Posted 2014-12-21 8:34 AM (#162109) Subject: Ramp springs issue
Location: Central Arkansas
The ramp on my 4 Star is really hard to put up. When you let it down, it goes to a level position and you have to step on it to get it to go down. The problem with that, it rises back to level as soon as the weight is off of it. I have to put heavy blocks on it to keep it in the down position while loading a horse. The trailer sat for a long time without being used, but oiling or greasing it, doesn't seem to help. The springs act like they are way too tight. They look like a heavily oiled rusty color. So, do we need to replace all the springs or just get them adjusted? The closest horse trailer repair shop is several hours from me.
Posted 2014-12-24 10:07 PM (#162158 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Expert
Posts: 1871 Location: NY
You should be able to adjust them your self, just move the nut that is holding them counter clock wise and that should take the tension off the springs
Posted 2014-12-25 10:33 AM (#162164 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
I don't think you can have it both ways....if you increase the tension the ramp will be harder to get down...if you decrease the tension, the ramp will be harder to lift up. Besides, I don't think it is adjustable anyway.
Posted 2014-12-27 7:34 AM (#162176 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
When the trailer is sitting in your yard, and your not using it; drop the ramp and place some sand bags or other kinds of weights on it. Leave it that way for as long as you don't use your trailer. I think in time, you'll notice a difference. It's worth a try, and it don't cost anything to try it.
Posted 2015-01-20 7:05 AM (#162310 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Location: Central Arkansas
Our farm mechanic fixed it in 5 minutes by cutting the tension "thingies" off the end of the two middle springs. He did one side, then tested it, it still didn't quite want to rest on the ground, so, he then cut it off of the other middle spring. This ramp has 6 big springs. At first, he thought maybe a spring had seized up, but then could see a slight bend in the middle of the rod that runs thru the springs. It is easy to use now. It stays on the ground, where it should, for loading and unloading. It isn't a problem lifting anymore than, any other heavy duty 4 star ramp, that we have owned. It's the first time we have ever had an issue with a 4 Star ramp in the 20 years we have owned 4 Stars.
Posted 2015-01-20 10:36 AM (#162312 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
A good issue to have, can throw something on it to hold it down..... Don't come back in 6 months saying "I can hardly lift my 4 Star ramp" !!!!! Glad you got it figured out.
Posted 2015-01-20 1:14 PM (#162319 - in reply to #162109) Subject: RE: Ramp springs issue
Location: Central Arkansas
retento, I had been dealing with trying not to trip over the weights needed to hold the thing down. I have a titanium knee, so can't afford to fall. I'm planning on getting this ramp changed out for the new, "1 finger can lift it" ramp from 4 Star, the next time I am out in OKC for a week long show. I just hated to make a special trip to do it, if I didn't have to. Thanks to everyone that responded with possible fixes. Y'all are great!
Ramp springs issue
