| ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300232] |
Fri, 06 May 2016 13:08  |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
Karma: 0
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Shortly after I purchased my coach, I built a set of these ramps from wood:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/wood-ramp-construction/p5006.html
I did not paint them, They have mostly lived outside. The weather has taken its toll on them. It is time to build replacements.
What I am wondering about, is if it is possible to build these (or at least similar ones) from something that would hold up to the weather better? I was considering composite decking material. I know that would be much pricier, but would it work?
The composite "boards" come in 1" thickness x 5.4" wide. http://www.lowes.com/pd_371963-46086-229074___?productId=3612032&pl=1&Ntt=composite+decking
I believe a wood 2x4 is actually about 1.5 x 3.5" currently.
I guess what I really want to know is would the composite deck boards hold up under the weight? Also, would it be best to sandwich to of the 1" x 5.5" in places where the plans call for a 2x4?
If any one has thoughts on other alternative building materials, please share them.
Thanks.
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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| Re: ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300244 is a reply to message #300232] |
Fri, 06 May 2016 21:27  |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
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Ok. Wood it is. Thanks everyone for your input.
I do think I will paint them this time. I am also considering attaching a couple casters to the 'tall' end, to aid in moving them.
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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| Re: ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300245 is a reply to message #300244] |
Fri, 06 May 2016 22:10 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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I'm not sure what the compressive strength of that composite material is, but the weight alone would keep me from using it for ramps. That stuff is heavy.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300252 is a reply to message #300249] |
Sat, 07 May 2016 11:52 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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I have a 3-ton aluminum floor jack that I took to Shawnee.
We used it doing the Sully-bag install on Kim Weeks' coach.
There's probably no way I could lift/carry a steel version.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
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______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
> From: rmorrison715@comcast.net
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sat, 7 May 2016 11:21:17 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ramps-alternatives to wood
>
> Has anyone tried the 3 ton aluminum floor jacks???
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Matt Sladek"
> To:
> Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2016 9:41 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ramps-alternatives to wood
>
>
>> pzerkel wrote on Fri, 06 May 2016 21:27
>>> I am also considering attaching a couple casters to the 'tall' end, to
>>> aid in moving them.
>>
>>
>> Paul - I'd be curious to see what you come up with for casters. I
>> scratched my head over that same issue when I built mine but couldn't come
>> up with a
>> mount that would allow the caster to be in a good enough position to
>> assist in moving while not being crushed from supporting the weight of the
>> gmc
>> when it is on the ramps. Fortunately, I have a small hand dolly that is a
>> big help in moving them around.
>> --
>> Matt Sladek
>> 1976 Eleganza II
>> Coralville, IA
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| Re: ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300254 is a reply to message #300247] |
Sat, 07 May 2016 12:43 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Matt,
Mount solid (non-swivel)3 inch casters vertically on the tall end of the ramps. When you pick up the other end the wheels will engage the ground.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300255 is a reply to message #300252] |
Sat, 07 May 2016 12:50 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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I got the 3 ton aluminum and steel floor jack from Northern to keep in the GMC. The side rails bow when I lift the rear under the bogie mount. Makes me nervous, so I just keep it in there to be self-sufficient on the side of the road. I use my all-steel 3.5 ton floor jack here at home, but I use the tractor to carry it to the GMC!
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: ramps-alternatives to wood [message #300256 is a reply to message #300254] |
Sat, 07 May 2016 13:20 |
pzerkel
Messages: 212
Registered: September 2007
Location: Salisbury, IL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Bullitthead wrote on Sat, 07 May 2016 12:43Matt,
Mount solid (non-swivel)3 inch casters vertically on the tall end of the ramps. When you pick up the other end the wheels will engage the ground.
Exactly what I was thinking!
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
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