i want to add a dove tail to my 14 ft trailer

[JimC]

Here are the measurements of the trailer, The trailer bed is 19 inches above the ground and the ramps are 42 inches long. the bed is 14 feet long and the tongue is 3 feet long.
it is 8 feet from the front of the bed to the center of the axles and 6 ft from the center of the axles to the back of the bed, makeing it 11 ft from the hitch to the center of the axels. I can move the hitch receiver up or down about 4 inches.
I was just trying to make it easier to load the BX 2200 with backhoe attached.
maybe longer ramps hinged to the back of the trailer would be the answer

 

[DavesTractor]

Here are the measurements of the trailer, The trailer bed is 19 inches above the ground and the ramps are 42 inches long. the bed is 14 feet long and the tongue is 3 feet long.
it is 8 feet from the front of the bed to the center of the axles and 6 ft from the center of the axles to the back of the bed, makeing it 11 ft from the hitch to the center of the axels. I can move the hitch receiver up or down about 4 inches.
I was just trying to make it easier to load the BX 2200 with backhoe attached.
maybe longer ramps hinged to the back of the trailer would be the answer

60" ramps would make all the difference.

 

[George2615]

That was what I guessed your measurments would be. As I said previously, If you added a 4' tail, that would make it 10' from the back to center of axles and 9' from tongue to center of axles. that would place the axle center almost in the middle making it teeter totter or see saw.

I agree with Dave's Tractor to make your ramps longer either 60" or 72" and if hinged to the back of the trailer you can get spring assists to help lift them.

Trailers are usually manufactured for the best weight distribution whether empty or loaded and if you add length and weight to the back you have to compensate somehow on the front of which the proper way would be to relocate the axles back. That's a lot of work to do so try the longer ramps first.

 

[2manyrocks]

42" ramps seem too steep for your trailer height. If you check around, you might even find a used set of 60" ramps. I welded up my own ramps, and then came across a used set for less than my material cost after it was too late.

 

[JimC]

Thanks everyone.
Funny how a little talking about the project clears up the muddled mind of the senior generation, (thats me by the way)
I had thought about longer ramps a while back but the dove tails sure looked good.
I will be looking for 60/72 inch ramps this week. and a friend of mine always seems to be able to find good used angle iron when I need it.
The short ramps were made by the guy that made the trailer and I think he made it for his dad to use for his lawn tractor and I think he ran into the dragging the mower deck problem. the ramps have a place to slide under the back of the trailer. I will have to look under or turn the trailer over
and change the stops for the ramps.( I hope it works that simple)
Thanks again, jimc

 

[RonR]

One of the things I do, and it's ZERO cost. When you get ready to load/unload, lower the jack stand (while trailer is hooked to truck) and crank it so the bumper and tongue of the trailer come up. I can raise mine probably close to 8", which reduces the ramp angle.

Just have to remember to lower it before you drive off.

ron

 

[bx24]

Jim

I did this to my 16' trailer ... see the attached pics. I had the same issue as far as the ramps that came with it being too short and therefore too steep to load the machine so I cut the back

 

[mobilus]

bx24, that's a nice job. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

[bigdad]

BX24

Very Fine! Looks like a fun project...... and with excellent results. Craftsmanship and pride is obvious.

I take it that you had to modify (shorten the chairs) on the ramps for the lower Dovetail.

BD

 

[hernando]

bx 24 ...thats a really nice looking job you did ......