How to Build Trailer Ramps

A trailer ramp is a handy addition to a car trailer. It allows you to quickly load and unload a vehicle without having to line up a portable trailer ramp. Not only is a built-in trailer ramp more convenient, but also it's safer since there is much less risk that the vehicle will slip off the ramp while it is loading or unloading.

Things You'll Need

• heavy gauge metal plating or construction grade metal purlings welding torch hinges chains

Instructions

1. Buy some heavy gauge metal plating or construction grade metal purlings for the trailer ramp. Do not buy thin sheet metal. The trailer ramp must be able to stand the weight of the vehicle plus more for safety.

2. Cut the heavy gauge metal plating or construction grade metal purlings into two strips. Make each of them 4 feet long and 16 inches wide. This will accommodate more vehicle tire widths and trailer heights. If possible, buy the heavy gauge metal plating or construction grade metal purlings in these sizes. It will save you a lot of work cutting them to fit.

3. Add traction to the ramp so that the vehicle wheels will not slip as it is loaded and unloaded. Do this by passing a welding torch back and forth along the surface of the ramp. This will make the metal bead slightly. Create a criss-cross pattern so that the vehicle tires have something to grip onto.

4. Attach the trailer ramps to the trailer with hinges. These must be heavy duty hinges at least 12 inches wide. Bolt and weld them to the underside of the ramps and the trailer making sure that they line up with the trailer surface. Position the hinges so that the ramps fold up while not in use.

5. Reinforce the ramps with supports. Open the ramps on level ground to see their angle. Measure from the midway point of the ramp to the ground. Cut supports of that length and weld them beneath the ramps. Make one for each side of each ramp. Weld cross beams between the supports, and from the base of the supports to where the ramps meet the ground. This creates a triangular support pattern that is both strong and stable.

6. Use chains to secure the ramps to the top of the trailer when they are not in use. You don't want them swinging open while you are driving.