Barn doors to Ramp for enclosed trailers

[lawnpro2210]

I was just curious to see if anyone has ever converted ther barn door enclosed trailer to a gate/ramp enclosed trailers.Im planning on building on this winter but was just wanting to see if anyone has done it before.
Mike

[johnsonslawnmanagement]

i hope for some replies on this one. I am looking at a 24' trailer, brand new shape for $2500 but it has barn doors. Hope someone has done this for both of our sake!

[South Florida Lawns]

Cut the origional doors off make a frame out of steel, then get some alum. skin and rivit it on. Next go to a trailer dealer or steel supply yard and get 3 heavy duty hinges and latches and weld them up. Also any trailer dealer will sell you some trim to finish the edges off. It aint rocket science but it does take some time and decent welding skills.

[buttaluv]

This is good question, I actually thought of buying one with Barn Doors and putting a ramp on, I worry about the ramp door trailers not sticking up to day to day use.

[DoetschOutdoor]

Did that crap on my old 6x12 and while I did make alot of $ with that setup, I would never do it again. It sucked. Having to open the doors and then unfold the ramp was a pain but mine was kinda ghetto rigged too. I had a metal fram with thick boards and it didnt weigh too much. The first time I dropped the ramp door on the new trailer, I could never go back. Try to get a different trailer if at all possible.

[lawnpro2210]

Well a new trailers not in the budget at the moment and i really like my trailer alot. I have someone at the high school who agreed to weld it up for me if i brought in the material. Its just i would like to see who and how someone has done this before.

[punt66]

Well a new trailers not in the budget at the moment and i really like my trailer alot. I have someone at the high school who agreed to weld it up for me if i brought in the material. Its just i would like to see who and how someone has done this before.

I have welded up all new gates for open trailers. Its easy to do. But without me there showing you how to do it i cant help you much. Weld up the frame and allow it to accept a sheet of 3/4 plywood. The hinges you can make with tube and rod. You can even drill the tube for grease zerks. Then panel the outside with matching aluminum and trim. You will need to buy the latches and weld them on as well. Be prepared. The cost to do this with material only will be more expensive then you think.

[lawnpro2210]

I have welded up all new gates for open trailers. Its easy to do. But without me there showing you how to do it i cant help you much. Weld up the frame and allow it to accept a sheet of 3/4 plywood. The hinges you can make with tube and rod. You can even drill the tube for grease zerks. Then panel the outside with matching aluminum and trim. You will need to buy the latches and weld them on as well. Be prepared. The cost to do this with material only will be more expensive then you think.

What do you think i should make it out of? I was thinking 1'' square tubing or 1'' angle iron. I would think tubing would be stronger and also more expensive but i could be wrong.

[punt66]

What do you think i should make it out of? I was thinking 1'' square tubing or 1'' angle iron. I would think tubing would be stronger and also more expensive but i could be wrong.

1" angle should be fine. Do yourself a favor and go to a lowes or home depot or a trailer dealer and take a look at the ramps on their trailers and make yourself some notes. I do that with various welding projects i do and it gives you new ideas or direction. How wide is the trailer? 6'? 7'? 8'?

[punt66]

also keep in mind you will also need to purchase the lift assist spring unit.

[lawnpro2210]

My trailer is 6ft wide. And yes i do the same thing. Ill think about how im going to make something and look at similuar things that are built like what im thinking of building.I was wondering if i could use rake springs to reduce the weight of the ramp.Im not shure if that is the correct term but i saw them at Tractor Supply Co.There like springs that go on farm equipment.Ill try and find a picture.

[lawnpro2210]

Im not shure that it will be strong enogh though.I was thinking of using 4 of them.What do you think?

[punt66]

i doubt it will be strong enough. But if its too strong your door wont stay down either. Its worth a try. How much are they?

[lawnpro2210]

i doubt it will be strong enough. But if its too strong your door wont stay down either. Its worth a try. How much are they?

I can get them for $2.75 each at tractor supply.

[punt66]

I can get them for $2.75 each at tractor supply.

at that price i am sure their not strong enough.

[JABBERS]

I am keeping my double doors and adding a ramp gate to the back. I talked to my welder guy and not a problem for under $1000. It would be similar to an open trailer gate then you would open the double doors.