Trailer Ramp Repair

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Problem Definition

Last weeks welding projects was to repair the ramp of a small utility trailer. The first problem was that the expanded metal of the ramp was separated from the tubing frame due to inadequate number of welds. The side that had a weld on every node of the expanded metal was fine, but the edges that were welded every 5th node had let loose. In addition some of the expanded metal was bent with some pieces missing. The last problem was that the latch was junky. The right side lost a rivet and one piece so it didn't work at all. The left side had a link that was so worn that it allowed the ramp to move about 1/4 inch. Frankly if you pulled on it I bet that it would release completely.

Don

[Don52 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Don52]

Expanded Metal Repair

First I wire brushed the expanded metal as best as I could. I would have liked to sand blast to remove the paint from the middle tubes that was in the space between the wires of the expanded metal, but the job couldn't afford the time that this would take. Next I gas welded all of the failed welds back in place including the missing piece. I chose oxyacetylene gas welding because it is more tolerant to contamination. Finally I MIG welded the four nodes that weren't originally welded.

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Ramp Hinge Stop

The slip hinges allowed the ramp to go about 5/16" too far to the left and as much as it could to the right. I added a spacer to the pin of one of the slip hinges to prevent movement to the left and I added a stop to prevent movement to the right. The stop consisted of a bar with a plate welded to it. The assembly was held to the trailer with two 1/4" screws so that it could be removed for service of the ramp. I forgot to take a picture of the stop in place so I included a picture of a similar stop that I did for another trailer.

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Spring Latch

I chose a store bought spring latch to replace the junky latch. I welded it to a riser so that the strap, which was welded to the ramp could clear the top rail of the trailer. First I TIG welded the spring latch to the riser and then I MIG welded the assembly to the top rail of the trailer. I milled a 5/8" slot in a strap and welded it to the edge of the ramp. I like to use a slot instead of an oversized hole so that it limits motion in the direction that the ramp moves but allows for ± 1/8" misalignment in the vertical direction if the trailer twists.