How to Load Trailer Ramps

Ramps that don't come with large trailers often must be loaded onto them and transported.

Trailer ramps are used to load heavy objects like other vehicles on to the backs of trailers. These heavy steal pieces of ramp must be unloaded and set up every time they are used, but they also must be transported with the loaded trailer so that the cargo can be effectively unloaded. So, these ramps must be stowed on the trailer while it is going from one place to the other and must be loaded onto the trailer in a specific way.

Things You'll Need

• 4 locking brackets
• 4 metal screws
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• 4 metal clips
• 4 steel airplane wire 6-inch sections

Instructions

1. Mount heavy duty steel brackets on two of the I-beams beneath the trailer, with two parallel to each other on one end of the I-beams and two parallel to each other on the other ends of the I-beams. Secure these brackets with heavy-duty steel screws, but do not tighten them all the way down, as you may have to move these brackets around beneath the trailer. Attach steel airplane wire to the brackets, attaching metal clips on the other end.

2. Attach one end of the ramp to two of these brackets, and run the metal clips on these brackets through openings in that end of the ramp. Lock the clips down as well, as the brackets on the I-beam under the trailer, moving them to the proper place, keeping in mind that the other end of the ramp and trailer must also be attached to the other brackets on the I-beams.

3. Lift the other end of the trailer ramp up so it can be hooked in to the brackets on the other end of the trailer's I-beams. The clips should be attached to the other end of the trailer ramp, through openings in it and secured. The brackets should also be secured on that end of the trailer's I-beams, lifting the trailer up so that is as close to flush with the bottom of the trailer as possible and doesn't swing and shake as much while the truck drives down the road.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider finding a way to attach chain to each end of the ramp once it has been mounted and loaded under the truck, just in case the metal clips and steel airplane wire breaks. You don't want the ramp falling off the truck while you are driving.

• Make sure all of your clips are locked down before you begin driving with the loaded trailer ramp. The more security you can add to the trailer ramp, the better.

References

• Handi-Ramp: See How to Install the Ramp Under a Trailer