Trailer loading ramps question

[greenlizard112]

It’s a 12,000 lb GVWR trailer. Yes the ramps and trailer are overkill for my 3025d, but my son has a 9500 lb mini-excavator I want to borrow. I built with that in mind. Of course my truck can’t actually tow that kind of load, but one thing at a time...

 

[Darryle]

GL, you should be OK, that is some good fab work also

 

[davedj1]

How long are those ramps? Secondly do you really need them that long? Shorter would be stronger. My 7K car hauler has ramps that are built just like that but with 1/4" x 2" angle, they are 14" wide and 49" long. You could always lay a block of 6x6 at midspan of the ramp.

 

[MAD MARK]

They are exactly 5 foot. And yes need to be that long as the backhoe drags at that length. I'm thinking the 3/16 to 1/4 difference makes all the world of difference.

 

[TractorGuy]

Spring for a set of aluminum ramps. Your back will thank you and you won't regret it.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_ss...12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xramps.TRS0&_nkw=ramps&_sacat=0

 

[aczlan]

They are exactly 5 foot. And yes need to be that long as the backhoe drags at that length. I'm thinking the 3/16 to 1/4 difference makes all the world of difference.

Do you use them with that side up as shown in the picture?
If so, when you rebuild them, put the angle the other way (so that the edges are to the inside and the bottom, not the inside and the top).
That will make them MUCH stronger.
The channel that you were talking about would also work even at the same thickness as flat steel is weak in compression and the way that they are built puts that flat edge in compression.
If you straightened out that kink and put a couple pieces of angle on top (so that the edges pointed in and down), then welded it together, it would probably not give you trouble again.

Aaron Z

 

[MAD MARK]

My plan on Saturday is to weld 2x2x3/16 (what's on there) on top of what's there.

Yes I know will be heavy, right now they weigh about 44# a piece. Should add another 24# but it's cheap compared to the aluminum ones.

When I hit the lotto, I'll have someone load these machines for me!!

 

[Shredcini]

I built ramps using 4 inch channel with 3/16 angle as the rungs. They are plenty strong, but do require assist springs because of the weight.

Nice burley ramps!

Assist springs are a great idea. Need to work that into my ramp, it's a beast.

 

[Shredcini]

Spring for a set of aluminum ramps. Your back will thank you and you won't regret it.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_ss...12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xramps.TRS0&_nkw=ramps&_sacat=0

No doubt AL is the way...

 

[jocww]

No doubt AL is the way...

Your wallet will when somebody steals them