How to Build a Loading Ramp for a Utility Trailer

Arc welding is often used for metal ramps.

Loading ramps are necessary when moving large and heavy objects in and out of trailers. Ride your four-wheelers or lawn-mowers in and out with ease using the right kind of ramp. Ramps for utility trailers are made of welded metal. They are heavy, but will withstand a lot of weight and abuse for many years. Loading ramps like these are not complicated in design, but will require knowledge of how to use an arc welder to complete the task properly. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Angle finder
• Welding gloves
• Welding hood
• Welding jacket
• 4 steel tubes, square, 1 inch by 1 inch by 70 inches
• 30 steel bars, 1/4 inch by 4 inches by 18 inches
• Arc welder
• 10 welding rods, 6010, 1/8-inch
• Ballpeen hammer

Instructions

1. Lay two tubes flat, parallel and 16 inches apart. Set 14 bars on top of the pair of tubes at a right angle and space them 2 inches apart. The ends of the bars are flush with the sides of the tube. Weld the bars to the tubes in this position. This is one of your ramp frames. Repeat this step to build the second ramp frame.

2. Weld an 18-inch bar to one of the bars on the end of the ramp frame at an 80-degree angle to the ends of the tubes. The ends of the bars are flush. This is the lip of your ramp. Repeat this step using other ramp end and the last bar.

3. Set the lip of the ramp on your utility trailer. It was welded at an angle to ensure your ramp doesn't slip off during use. Spread the ramps to equal the width of any wheel bass to load for wheelers or riding lawnmowers. Position the ramps against each other to walk up the ramp with a loading dolly.

References

• Arc Welding and Beyond: Arc Welder Setup Instructions
• Miller Welds: Stick Welding