I'm considering a trailer that comes with a loading ramp. I'm not currently a ramp fan...prefer just the doors. How hard is it to remove a ramp from a trailer? What are the pros and cons of ramps? Thanks gang.
Posted 2009-05-16 6:08 AM (#105003 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Iowa
Iv'e had several trailers without a ramp. The trailer I have now, I put a ramp on it. I love it. Its real nice for loading baby colts, injured horses. Plus we have moved a few friends in it. It nice to just walk up the ramp. I'll never go back to step -ups. Just my 2 cents.
Posted 2009-05-16 7:56 AM (#105008 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Depends on the particular trailer. Some ramps drop right off. Others not so much. Need more details and probably a detailed pic of mounting area to be much help...
Posted 2009-05-16 8:23 AM (#105010 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Had a HART LQ with a ramp.Hated it.Took a while to get horses use to it and if a strange horse(someone elses,buying one etc) it was a pain.Found a step up be it a weaning or older horse to be a LOT more user friendly.Never care to own a ramp on a horse trailer again.
Posted 2009-05-16 11:21 AM (#105019 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Another plus for a ramp behind the doors, is the "safety factor". If your ever rear ended, that ramp is going to take most all the hit vs. your rear doors. I have had a couple of customers that can attest to that fact. A ramp also makes it easier to load saddles on the racks in a rear tack; or wheel a portable generator in the trailer for storing in that first stall. Think twice before taking it off.
Posted 2009-05-19 8:48 AM (#105142 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Bucksport, Maine
It's definitely a personal choice. I've had 3 step-ups and 1 ramp, and I prefer the step-ups. But the ramp does have its benefits. One that isn't already listed here is that if you have a rear tack compartment on a tall-step-up trailer, it's hard to reach high up without a ramp.
Posted 2009-05-19 10:26 AM (#105156 - in reply to #104997) Subject: RE: Removing ramp
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Tennessee
My first 2H bp had a ramp and I liked it but was slippery when wet or frozen. 2nd trailer was a step up that took some getting used to. I still think there is more chance of something going wrong with a step up but horses got used to it. It was funny to see a horse used to being loaded in the last stall coming out from the front stall tip toeing just SURE the step down was right there!
My new trailer has a ramp over doors. Yes, there is more protection in a rear end collision but what a PAIN to have to raise and lower every time! Never fails that I need something from the tack room after I close it up. A great solution would be a side entry tack with a ramp over doors.
Removing ramp
