Interstate 40dla tag trailer ramps

[millwrightguy]

Hoping someone can help. I recently bought an interstate 40dla trailer and just discovered that although it is a 40000 pound trailer it was equipped with lighter duty ramps that are made of 4" channel. Interstate says the heavier duty ramps are constructed using 6" wide flange beam. Does anybody here have an interstate trailer with the heavy ramps? If so, is there any chance of getting some dimensions or maybe pictures of the ramps? Mine are bent up pretty bad and I would like to build a set of the heavy duty ramps. Thanks in advance this forum is full of such great information.

[CCOMER]

Are your ramps bending or is the connection from ramp to dovetail (I'm assuming cold roll round pipe) bending? Is the trailer rated at 40,000 lbs. gross or net? I do have some help in a bag of tricks either way. I have worked in a joint venture environment with Interstate for several years but regardless of that I can probably get you some drawings if you are looking to fabricate new ramps or I can get you some help getting the correct ramps built. My personal experience with ramps bending on trailers of this size is usually due to lack of bracing at the connection point. in other words, you might have to give up some slide and add a 3rd ear to support the pipe. If you are bending the actual ramps, 1st question - what are you loading
2nd question - do the ramps have a foot
3rd question - to be clear, these are 4" channel side rails with angle iron bracing??
Let me know, & I'll see what I can do to help

[CM1995]

Welcome to the Forums CCOMER!

[millwrightguy]

Thanks ccomer. Yes the ramps are the 4" channel with angle iron cross pieces. I was told they are rated at 26,000 lbs. and were special ordered for the trailer even though it is a 40,000 lb. trailer. Go figure. I plan on using the trailer to its fullest and apparently somebody already tried to with these ramps because they are bent in the middle, kinda sway back. They didnt bend up by the attach points, that all looks fine, and yes they have a foot on them. I was told the heavier ramps are made from 6" wide flange beam, but i don't know the weight of the beam or other specifics of the ramps. I'd like to build them as close to the interstate spec as possible, so I know that I have a proven sturdy ramp. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[CCOMER]

That was going to be my next suggestion was to possibly keep what you have but increase the lbs. per ft. If you need the drawings for the 6" channel ramps, i will get them for you. I will be out of pocket until tues or possibly wed. but if you could shoot me a reminder email with the info below.
I will need some background on the trailer. Last 5 or 6 of the vin should be fine. I just have a few more questions.
1. Have you spoken to the guys directly at Interstate about this?
2. Where is this info about the ramps being custom built coming from? I assume you have purchased this trailer used. It is possible the ramps were custom built but unless there are other items that do not appear standard, moire than likely it was a design change, but I do not wan't to speculate until I can get the trailer #. I will say that I know Steve Flowers (owner), as well as Mark, Matt, Treye, & Bryan. These are good guys and when considering tags, tilts, and smaller fixed necks, they have a quality product generally speaking. Every manufacturer has their blips. Before I started my own company, I worked very close with Interstate. Basically, Mark & I put a joint venture together between between our employers manufacturing plants. I'm telling you this because I have been on both sides of the fence. If the Interstate design with 6" channel is what you are looking for, I will get it for you but I will have to get their approval before releasing somewhat proprietary information. I will also tell you that if you think in terms of the manufacturer, they are trying to walk a fine line between structural integrity and low overhead. Food for thought meaning just because the trailer manufacturer designed the ramps, does not necessarily mean it is the best design for your application. More than willing to help out either way but will need above info.
No worries, this is a simple fix on the ramps, just beware of overloading the trailer. 50 ton ramps for a 20 ton trailer can obviously lead to problems. I'm sure you are aware of all this, I just don't want to lead you in a direction that could possibly do more harm than good. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks,
CJC