How to Add a Ramp to a Step-Up Horse Trailer

A trailer ramp can make loading a reluctant horse much easier. Instead of stepping up, the horse can just walk right up the ramp. It also prevents injury to the horse, keeping it from hitting its leg on the back of the trailer.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 1-inch angle iron
  • Steel grading
  • Welding torch
  • 2 sections of chain, 6 inches long
  • 2 steel eyelets
  • 3 ramp hinges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width and height of the trailer door. Measure the distance from the ground to the trailer floor. To get the proper slope of the ramp, make the ramp 1 foot long for every inch of height from the ground.

    • 2

      Measure and cut the angle iron to form the frame of the ramp. It needs to be 1/2 inch smaller than the width of the trailer door. The flat side of the angle iron needs to be the top side. Weld a piece of angle iron through the center of the frame lengthwise to add support.

    • 3

      Measure and cut the steel grading to be flush on all sides with the frame. Weld the steel grading to the frame.

    • 4

      Bolt a 6-inch section of chain 6 feet from the back end on each side. This will secure the ramp to the sides of the trailer when the ramp is closed.

    • 5

      Weld one steel eyelet to the trailer on each side. Measure the length of the ramp from the front to the bolted chain. This is how high the eyelet should be welded onto the trailer. When the ramp is closed, the chain on the ramp will hook here.

    • 6

      Weld the hinges to the ramp, 4 inches from each side and one in the center. Be sure all hinges are welded the same distance from the edge of the metal ramp to ensure proper alignment when folding the ramp to the trailer.

    • 7

      Weld the hinges to the trailer.