Can All Left or Right Heavy Duty Trailer Ramp Springs be Used to Replace 2 Ramps with 1 Long Ramp

Updated 03/02/2016 | Published 03/01/2016

Question:

Please bear with me...on this left/right thing. I am repairing an equipment trailer and replacing the two ramp set-up with essentially a single solid ramp. If you assume a solid one-piece ramp rather than two ramps, isnt it possible to use all left or all right handed springs as long as each leg has sufficient support? Of course I ask this question because Im staring at six identical left hand springs originally installed on the two ramp trailer. The follow-up question is about the installation...can I assume the new solid one-piece ramp will be installed in the vertical position along with the springs in a non-tension state? Then...when the ramp is lowered, the springs will start to deflect? Thanks!

asked by: Dave W

Expert Reply:

Since you are removing the 2 ramps and putting in a single ramp then you can use all left or all right ramp springs as long as they engage the ramp like they are supposed to and there is room to mount them.

Regarding your follow-up question, yes, that is correct. The spring tension will occur when the ramp opens. That tension will help support the weight when lowering and when lifting the ramp.

It sounds like you have a good handle on this already!

expert reply by: Michael H