3.5t van conversion ramp question

[MyBoyChe]

Has anyone had their ramp altered to either electric or fitted dampers to help with raising and lowering. Started to struggle with my back and Im worried I will get it halfway up or down and have to let go! It has the hydraulic dampers fitted so that the top half doesnt fly up or snap shut too quickly and wondering if I can do something to the bottom half

 

[Red-1]

Yes, I had specialist ramp springs fitted, as I had an extra big ramp on my 3.5 tonne box and it would have been too heavy for the normal springs.

It was designed and fitted by Bloomfields, a totally different design. My huge ramp is literally 2 finger operation, no visible springs.

 

[MyBoyChe]

Is it a similar sort of door though Red, the side door that splits top and bottom? That sounds amazing

 

[ester]

definitely spring or hydraulic options. Mine had nothing as was presumably a basic conversion, person who bought it took it back to 3 counties and they put hydraulics on it for her.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I have decent under springs on mine. If my back is bad, I pop my toe under and lift on my foot for a little bit, then once at knee height I can then lift with one hand to close it. Its solid, but perfectly sprung to be easy. I have a side hung top door, which is easy to handle too.
Be careful with hydraulics under as dirt can more easily get in to damage, if going this route then fit to outside on body.

 

[MyBoyChe]

Thanks guys, definitely options then. Fuzzy, do the springs help to slow it down when you are opening it as well, same in reverse, let it drop to halfway, then a push from above to go right to the floor?

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Thanks guys, definitely options then. Fuzzy, do the springs help to slow it down when you are opening it as well, same in reverse, let it drop to halfway, then a push from above to go right to the floor?

Its balanced in that I dont need to push it in any sense, it just comes down easily (no sudden drop) rather like the car boot opening, if you get my drift?

 

[Red-1]

Is it a similar sort of door though Red, the side door that splits top and bottom? That sounds amazing

Well mine has the barn doors at the top instead of an up door, so to speak, but the bottom ramp is still the same I would imagine.

 

[MyBoyChe]

Thanks both, sounds as if it can definitely be altered then. Will get hubby on the job, he likes a mechanical challenge