In the event that we decide to block up the axles on my trailer, my brother has offered to build me a ramp. His skills are not in question; he is more than qualified for the job and he has the tools, the welder, and the supplies. He has built ramps for every kind of trailer except horse trailers.
Are there any cons to this? We've factored in size, appropriate material dimensions, weight load and springs vs hydraulics. I'll probably order the hinges and latches from Kiefer. Are we missing anything? I'd love to have structural drawings for a ramp to compare to.
Posted 2009-12-06 11:17 AM (#114002 - in reply to #113986) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by TPenning on 2009-12-05 5:36 PM
In the event that we decide to block up the axles on my trailer, my brother has offered to build me a ramp. His skills are not in question; he is more than qualified for the job and he has the tools, the welder, and the supplies. He has built ramps for every kind of trailer except horse trailers.
Are there any cons to this? We've factored in size, appropriate material dimensions, weight load and springs vs hydraulics. I'll probably order the hinges and latches from Kiefer. Are we missing anything? I'd love to have structural drawings for a ramp to compare to.
You MIGHT find it easier/better fit & finish/cheaper in total to buy a ramp from Kiefer and have him install it.
I hope the axle blocking project is well thought out; it is generally unwise, raises floor, center of gravity, roll center, etc.
Whatever you are trying to "solve" with axle blocking can almost certainly be done in different and likely better ways, but that is a whole 'nother subject.
Posted 2009-12-06 5:23 PM (#114013 - in reply to #114006) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 2689
All kinds of solutions to too high trucks (-:
Lower it back to the previously "fashionable" height of a few model years ago, usually by just removing some blocks or using different original factory ones. This may require air springs or new/different bump stops.
Remove top "trim" from bed edges, some have chrome rails.
Accept a slightly nose high trailer position, on a long trailer a couple of extra inches at the coupler doesn't translate to a severe angle, the horses will hardly notice and it doesn't compare to hard braking.
Replace the bed with a flat - if it is an older truck and the bed is about finished with anyway.
Apologies if you have another extensive thread on this, I don't come here very often and probably missed it.
Posted 2009-12-06 6:34 PM (#114017 - in reply to #114016) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by sinful on 2009-12-06 6:17 PM
Reg; So why aren't you here very often? Your missed here.
Hi Sinful,
Long answer short; BUSY.
That and I got very tired of the same old questions being asked over and over.
A few people got really ticked at being told that they could find the answers with the search function quicker than we could re-type them - YET AGAIN !!!
(-:
Posted 2009-12-06 7:09 PM (#114019 - in reply to #114013) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 151 Location: Manitoba, Canada
Originally written by Reg on 2009-12-06 5:23 PM
All kinds of solutions to too high trucks (-: Lower it back to the previously "fashionable" height of a few model years ago, usually by just removing some blocks or using different original factory ones. This may require air springs or new/different bump stops. Remove top "trim" from bed edges, some have chrome rails. Accept a slightly nose high trailer position, on a long trailer a couple of extra inches at the coupler doesn't translate to a severe angle, the horses will hardly notice and it doesn't compare to hard braking. Replace the bed with a flat - if it is an older truck and the bed is about finished with anyway. Apologies if you have another extensive thread on this, I don't come here very often and probably missed it.
My husband flat out refused to make any adjustments to the truck height. It doesn't have rails, and even I refuse to put a flat deck on the back of it, since that will make all the other uses we have for it quite difficult. The truck is not old, and new to us.
We are experimenting with setting the nose up higher right now. I'm less worried about the horses knowing they are riding on an angle, and more worried about my axles. If this doesn't help, then we will be going to blocking the axles and adding the ramp.
Posted 2009-12-06 7:15 PM (#114021 - in reply to #113986) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 151 Location: Manitoba, Canada
Oh, I should mention that the reason we are considering a DIY ramp is because the nearest Kiefer dealer is 6+ hours from here, and the ramp cost is about $1200 plus install. My brother can make me a ramp that looks like the Kiefer version for half the price, and a little less driving.
Posted 2010-06-04 3:24 PM (#120905 - in reply to #113987) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
Member
Posts: 38 Location: michigan
Hello. I have been to this site / I am looking for directions to build a pump for my 1999 Merhow trailer.Do you have any ideas, if so please e-mail me back.Thanks in advance.Jean
Posted 2010-06-04 8:24 PM (#120910 - in reply to #120905) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Originally written by JEAN on 2010-06-04 3:24 PM
Hello. I have been to this site / I am looking for directions to build a pump for my 1999 Merhow trailer.Do you have any ideas, if so please e-mail me back.Thanks in advance.Jean
What sort of pump do you want to build ?
Rotary vane, piston, etc., there are so many types.
Also what size ?
Posted 2010-07-05 10:43 PM (#121929 - in reply to #113986) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 13
Location: Waterdown, Ontario
Did you find one? If not I could send you a pic of the one I made to rplace the back ramp on my extra wide/extra tall. Clyde kick proof as well when up.
Posted 2010-07-06 1:05 PM (#121956 - in reply to #121929) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
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Posts: 38 Location: michigan
Yes, If you cold please, also if you have the details. Did you use a continous spring or did you use helper springs ?? Did you torque them yourself or have it done at a shop??I will awit your info. THANKS, Jean
Posted 2010-07-16 8:17 PM (#122473 - in reply to #122311) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
Member
Posts: 38 Location: michigan
Originally written by JEAN on 2010-07-13 1:12 PM<BR><BR>Yes,could you please send any info on building ramp.Also if you have a material list. thanks, Jean
Posted 2010-10-20 12:43 PM (#126061 - in reply to #121929) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
Member
Posts: 38 Location: michigan
Hi, can you please send your pictures & building specs to my e-mail address of darksladytango@yahoo.com I am haveing problems w/compter.Today is 19 of October. I would like to build ramp this winter.Thanks, Jean
Posted 2011-09-04 10:59 AM (#137220 - in reply to #137169) Subject: RE: DIY ramp
Member
Posts: 38 Location: michigan
Nichols, I was sent some e-mails / but there was nothing on them. I have sold that trailer & now have a Kieffer trailer. I have did call the manufacturer & they told me if if I ordering in the ramp from them it would take at least 8-10 weeks !!! I told them I only wanted a ramp not a trailer w/ramp. So, in the mean time an Exiss dealership opened in by where I worked. Well after many conversations I finally found out that the Exiss ramp will fit many trailer brands. So the the price was cheaper to order from them. It should be here next week. I really can only tell you to contact a really good welder or order direct. Sorry, thats all the help I can give you.Jean
DIY ramp
