slippery rubber on horsebox ramp

[mlm]

Just had to have new ply and rubber matting put on ramp last week. The rubber was from a reputabe rubber horsebox/stable supply company and clearly states non-slip in all weathers. used it for the first time yesterday and it was so slippery even i couldnt get up and down and horses were sliding down it scared. it then got a bit wet and appeared to have a waxy coating on it as the water just sat in bubbles all over it. has anyone had this problem before and if so what did you do apart from replace it with carpet at more expense, and tbh i prefer the rubber. thanks

 

[Birker2020]

Just had to have new ply and rubber matting put on ramp last week. The rubber was from a reputabe rubber horsebox/stable supply company and clearly states non-slip in all weathers. used it for the first time yesterday and it was so slippery even i couldnt get up and down and horses were sliding down it scared. it then got a bit wet and appeared to have a waxy coating on it as the water just sat in bubbles all over it. has anyone had this problem before and if so what did you do apart from replace it with carpet at more expense, and tbh i prefer the rubber. thanks

It sounds like it could have a layer of grease on it or polish or something maybe put on it to make it look shiny. Can you get some washing up liquid, rub it in neat and wash off (this will take any grease layer off it). You could also try putting some rock salt or grit on top of the ramp prior to loading/unloading but this would be a pain to do on a regular basis.

However if it were me I think I'd be placing a call to the company and explaining the situation, inviting them to come out to have a look at it and make good.

 

[Gilbey]

Agree ring the company, but horizontal struts would help horse keep his footing. But feel the company should do this for you.

 

[c7mlm]

It is the rubber with horizontal strips of rubber, but the only way i could walk on it was sideways going up the struts. i have just rung the manufacturer and they are going to call me back.

 

[charliebuxton]

Had Similar. It may be that like car tyres your rubber has still got some of the release agent on the surface of it that is used to get it out of the moulds. Until this is worn off the rubber below will not behave as it should. Before you go to any significant expense it is worth trying some water with detergent and a stiff scrubbing brush. Best of luck.

 

[photo_jo]

Go and buy some non-slip deck paint for a boat, paint it on the ramp and then throw sand on it-hey presto non slip surface and you can always re do it at later date-not sure what colours they do-ours was pale blue but then it was left over from the boat!