Changing Carpet to Rubber on Horsebox Ramp

[dressage_diva]

Has anyone ever changed their 7.5t horsebox ramp for a carpet covering to a rubber covering? How much did it cost you and how much did it change the payload?

I have a nervous loader (who travels fine), and one thing that has been mentioned to me is that some horses hate carpet on ramps and that sometimes their loaders are much better on rubber ramps. I don't have the option of trying my horse on such a ramp unfortunately, so I'm wondering how much it might roughly cost to convert my ramp? My old PRB lorry has a 2t payload at the moment, so I have some weight to play with but equally want to be cautious about how changing the ramp covering will affect my payload.

Thanks

 

[YasandCrystal]

I can tell you my experience which was the reverse. I refurbished a ramp on my old 7.5t lorry from rubber with wooden anti slip blocks to nylon carpet with aluminium treads. Honestly the weight difference in the ramp was phenomenal. The ramp with the new covering became so light and easy to lift. I commented as such to a Horsebox builder and he said people don't realise just how heavy rubber weighs even the thin ribbed sheets and to change to one if those ramp mats with the built in anti slip you really do need to check your weights and be mindful you may not lift the ramp again by yourself unless there is adequate adjustment available. The bespoke ramp mats weigh over 75kg.

 

[peanuts1984]

we have the light rubber backed carpet also and it lifts so easy compared to a rubber one,

rubber is great but only if your ramp is designed for it with the weight

 

[dressage_diva]

Thanks both. I have a very trusty mechanic whose advice I would seek before I consider changing it (at the moment my ramp is super light to lift on my own and I would miss that!). Just wanted an idea of prices before I speak to him about it as cost might be prohibitive before I even consider how much heavier my ramp would be!