Homemade Trailer Ramps

[NorCalKid]

I am going to make some ramps out of angled steel for my trailer and am wondering what size and thickness I should go with. I am thinking of making them look kind of like a latter 5ft long and 1ft wide, with a cross bar every foot. I am also trying to keep costs down as much as possible while not sacrificing strength. I am thinking 2 x 2 x 3/16" what do you all suggest?
Thanks

 

[lectric80]

I have run a trailer using a set just like you are describing and they worked fine. The only suggestion I would make is to look at making the ladder work much closer together. On this trailer they were about a foot apart, and it is a royal pain to get anything on to the trailer, since the tires drop into the gap. Best option is to use some expanded metal over the top to give a smooth driving surface. The trailer I used had exactly the same angle iron you are thinking of using.

 

[NorCalKid]

I thought about that, but I think it will be fine with my truck, the tires are 15.5" wide so it should stay on the edges for the most part. If not expanded metal is a damn good idea, I might put some on just in case I have to haul anything but the blazer.

 

[88sub4x4]

Mine were made that exact way with 3/16 steel and they started bending after loading and unloading a ramcharger a few times. I upgraded to 1/4 for the ladder "legs" and reused the 3/16 "rungs" but spaced them at 10" and it has worked fine ever since. The 2" closer rungs made a huge difference esp. when loading something with small tires.

 

[NorCalKid]

Thanks for the input, but I think my Mom already bought the steel. I am not sure because I am still down at school though, so if not I am thinking 1/4" sounds better