New Trailer Ramps

[GreenYellow]

Someone stole my trailer ramps last week. They were the kind the slide under the side of the trailer on the right side. They were built with 2 or 2.5" angle, 3/16 thickness. I had been wanting some beefier ones anyway, but now this is forcing me to build a set. I currently have to back the trailer into a ditch or hill to load/unload my tractor.

I am undecided whether to build a folding gate or removable ramps like my old ones. I like the gate idea, but I don't like the wind drag when hauling empty, and sometimes I haul things that are longer than the trailer. Plus a gate that's strong enough to hold a tractor or car will be stupid heavy. I'm 50/50 right now on what kind to build. Trailer is 6'6" wide and 18' long.

What kind of ramps do you have? Do you like them? Why? Post photos if you have any.
(Don't tell me what I need to do, just tell me about yours)
Thanks!

 

[BrinkME]

The trailer that I share with the in-laws was built by my FIL's brother years ago, and he made it to accept a gate or ramps (that he also built). There are tabs along the back that a long pin (round bar) slides through to act as a hinge/pivot for either the gate or ramps to attach to.

On my FIL's 12' landscape trailer, his brother rebuilt the gate to where it folds in half which helps quite a bit with the wind drag and it can double as a work surface when you prop it half way up.

I'll try to get pics of each set-up for you.

 

[GreenYellow]

The trailer that I share with the in-laws was built by my FIL's brother years ago, and he made it to accept a gate or ramps (that he also built). There are tabs along the back that a long pin (round bar) slides through to act as a hinge/pivot for either the gate or ramps to attach to.

On my FIL's 12' landscape trailer, his brother rebuilt the gate to where it folds in half which helps quite a bit with the wind drag and it can double as a work surface when you prop it half way up.

I'll try to get pics of each set-up for you.

Yes, a photo would be great! I have seen some folding gates. I like the idea, but it seems like it would be difficult to build one in a way that the center joint would be strong enough to support a tractor or car. I haven't looked at one in person. I just know it would take one heck of a strong joint to support 2-3000 lbs (one axle of the car/tractor at a time) without buckling or at least bending. Seems like it would need some heavy pins or flat bar to lock it straight when it was extended.

The hinge on the back of the trailer would be easy, just as you stated. I worry about the joint in the gate itself.

Interested to see photos of one or look at one in person.
Thanks!

 

[skylarkguy]

Here is a pict of the ramps used to take delivery of a int'l 4900. They were made out of aluminum and each ramp was 2 pieces. I helped the driver set them up and they weren't that difficult. Probably way different from your application but maybe will provide some inspiration.

 

[C4Ranch]

I like the fold up ones that can lay flat when not in use.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

GreenYellow, What's your heaviest anticipated load? Is it going to occur more than once or twice? I never liked the slide out ramps personally, I do like the HD flip over ramps. They are not ideal for loading a lawnmower but work great for the tractor or a truck. With the spring assist they are pretty manageable as well. I think your options for ramps are pretty much limitless! Have you seen the power tail that PJ makes? The entire tail of the trailer flips over into a set of ramps. When its folded back up, it makes a completely flat deck. It looks heavy but very convenient for loading!

 

[GreenYellow]

GreenYellow, What's your heaviest anticipated load? Is it going to occur more than once or twice? I never liked the slide out ramps personally, I do like the HD flip over ramps. They are not ideal for loading a lawnmower but work great for the tractor or a truck. With the spring assist they are pretty manageable as well. I think your options for ramps are pretty much limitless! Have you seen the power tail that PJ makes? The entire tail of the trailer flips over into a set of ramps. When its folded back up, it makes a completely flat deck. It looks heavy but very convenient for loading!

This is my trailer. The heaviest loads I anticipate is the tractor or a car. I haul the tractor pretty often. About every 2 weeks. I don't need anything extremely heavy duty, but certainly can't use lawnmower ramps.
I also don't need anything super complex. I didn't have a real problem with the plain slide in ones, but I wouldn't mind an improvement. I haven't seen the power tail from PJ. I'll check it out.

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