building loading ramps for a car hauler for low vehicle with a bad back

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:08 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for building loading ramps for a car hauler for low vehicle with a bad back

my project truck is a '53 F-100 that is built low (front valance is 8.5" from pavement.)  My truck hauler has 4' ramps but too much approach angle.  I cobbled some ramp extensions together with 2/12s and scrap lumber to make the  about 7-8' long and decreased angle of approach to about 5 degrees.  Aluminum ramps are expensive and I wonder if I can build them cheaper ??  what I need is in the 350-500 buck range...(my fixed income can't take that) I think I want to build  (buy used if avail) some car hauler ramps, aluminum if possible...  You tube has some ideas but all in steel = heavy. I could build extensions but think I'd rather build longer ramps to make it easier... what are your ideas on material sizes and thicknesses using alum.  I'm thinking 2x4"x 1/8" wall  rectangular with rungs of lighter gauge plate/angle... ?? or heavier??.  Thinking about 6-7 feet to get right ramp angle... just need ideas...something like this  what about round tubing and it's strength... little easier to find than scrap rectangular stuff.  truck weighs 5380 with me and full tank, but a realistic goal would probably be 6K with 'stuff & baggage'thanksjohn
Reply:I always hated messing with ramps on my old trailers. Absolute best investment I have ever made for a trailer was a tilt bed. I too haul all kids of low vehicles and the thing to watch for is a knife edge trailer but the knife edge is "upside down" as in no beaver tail or drop in the bed.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:We're in very different markets so it's hard to say, but I find a lot of those Chinese built items are constructed for what I can buy raw materials for. Map out what you need and start phoning local suppliers (forget the box stores). I suspect that much aluminum is going to be hard to come by for less than $400 before you even start buying welding rods etc.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:I would agree I think you’re gonna have a hard time building them for under 500 bucks. considering material/consumables and most of all your time. It seems everything these days is made in China and the price reflects that. I think 500 bucks is a deal.  I have a set of 7’ Trailex ramps made in USA. I got them secondhand years agoI can’t imagine how much they are now probably over $1000. Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:whtbaron and JohnT... I agree it's gonna be a challenge.  I've got a good friend that is a aluminum guru and He might have the material I can buy affordably.  His specialty is building boat ramps and boat houses off the sides of cliffs... He has secretly found a way to defy gravity... I hope he can get me in the right direction... Here's some of his projects