need some ideas or metal/fab work done to my new trailer - drop down gate too short t

[ted_kennedys_liver]

So I buy a 12' x 76" trailer this morning to pick up a used race car this afternoon. Got to sellers house and 4' drop down gate is too short and creates too steep of an angle to load the car - it high centers. We tried elevating the ramp about 6" but it didn't work. We got it loaded thank goodness (3 of us and a jack) and barely got it off the trailer using my four wheeler ramps. The trailer place wants a fortune to remove existing gate and add a longer gate. I am thinking it will need a 6' gate to be safe. Plus I would like to have a gate in order to load a motorcycle. If you think ramps are in order I need them to be wide enough for safety - would hate to have car fall off of a ramp if it is damaged due to accident at track.

I don't know how the existing 4' ramp can be modified to add the length needed.

Need some help to save some money. Any ideas?

[ted_kennedys_liver]

If the 4' gate is not salvageable I would like to add it to the side to load up the four wheeler then start from scratch on the rear gate or ramps.

[tradtiger]

Strictly offering concepts here. First was thinking weld or bolt tubular steel extensions to existing supports; then attach 2-foot by 76" piece of plate steel or heavy expanded steel. Second thought was to weld or bolt on some heavy duty hinges to the end of existing ramp; attach plate or expanded steel extension piece to hinges and you have a foldable extension. You would need to have some swing-down supports similar to jack stands at the hinge point. Advantage of second idea would be a shorter height of gate when in closed position.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Strictly offering concepts here. First was thinking weld or bolt tubular steel extensions to existing supports; then attach 2-foot by 76" piece of plate steel or heavy expanded steel. Second thought was to weld or bolt on some heavy duty hinges to the end of existing ramp; attach plate or expanded steel extension piece to hinges and you have a foldable extension. You would need to have some swing-down supports similar to jack stands at the hinge point. Advantage of second idea would be a shorter height of gate when in closed position.

I love that idea. Especially since a six foot gate would be like a sail while being towed.

Just need some brotherly love around the Austin area to get it done for me

[Draco]

Too bad you are not closer as it wouldn't be a problem. Look around for a regular welding shop and ask them, that will be your cheapest and best bet.

[Electrican]

Strictly offering concepts here. First was thinking weld or bolt tubular steel extensions to existing supports; then attach 2-foot by 76" piece of plate steel or heavy expanded steel. Second thought was to weld or bolt on some heavy duty hinges to the end of existing ramp; attach plate or expanded steel extension piece to hinges and you have a foldable extension. You would need to have some swing-down supports similar to jack stands at the hinge point. Advantage of second idea would be a shorter height of gate when in closed position.

I would go this route. Swing down ramp, would be easy to to make and you could could build it the same length as the 4' ramp that's on it now. I have one like that and it works great.

[PopArcher]

Just add a folding ramp extension, so not to increase sail area and extend to the length you need. Could near double the length of the ramp. Look at some of the trailers built this way. I works well. I am looking to cut my ramp near in half and make it a folder as well.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Thanks guys.

[bowhunterchris]

My trailer has ramps but not the big gate like yours. For me to load my mower I have to use the ramps with a set of ramps I use for oil changes under them. It works.

[cashcropper]

In the meantime back your trailer wheels into a low spot or ditch to load and unload.

[hellbndr23]

You can also back your truck onto ramps. Raise the tongue of the trailer and drop the tail considerably. Will make the ramp angle better. We did it for years.
$50 at Northern tool

http://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_ramps+car-truck-ramps

[ted_kennedys_liver]

You can also back your truck onto ramps. Raise the tongue of the trailer and drop the tail considerably. Will make the ramp angle better. We did it for years.
$50 at Northern tool

http://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_ramps+car-truck-ramps

Great idea. This may buy me the time needed and give me the clearance I am looking for (even if its not enough for the 4' gate it should give me enough using my 4 wheeler ramps)