Posted 2009-02-18 12:01 AM (#99670) Subject: Half ramp or full ramp?
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Minnesota
I have a Bison Alumasport 3-horse gooseneck trailer that is REALLY high at the back, and it's VERY hard on my old knees to try to climb in there to load horses. I'm thinking of getting a ramp installed and would like your opinions of half ramps versus full ramps.
Posted 2009-02-18 3:37 AM (#99671 - in reply to #99670) Subject: RE: Half ramp or full ramp?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Half ramp may be easier to handle, but the full width ramp will be the safest. Plus with both doors open you have a full ramp the width of the trailer. If you're adding a ramp, I suggest getting a ramp that's a little longer than usual. On a tall trailer it keeps it from being too steep. Alot of ramps are 4 foot long. One of our trailers has a 5 foot ramp and is much easier to climb/walk up, doesn't seem as slippery. Only thing is, the 5 foot long and 8 foot wide ramp is about a hand full when it comes time to close. But even I, with one leg on a mobility scooter or manual wheelchair, can manage to lift it and get it closed. It has 6 assist springs but it's still a hand full. Alot of difference between the weight of a 4'Lx7'W ramp and a 5lLx8'W ramp!!
I've seen a dual half ramp setup somewhere. Let down either side or both, only thing is everything needs to be level so the ramp surfaces stay even.
Posted 2009-02-18 12:20 PM (#99691 - in reply to #99670) Subject: RE: Half ramp or full ramp?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
Do as retento says, longer is better. A shorter steeper ramp is harder to walk on.... might as well not have it if you have knee problems if it's too short.
Posted 2009-02-22 7:30 AM (#99863 - in reply to #99722) Subject: RE: Half ramp or full ramp?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: AZ
We just purchased an 05 CM Lagacy that has a half ramp. We have contemplated removing it but so far the horses are doing great with it. I do wish that there was a full ramp though, since I am 'vertically challenged' and have trouble with the rear tack. I may install a step to help me.
Half ramp or full ramp?
