Trailer ramp How-to

Gentlemen-

I have just purchased a new-to-me JEEP hauler. It has a steel deck. I have to build ramps for it, which is no problem.

I am going to do a ladder style ramp out of 2" square tubing. The question I have is: How do I attach them to the trailer for loading and unloading? Do I make them hinged to the trailer itself, or should they be removeable? Do you have any pics of what you've built? Should I use angle and flat-stock instead of square?

I can use all the help / suggestions I can get. Thank you!

 

The ones I borrow some times were made from 2" angle.

 

2 Inch angle is all you need , On the race car trailers we take a couple sticks of 2 inch and make the frame then use the 2 inch V up to make the ladders.

 

John do it in crayon for him. R)

 

A drawing would be fantastic. I cant visualize how to attach it to the trailer so they don't slip off...

 

8). I pick it up this weekend. I'll take the pics for you

 

I followed that completely. That is a good idea.

 

I have 2 haulers - one is a monster commercial ex-rental, and the other is a home-built lightweight hauler more suitable for hauling my Jeeps. I made both the wheel guides and the ramps out of 3/16 steel diamond plate, bent up to form the sides. Angle iron and square tube or steel plate would have worked as well for the ramps. I opted for removeable ramps rather than hinged, with an angle iron tab welded to the front of each ramp, and a slot torched into the rear of the trailer rails to accept the tabs. One mistake I made that I'll caution you about: Make the ramps as long as you can comfortably live with! Mine are kind of short, and it makes loading a pain in the %$#, if the vehicle isn't running, or has low clearance. Much easier to drag the load up a longer, more gentle incline.

 

Dennis you can buy a set of 5' ramps for around $70.

 

You're right, Lynn. We'll look at it as it gets closer.

 

Here's some pics of my trailer ramps; I used 1/8" 3x2 rails with 2x2 1/8" angle for the cross pieces. trailer came with the angle welded on it already. I think the rails were about 40" long.

 

That's what I was looking for

Thanks fellas for all of the advice!

 

Yep, I'm good with the pics! Thanks John!