps and a dovetail trailer. If you had a flat deck trailer there would be less chance of high centering right at the rear edge of the trailer.

 

[BWSwede]

Thanks for the replies. I ordered a straight set of ramps.

Blane

 

[RalphVa]

This is an aside, but I once bought a pair of straight aluminum ramps and removed the interlocking pieces that held them together and placed them side by side over an eroding hole going into my culvert about 1/2 way down the driveway. Used old coffee cans filled with cement and some imbedded bolts to secure them at the corners. Been there ever since, maybe about 15 years ago.

Ralph

 

[sandman2234]

I would think that arched ramps are arched for a reason, not just to be harder to manufacture. Tractor trailer flatbeds are built arched so that when loaded, they are flat instead of sway back. I would think the same would go for a set of ramps, but the buyer would need to know what the design load is, to make them work correctly. Buying a set designed for a D8 Dozer and using them to load your lawnmower isn't going to flatten them when loaded.
Just thought i would add to this, even though the OP has already ordered a new set.
David from jax

 

[hosspuller]

The arched ramps ease the transition to the deck of the vehicle. Especially for short wheel base mowers and such.

 

[radios1]

arched ramps are stronger, think of all the bridges and many other things that use arches because of that fact!.

 

[LD1]

Late to the party.

Dont know the design of the ramps.....if they are fold up or stow aways....but if heavy ramps is the only concern and they are fold up, it would be a whole lot cheaper to add assist springs.

The HEAVY fold up ramps on my 24k gooseneck fold up easier than dads much lighter ramps on his 12k trailer.

Mine has springs, his doesnt

 

[RickB]

arched ramps are stronger, think of all the bridges and many other things that use arches because of that fact!.

If the ramps are rated for the intended load, flat or arched is immaterial.