We have an Exiss 3 H slant stock trailer (GN W/2 ft short wall that we finished with the list's help) that has a factory add on ramp. The mat on the ramp is thin and starting to curl and tear at the fasteners. It is also REALLY slick, even when dry, and we'd like to replace with something a little grippy. I've been looking at online sources to replace it - it looks like we have the "ramp cleat" style. Does anyone have any suggestions of a better mat to use for replacement and a source? I did try an archive search and came up dry. Any help will be appreciated.

thank you so much!

http://www.northamericanmat.com/coco.html

http://thematking.com/business_industry/industrial/animalmats/equine/horse_van_ramp_cocoa_mats.htm

Would this work for you?  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030C3IHC?tag=guitardiscount.us-20

http://www.coirmats.com/

I have seen ramps with non-skid mats with traction bars across the full width of the ramp, but I don't have any idea where to purchace them.

We haven't doen anything yet. I liked the idea of the Cocoa mat bu wasn't sure how it would hold up. I like the coir mat that was posted - but I don't want to be dragging it off and on the ramp - I want something to attach to the ramp, so not sure about that. A friend suggested using a long 4 x 4 under the base of the ramp to decrease the angle. So I keep one in the trailer and use it when it rains and the ramp will be slippery. Haven't had a problem so far, but they do have that slight step up onto the ramp when I use it. For the price of the coir mat I might get that and see if we can attach it to the ramp the same way the rubber mat was attached. If it doesn't work we can use it as a door mat in the barn aisle. LOL. thanks for the info.

M

Having a number of customers with ramps, we've seen these issues for years. A couple of inexpensive & practical solutions I've seen work well.

We have some folks, especially older trailers with shorter ramps (read- steep) will carry a long 4x4" as was mentioned and lay it lengthwise on the ground to raise the ramp. There's a small step, but it is less steep. A more permenant solution would be to mount a large rubber bumper on the ramp to contact the ground when ramp is dropped.

On a number of ramps, we've installed strips horizontally. We usually rip these down from a 2x4, or using a furring strip. Screwed into the main frame members on the ramp with metal screws. They have a lifespan of only a season or two, but are easy enough to replace. Rubber ones tore. Oak worked well. Pine is easier to get and lasts almost as well as Oak. Usually placed about every 9", so there might be up to 6 on a typical ramp. Metal ones last a lot longer, but are too slick and noisy causing issues with the horse.

RTSmith

Great question!    Have you figured anything out yet?  We've got an older Hart BP with a steep ramp... rubber is fraying in some places, mainly around where it's bolted on.  thought about calling Hart and asking if they have a replacement mat but havn't yet.  my only solution is to put more bolts in to hold the rest in place.