Need some long light duty ramps

[jmarkwolf]

Need some ramps for loading/unloading aircraft from a trailer.

Have to be 10ft long for the proper angle to keep tail boom from hitting the ground as it start up the ramp to my trailer.

Aircraft weight is only 1000 lbs, so I don't need to pay for 5000 lb or 10,000 lb capacity, etc.

Should be aluminum for man handling.

Ground handling wheels are only about 10in diameter, so there can't be widely spaced "slats".

"Retail" ramps seem to have either the capacity or length (or widely spaced slats), never both.

I currently have some, built from aluminum boat dock rails and "5 quarter" slats but the capacity is right at the edge, they're heavy, and some welding I had done on them probably compromised the capacity, at least a little.

I'm a bargain hunter.

Any clever ideas?

 

[koditten]

I just built a trailer for a gentleman to haul an ultralight. Had the same broblem, solved by using drop tube axle. also turned the hitch around on the tow vehicle so the trailer was alway nose up, thus reducing the approach angle, thus shorter ramps.

 

[Kevin54]

What about making them out angle iron, with angle iron cross braces, put some expanded metal on top so the tires dont drop down in the areas between the braces, then if need be add a drop down leg in the middle with a pin to lock it in the retracted position or lock it in the dropped down position.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The walk boards that you can get with scaffolding might be what you are looking for. You might check with rental places and see what they have or look on the internet. I agree that what are usually used for loading are not nearly what you are looking for.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Would a nice southern yellow pine 2x10 set into a steel frame work ? Angle pieces along the bottom, steel pieces welded across the bottom as cross ties and maybe some pieces welded vertical from the angle to another lengthwise piece to form a guard of sorts.

Unless you luck into something, I don't think you're going to find something "cheap" and light".

EDIT

I was typing while Kevin posted.

 

[rsanter]

Would a nice southern yellow pine 2x10 set into a steel frame work ? Angle pieces along the bottom, steel pieces welded across the bottom as cross ties and maybe some pieces welded vertical from the angle to another lengthwise piece to form a guard of sorts.

Unless you luck into something, I don't think you're going to find something "cheap" and light".

EDIT

I was typing while Kevin posted.

This
I would just use a 2x10 or 2x12 and if you want you can screw some angle iron along the sides

Bob

 

[Dustball]

Look for a used ramp from a dock truck? They have the weight capacity and length you're looking for.

http://www.handtrucks4less.com/acatalog/Magliner-Walk-Ramps.html

 

[mtnwalton]

I think your best option would be the ramps used by moving vans; Fiberglass with aluminum inside. they're used in pairs, hook together for a width of about 4' and can be man handled easily. I sold a pair recently and would check craigslist.

 

[LWW]

Here's where I bought my 96" aluminum ramps for my race car trailer and here's some 2000 lb folding 12' ramps they sell for loading a Smart Car:

http://www.discountramps.com/smart-car-ramps.htm

 

[StevenMorgan]

I've moved several planes and can say that your individual wheel weight will be less than 500lbs. Build a set of ramps out of stacked together 2x4's on edge or build it like a plywood skinned diaphragm box with a center splined 2x4.

Or you could use an engine lift hooked onto the engine mount, wing attach points, etc. That is what I used most recently.