Posted 2012-10-16 12:39 PM (#147689) Subject: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Member
Posts: 37 Location: USA
We just bought a 2005 C&C trailer. The ramp won't stay all the way down unless there is weight on it. (stays up about 4" from the ground) and we can't see a place to make adjustments to the springs.
Posted 2012-10-16 11:20 PM (#147708 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
There is no adjustment but one thing you might have good results with is to elevate/jack the rear of the trailer up or lower the front end all the way down then over rotate the ramp to put a modest "set" in the springs. This should allow the ramp to go all the way to the ground when the trailer is in a more natural or level position. Don't get carried away by over rotating and damaging you're springs. A little at a time and you should end up with the result you're looking for.
Posted 2012-10-17 1:19 AM (#147709 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by graftonbabs on 2012-10-16 12:39 PM
We just bought a 2005 C&C trailer. The ramp won't stay all the way down unless there is weight on it. (stays up about 4" from the ground) and we can't see a place to make adjustments to the springs.
What now?
Take two pictures of your springs so we can see if any of your springs are cocked...first one with the ramp up and the second, looking at the springs with the ramp "down"
Posted 2012-10-17 5:44 AM (#147711 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Iowa
My ramp hangs up off the ground a few inches also. I like it that way. I have no problems. The springs are tight and I also have no problem picking it back up.
Posted 2012-10-17 7:06 AM (#147713 - in reply to #147711) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by sinful on 2012-10-17 5:44 AM
My ramp hangs up off the ground a few inches also. I like it that way. I have no problems. The springs are tight and I also have no problem picking it back up.
So does mine on all three trailers, I like them that way, if not I probably couldn't lift them while using a manual wheelchair.....
Posted 2012-10-17 9:57 AM (#147716 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
How much weight does it take to hold it down, 2#, 5#, 10#, ...? Make a little sand bag to throw on the corner to hold it downwhile loading. You may want to leave it down when not in use, it will probable settle down over time. Spray the hinge and springs with some silicone spray lubricant. Keep the silicone spray off of painted surfaces, it's about 80% acetone...
Posted 2012-10-17 11:22 AM (#147719 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
We install a lot of ramps on different brands of trailers at our dealership, and some of them due tend to want to stay a few inches off the ground. Retento had a good suggestion with
leaving the ramp down when the trailer is sitting in the yard. In time these ramps tend to lose a little of the tension on the springs, and they're a little more prone to staying on the ground. It's still a better problem to have than a very heavy ramp, that is hard to pick up.
Posted 2012-10-17 5:44 PM (#147731 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Member
Posts: 37 Location: USA
Thank you for the suggestion about leaving the ramp down. I will try that. You would think that the trailer being 7 years old the springs would have loosened up a bit by now.
Posted 2012-10-17 8:30 PM (#147736 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Member
Posts: 42 Location: MO
Our ramp is that way too. We put two small blocks on each each end. Helps it not being so steep and especially helpful if the ramp is wet and slick. Horse have less trouble loading with the blocks.
Posted 2012-10-23 8:45 PM (#147877 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Member
Posts: 37 Location: USA
The more I look at it, the more I want the ramp off the trailer entirely. Besides the fact that it won't stay down, I don't like the fact that it's steep. It looks like it is just bolted on and once I got it off I could put a rubber bumper where it was and have a safe step up.
So, is removing the ramp as easy as it looks? Any market for used horse trailer ramps?
Posted 2012-10-24 5:43 AM (#147880 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Iowa
Wow, nice trailer!!! When I load my horses I am standing on my ramp or walk in ahead of them. So my weight keeps the ramp on the ground when the horses step on it. How long is your ramp? Can't really see in the pics. Mine goes about half way up the back of the trailer when in the up-right position.
Posted 2012-10-25 5:14 PM (#147914 - in reply to #147689) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Bonham, TX
We used to have a 2 mule slant CM GN with a ramp and our mules hated it!!! I didn't have the problem you are having except it was steep. When one of my mules was loading and slipped to her knees and slid down the ramp I demanded that my hubby remove it.
He installed a steel, round "bumper" where the ramp was hinged to protect the mules and they were so much happier!
Posted 2012-10-26 11:13 PM (#147929 - in reply to #147731) Subject: RE: Ramp Won't Stay Down
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by graftonbabs on 2012-10-17 5:44 PM
Thank you for the suggestion about leaving the ramp down. I will try that. You would think that the trailer being 7 years old the springs would have loosened up a bit by now.
So, is it OK to use WD-40 on aluminium?
WD-40 is for water displacement...Use Fluid Film if you want a livestock safe lubricant...it's based on fish oil...
Ramp Won't Stay Down
*pictures all the neighborhood cats licking trailer*