Think tank advice

[J_J]

I don't know anything about this product, but it has perfect reviews at Northern Tool.

Gorilla-Lift 2-Sided Tailgate Lift Assist, Model# 40101042G | Trailer Hardware | Northern Tool + Equipment

I built something similar for my landscape trailer years ago. It has saved much back work. You could almost lift it with a foot to get it started and then grab hold and lift it in place. Some of those units can lift a single tail gate. but in this situation, you would need two of them. You can make them out of garage door springs, and some 1/4 in cable. You would adjust it by putting tension on the spring in the closed position. Then when lowered, it is under much more spring tension. The springs come in different tensions.

 

[AlanB]

I think that is what makes threads like this great. Other peoples ideas that I can blatantly steal

One of the ones on lawnsite or lawncafe had a pivot point that stuck up in the air, that changed the leverages (gave it more) You may need to do something like that with a flat deck trailer.

Here are mine.

Pics are of my 11 year old son, he is holding the gate with his pinky, and lifting with his toe.

Could you do it with a gate opener like a "mule"? Same motion, just sideways

 

[jsborn]

Just a thought but have you considered Hyd. lifts?
They seem to work and you could probably do the same with a linear actuator if you can find one strong enough

 

[LBrown59]

Because of up coming back surgery I have a need now to motorize the heavy ramps on my trailer.Trying to come up with a design to raise and lower the ramps either with a small winch or linear motors.The ramps move freely on a pipe to go up and down.If you had to do it, what would be your idea?.Thanks for any input.The link below is my trailer.





http://www.downtoearthtrailers.com/images/downtoearthtrailers/64530001.jpg

How bout tradin for a tilt bed?

 

[bones1]

That's a darn good job you did Alan.Looks like they were made with the trailer.
LBrown59, you really do have the Best solution, but I have never traded in a trailer and wonder how bad they get you for your trade.
Anyone here ever trade for a new trailer?.

 

[bones1]

Me and my buddy Jim(Beam) spent some time sitting on the trailer pondering the situation.I cannot(never say can't) come up with a way to allow the ramps to adjust width wise and connect them to a linear motor or winch.Somehow the motors/winch cables attached to the trailer have to move with them. Ramps slide in and out, sideways, on a pipe.
http://www.downtoearthtrailers.com/images/downtoearthtrailers/64530001.jpg

 

[AlanB]

Why are you sliding them? Or maybe the question is what are you hauling?

Most only have one trailer, pick that point, and cotter or circlip your ramps in that position, and have your lifts fixed.

The commercial guys run hydraulic, but my thought was it would get more complicated / expensive then it would be worth on that trailer.

 

[dbdartman]

Now I'm thinking something like a 2" square tube "axle" across the back of the trailer. Mount 2.25" or 2.5" square tube to the ramps (whatever fits over the 2" square axle, but I'd make it a very loose fit so if you're not on perfectly level ground it won't twist the axle or ramp mounts). A lever on one side of the axle will actuate it.

We're getting fairly complicated now, so I'm thinking a tilt-bed would be easier, cheaper, & less hassle.

BTW, trailers don't really lose value like a new car or truck, provided it's kept in reasonably good condition. You can get an idea by pricing used trailers & comparing to the cost of new. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised (but I'd sell privately, not trade to a dealer).

 

[bones1]

Why are you sliding them? Or maybe the question is what are you hauling?

Most only have one trailer, pick that point, and cotter or circlip your ramps in that position, and have your lifts fixed.

The commercial guys run hydraulic, but my thought was it would get more complicated / expensive then it would be worth on that trailer.

Alan, I have to haul tractors and vehicles hence the need for adjustability.

 

[SnowRidge]

I wouldn't trade it in. I would sell it outright. People are always looking for used trailers. Those in decent condition sell fast.

There's one more thing you should be aware of regarding the spring assists. If you are not on flat ground, they behave differently. For example, if you back into a spot that prevents your ramp or gate from dropping down as much as it would if the ground were flat, it might pop back up on you. This can make loading a pain, especially when it creeps up about a foot while you aren't looking. I have had that happen a few times.