New trailer HELP!****Bummer!

Propjob · Jul 13, 2008

Hi All:
Back again. Have just gotten my new Big Tex trailer registered. It is the 70CH with the metal ramps. I went to load my JD 2305 with FEL and BB, but I can't get the ramps close enough to allow my tires to safely go up the center. The two stake pockets in the rear prevent this. I tried to get the front tires up and was able to get them on the trailer riding close to the inside of the ramps. I then backed down and decided to check width of the rear tires by backing up to the ramps. I backed up a few inches and the ramp tipped to the inside. Has any one run into this or have any suggestions? This really rot's... Also can you leave the tractor, (assuming I rectify this dilemna..) on the trailer and unhook from the vehicle with the jack down???

RichNJKubota · Jul 13, 2008

In the local paper there was an article about a guy who died while loading his tractor onto a trailer. A wheel slipped off the inside of the ramp and the tractor rolled. It was an older tractor w/o rops.

RollTideRam · Jul 13, 2008

I have never seen a trailer with stake pockets on the rear. Does your trailer have a dove tail? Pictures will probably help someone help you. JC

ed fewlass · Jul 13, 2008

Propjob said:
Hi All:
Back again. Have just gotten my new Big Tex trailer registered. It is the 70CH with the metal ramps. I went to load my JD 2305 with FEL and BB, but I can't get the ramps close enough to allow my tires to safely go up the center. The two stake pockets in the rear prevent this. I tried to get the front tires up and was able to get them on the trailer riding close to the inside of the ramps. I then backed down and decided to check width of the rear tires by backing up to the ramps. I backed up a few inches and the ramp tipped to the inside. Has any one run into this or have any suggestions? This really rot's... Also can you leave the tractor, (assuming I rectify this dilemna..) on the trailer and unhook from the vehicle with the jack down???

I hade this prob the ramp kept rolling out finally got it fixed cost 90.00 to fix trailer 188.00 to fix tire that the ramp tore the side of fix it asap

Propjob · Jul 13, 2008

Ok Here are the pics of the rear of the trailer Drivers side ramp, against the stake pocket

Propjob · Jul 13, 2008

Lets try this again

Skyco · Jul 13, 2008

How much do you need to come in towards the middle?
If it was me I'd probably just cut a vertical slot in the part that hangs over the horizontal rod welded on to stop the ramps from coming off...cut the slot in the appropriate place to give you your required spacing. The slot will make part of the end of the ramp hang down inside the stake pocket..thats all assuming the measurements will work out for that, it might have to be two slots, one for each side of the stake pocket if you really have to come in toward center a lot.

skipmarcy · Jul 13, 2008

I've never seen stake pockets on the rear of a typical production trailer like that and have definitely never seen the ramp lip welded to them like that, but maybe they do that on smaller trailers ? I would want to know the weight rating on that setup before loading equipment on it. Also, those ramps should have some sort of safety to keep the ramp from coming up off the bar while loading - could be very dangerous. Don't know what you could do about getting closer spacing without some modifications.

Some guys, including myself a few times have/do unhooked their loaded trailer but with heavier tractors it can be pretty dangerous unless the trailer is a really heavy duty one. The typical "bumper pull" trailers' tongue jacks are usually pretty wimpy and can fold on you with alot of weight on them. Then again if your equipment isn't too heavy and you have your trailer loaded properly you can do it without a problem. The times I have unhooked mine with the tractor on I've chocked both front & rear of the tires on each side to keep movement to a minimum.

Propjob · Jul 13, 2008

The spacing between the ramps at present are 26 1/2#
The tractor Fr tire inside to in side is 29.
The rears are 24" inside to inside. I thought of the notch trick also and might be able to encompass a safety cable under the stake pockets. I've called the dealer for his advice also. It is only a month old.. JIM

ed fewlass · Jul 13, 2008

Skyco said:
How much do you need to come in towards the middle?
If it was me I'd probably just cut a vertical slot in the part that hangs over the horizontal rod welded on to stop the ramps from coming off...cut the slot in the appropriate place to give you your required spacing. The slot will make part of the end of the ramp hang down inside the stake pocket..thats all assuming the measurements will work out for that, it might have to be two slots, one for each side of the stake pocket if you really have to come in toward center a lot.

Good idea I love this place