RampGates? Opinions please!

[bluekerry123]

I am just about to get some new ramp gates made for my lorry, currently have solid marine ply that are rotting. Am considering getting some slatted style wooden consertina type ones made....but am working out the pros and cons of this type, or the solid style, anyones experience, good or bad would help with my decision! Thanks!

 

[*hic*]

It depends on what you are trying to do. I've had both styles. The slatted ones have advantages if you use your lorry for other animals - sheep in my case - as they drop down to the slope of the ramp and stop the blighters nipping out underneath the doors. It can help difficult loaders as they can see out and are not going up the ramp blind but it also provides a better visual guide as there is no gap between ramp and gates.

If you get them made they need to be made so that the slats are close enough together that when shut they interlock with only just enough gap for clearance. Bigger gaps make the gates too flimsy and carry the risk of a horse getting its foot through. The gates need to lock shut to make a solid barrier.

The solid doors are much easier to open and close and to keep clean. They are the norm nowadays except on cattle trucks! They would be much cheaper to make both in terms of wood and labour and easier to get right as you already have a pattern.

 

[bluekerry123]

Thanks for that, I guess they would be cheaper...less technical work involved....does anyone use normal ply wood, or do i need to go to the expense of marine ply? Normal ply thats varnished maybe....