Levelers for a step deck

Uhhhhhhhhhh?

 

I use my aluminum ramps. You can get different width ones to match your step. I didnt buy mine from the manufacturer so I can only guess its http://www.discountramps.com/step-deck-load-leveler-ramps/p/STEP-DECK-LL/ ttt

 

I dont mean any disrespect brother, but I think they are a little pricey.

I didnt buy the ramps for my set up, but I was privy to the process.

I have the Universal ramp/load leveler set up. Rated 23,500 lbs each,.. will hold more weight then I can legally carry.

The whole thing was purchased and installed as a kit for $2500 or $2600 IIRC. That includes the front/upper and rear plates to mount the ramps plus the hangers to store them under the trailer.

I have to be honest and conclude that I am not a fan of using these ramps, but they do come in handy when you need them and or load levelers.

For me, I havent done too many loads that were booked that specifically required load levelers before the load was booked. But they did save me a few times in order to make the load work on my trailer.

The main gripe I have is how heavy ramps are. I have resorted to pulling the ramps and stands off, then pulling the trailer forward and then setting it all up. Still time consuming and laborious. I've been pondering the thought of getting a dove tail with flip up ramps as my next trailer. I've seen a 48' Doonan with a 5' dovetail to make 53'. Not sure how strong or reliable the bolt on dove tail really is. Couldnt find any comments or reviews about it.

Also,.. the load levelers have come in handy to place the 'Oversize load' banners on the rear of the trailer so as to not block the tag or tail lights on the rear. The main thing I have to watch out for on my trailer is to be careful when backing to a dock, as the lip for the ramps extends out past where the rubber stops are. So they hit first. I have already had to repair a crack in one of the lips, not sure if it was from me backing in to a dock or from an excavator I loaded.

Here is a good example of the load levelers saving me from having to cancel a load.


I originally had 5 of the CAT skidders. How ever,.. it was a 2 stop load and 4 of them got off in Salt Lake with the other going up to Idaho. Rather than running just the single CAT Skidder all the way from Salt Lake to the middle of Idaho, I booked a load of racks going to Kennewick Wa. So I moved the last skidder to the rear of the trailer because it was coming off before the racks. I was able to use the load leveler to safely load the racks and the smaller pieces sat under the main racks.

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Here is an example of using the load leveler for banner placement. More work,.. but much more professional in my opinion.


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So arguably, they do come in handy when the need arises.

Hurst

 

I was thinking the same about using one to hold the oversize banner.

A friend of mine has the ramp/leveler combo setup-idk about those ramps for regular use, loading a 5 ton dump truck the stand picks off the ground soon as the steer tires get on the bottom. If they came with a bracket that you could drop a big C pin to hold the two ramps perfectly straight with one another that'd be better

 

The ramps I have are pinned at each connection point when used for loading. Pinned to the trailer.. the stands are pinned together and the ramps are sloped at the ends in order to prevent them from 'popping up' or coming apart.

There is no way to load a tracked machine with out some way to secure the ramps. Rubber tire machines are a bit more forgiving.. but even so.. not worth the risk having ramps that could potentially come apart.

Hurst

 

I don't know where these Ramps came from, that's just a sight that has them. I am making my own mounts for them when I start running again. No matter what they boost revenue!

 

I couldnt agree more.

I've always been a "Better to have and not need, then to need and not have" kind of guy.

Hurst

 

The ramps I'm mentioning have the pins to hold to the trailer and to the pedestals-what I'm trying to describe would be a pin on the bottom side of the ramps around the pedestals to prevent them popping up in the center.

 

Not sure I understand. Are you saying the first ramp on the ground lifts the pedestal?

The pedestals I have are adjustable. I raise them 1 pin hole and that makes the ramps level from the ground to the back of tbe trailer. Then reduce the height to store back in the rack under the trailer. I can also raise them taller to accomodate vehicles like a Corvette to clear the end of tbe trailer. I use boards to keep the lower lip from scraping the ramp on the ground (An old trick from my towing days), once on the ramps it moves easily on to the trailer.

I dont have any problems with the ramps or pedestals moving or lifting. So I'm trying to understand how or where they would lift at. Not doubting you. Obviously your guy is having an issue. I just havent experienced something like that.

Hurst

 

i think what hes trying to say is the when the tire hits the bottom of the ramp its causing the ramp to bow up and pick the pedestal off the ground, kinda like instead of a flat ramp, into an upside down v. or instead of \, its a ^. i think