Can you add ramp to a horse trailer

While thinking about moving a horse to a trailer, the first thing that comes to mind is the easy way to load them in. Suddenly a question pop-up in your mind, “Can I add a ramp for my horse trailer ?” and the answer is quite simple and easy.

Yes, you can add a ramp to a horse trailer. Because it will be easy for loading horses in the trailer and if you are certain about attaching a ramp that is suitable for your equine, then definitely you can!

As horse owners, we are always concerned about the horse's safety, comfort, and proper care. We strive to provide every possible facility that is best and most suitable for our horses. From their grooming, feeding, and living place to participating in any show or sports. But when it comes to moving your horse to a trailer, it becomes quite stressful which equipment will be easier to load.

Adding a ramp to a horse trailer is an excellent idea to load and upheaval your equine. As horse trailers are an integral aspect while working with horses, having suitable equipment attached to the trailer can be effective for horse loading.  Especially when it's about traveling somewhere with your horse to participate in a competition or equestrian show. 

But you need to consider some facts before adding a ramp to the horse trailer. Such as trailer size, ramp position and stability, load capacity, horse health, and route condition. Most importantly, you should have a fair sense of how much it will cost to set it up, among other things. 

Now you may be wondering what could be the installation process of adding a ramp to your horse van. 

So without wasting any time, let's jump on the trailer.

Types of ramps for horse trailers

A ramp is an extension that can be attached to a horse trailer. It has a slightly sloping shape so horses can easily use it to get on the carriage. Just like the one we use in loading trucks. Step-up is a different model people use while loading their horses.

You know how difficult it is for us to use stairs to climb. Same goes for horses while using a step-up. Sometimes the height of that trailer becomes cumbersome for your equine. So using a ramp trailer is more comfortable and convenient.

The main difference between the ramp and step-up is adjoining with horse trailers. Step-up trailers are basically manual equipment and don't require any attachment with the carriage. On the other hand, a ramp trailer allows horses to climb the trailer at a gradual angle. It helps horses to keep balance and steadiness while walking through. There are two types of ramps you can add to your horse trailer.

1. Front Ramp: The front ramp is usually attached to the front side of the trailer. It will be added to the opposite side of your entrance.
2. Rear Ramp: Rear ramp trailer is a convenient way to load your horses into the trailer. This ramp can be connected to the back side of the vehicle.  

You can add both of these ramp trailers to your carriage. Because it will be very convenient for horses to enter and exit as well. Though some people only add rear trailers. That actually depends on the size of the horse trailer and your budget to set up both ramps. 

But if you are concerned about your horse's comfort and ease of loading into the van, then adding a ramp to a horse trailer will be an ideal choice rather a step-up trailer.    

Facts to consider before adding a ramp

When you buy something for yourself,  you consider a few aspects such as its price, sustainability, proper use, and suitability. It is the natural way people think about buying something new. Similarly, you should apply for your fellow horses while considering anything new for their benefit. Like adding ramps to your horse trailer. There are some facts you may consider before attaching a new ramp. Such as-

• Trailer size: Without considering the size of a horse trailer, it is quite difficult to choose the right ramp that perfectly fits the trailer. Because the horse needs enough space inside the carriage to move or turn around. Furthermore, it will be easier and more comfortable to move your horse forward when dismounting.
• Position: Before adding a ramp trailer, you need to think about the position. If the horse trailer size is unsuitable for moving the horse, then you might need to add a ramp to the front of the trailer. 
• Stability: If the ramp is not stable, there is a possibility of the horse getting injured. So while adding a ramp trailer, make sure it has stability.
• Easy to walk through: It is important to consider whether the horse can walk through easily and comfortably with this ramp. After all, it's about their coziness.
• Load capacity: When you travel with a horse for any contests or sport, you carry horse essentials, riding equipment, and so on. Apart from loading and unloading your horses, this ramp can be helpful for you to unload those accessories from the trailer. Therefore it is necessary to have load capacity.
• Climate and Path condition: Sometimes it becomes impossible to predict the weather condition. If the ramp's back side is sloppy or dusty, it will be vulnerable to slip while packing up or unloading. Make sure you pull down the ramp on a balanced surface.
• Horse’s condition: Having a ramp with a trailer is quite beneficial for horses of all ages. It will be helpful for ill or injured horses, and especially for older ones.
• Cost: And last but not the least, it is necessary to consider the costing of attaching a ramp. Because the ramp trailers are somewhat costly than step-up trailers. Make sure that the cost is within your budget. 

Installation process of a ramp trailer

After considering those facts , the next step is to take preparation for installing the ramp to your horse trailer. This is the most challenging part and you need to be careful while constructing this piece of equipment. There are some areas you should consider before installing.

• Gather necessary equipment: When you start building something, the first thing you do is gather all the necessary tools. Such as steel, wood , measurement equipment and most importantly a rough design, which will help you to build the ramp accurately.
• Measurement: Following that, you need to take some measurement such as the trailer body’s rear side length, where you will attach this tool. Make sure that the height of the opening door and the ramp are not the same. Otherwise it will be quite difficult for you to turn over the ramp trailer. Measure the material things like wood , steel, the angle of the slant part.
• Manufacture: After getting all the measurements, it is time to start constructing the ramp. For example, start cutting all the necessary material according to measurement. Go through the design as most people build this ramp on their own. If you find any difficulty, you can call for some professional workers to help you. As you are doing this for your horse’s easement and safety, make sure all the steps on the construction ramp are without any defect.
• Placing ramp in proper way: The final step in this process is to place the ramp in the right way. When setting up the ramp, check that everything is in place. If the ramp seems a little bit slippery, then you may add traction. It will prevent the horse from slipping while loading or unloading. On the other hand, you can add some strong chains with the ramp along with the opening door. It will aid in getting support and extra precaution.

It's better to have proper guidance while installing this equipment. All the necessary steps for how to build a ramp for a horse trailer may help you build the ramp accurately.

Enclosure

In the end, we can say adding a ramp for your horse trailer is an efficient idea. Despite being costly, it is far better than a step-up trailer. Because it will be easy for your horse to climb on steadily and safely while loading. But before that make sure to consider all the facts and follow the installation process properly.  

I hope our blog will help you to make the right decision for your horse journey. And please share your valuable opinion with us and your experience of adding a ramp to a horse trailer!