Plate To Allow Rolling Over Lip Of Trailer Ramp Door - Rustproof Aluminum

Question

Question:

We use our trailer for band gear and the lip drives me crazy every weekend. Which one of these plates would you recommend? also would like one that won’t rust when it’s raining out after shows?

asked by: Matt

0

Expert Reply:

I hear you, Matt - that lip is the worst when you’re rolling heavy things over it. Go with the aluminum M-3 plate # M348FR. It’s rustproof, only about 23 lbs, and has a strong tread pattern so that it’s grippy even when it’s slick outside. You’ll never have to paint or touch it up since it's aluminum and not painted steel.

What width is your ramp? This plate is 81-3/4" wide, but it can be trimmed to smaller width if you really needed to.

Where are you based? If you’re in a coastal or salt area, the aluminum’s definitely the better long-term bet.

expert reply by: Andrew N

0

Matt

11/26/2025

Appreciate it, Andrew. I’m in Oregon so it’s constantly wet after gigs. Sounds like aluminum is the way to go.

Andrew N.

11/26/2025

@Matt Oh yeah, Oregon moisture will chew on steel eventually, even powder-coated stuff. Aluminum # M348FR is the perfect “set it and forget it” option for your setup. And being 23 lbs, it won’t make the ramp any harder to lift after a long night.

Answer 1

Hey there Mike; both M-3 plates are built heavy duty, but they don't really have a weight rating. They use a 3/16 inch thick tread plate and come in steel #M386FR or aluminum #M348FR, fully welded with a piano hinge. They’ll take the full load of…

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Answer 2

Good question, Patrick - both do the same job, but here are some differences for you to look at. The #M368FR steel is heavier at 40 lbs and better for constant heavy loads like pallet jacks or commercial carts. The #M348FR aluminum is lighter at 23…

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Answer 3

Hey Alan - you can absolutely use the M3 plate at the door-to-floor gap. Many folks run one on the outside edge and another inside for a totally smooth roll-through. The steel plate #M368FR gives you extra strength if you’re using pallet jacks or…

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Answer 4

Hey Corey, good catch - hardware isn’t included with either the #M368FR steel or #M348FR aluminum plates. Most folks just source stainless or zinc-coated hardware locally so they can match what’s already on their ramp. It also depends on the style…

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Answer 5

Hey Brandon! Yes, either M-3 transition plate (steel #M368FR or aluminum #M348FR) will do the job, but I’d go aluminum #M348FR since it’s easier to trim and won’t rust if water gets in that recessed area. Just mount it across the lower edge of the…

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Answer 6

Hey Dustin. I installed the Enclosed Trailer Transition Plate item #M368FR on a trailer here when we first got them in and you're good! That plate is single solid piece of steel. It's got a heavy duty piano style hinge that has been riveted…

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Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

Good question, Tina - you’re in the safe zone with the M-3 aluminum plate #M348FR. It’s 3/16 inch thick and fully welded across the piano hinge (some cheaper ones are just bolted instead of welded), so even with heavy mowers or small tractors, it…

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Answer 9

I hear you, Matt - that lip is the worst when you’re rolling heavy things over it. Go with the aluminum M-3 plate #M348FR. It’s rustproof, only about 23 lbs, and has a strong tread pattern so that it’s grippy even when it’s slick outside. You’ll…

view full answer...

Plate To Allow Rolling Over Lip Of Trailer Ramp Door - Rustproof Aluminum

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