Posted 2022-12-04 9:29 AM (#185463 - in reply to #185462) Subject: RE: Adding a trailer ramp
Veteran
Posts: 185 Location: riverside ca
I have done a few and seen a few, it is pretty simple assuming you know what you are doing. the things you have to consider is how much does your trailer weigh and how big is it. This not often an issue for horse trailers but one or more car trailer I have towed the ramp that was added on added enought weight on the rear so that the tongue weight was reduced to the point that the trailer could be "Entertaining" to drive. I would assume that on anything larger than a 3 horse this would not be an issue. Probably the most challenging aspect of adding a ramp is actually the spring system you need. Because a "lightweight" ramp is not what you want a horse walking up, and even the lightest ramps you will want a bit of help if you are raising it by yourself. I perfer the half car leaf spring below the frame, assuming you have the clearence on the rear frame.
something like this https://www.diymetalfabrication.com/self-lifting-trailer-tailgate/
steel is going to be much cheaper, probably like half of what an aluminum ramp will cost, not only because the material is more expensive but the labor takes longer and is not as widely available. the weight savings can be offset by the spring so in my opinion I would typically do steel, but then I live in California where rust is not as much of an issue
Posted 2022-12-10 6:39 AM (#185464 - in reply to #185463) Subject: RE: Adding a trailer ramp
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
I would not add one to an existing trailer personally, but one of our trailers does have one. It is built like a tank! The springs are pretty large and tight... you must know what you are doing to even adjust it so a smaller person can use it. The ramp itself is structural steel with slip proof padded matting on the inside. The doors above have windows and a lip over the ramp.. and lock to secure your horses. (It is a custom warmblood two horse straight with a midtack and weekender for short trips) Think thru loading a couple of 1,100-1,300# horses... it cannot be lightweight.
Adding a trailer ramp
