Super Ramps

[Greg C.]

I'm planning on building some large ramps made out of heavy angle iron. My coach's front approach angle looks to have 15" clearance at the front
bumper 44 inches out from the front tire.

Using 3 x 3 x 3/8 angle iron for the ramps means the actual surface the tires will drive on will be about 11" above the ground. This is about a four
to one slope, making the inclined portion about 72" long

before getting to the level top section which will be (right now) about 18" above the ground. I've got to get high enough to remove the radiator
immediately, and then whatever other maintenance items I need to

do during and after the radiator work. The ramp portions will be 3 x 3 x 3/8, but the vertical members and parts on the ground will probably be 2 x 2
x 1/4 angle. It will be heavy, and over built for the

purpose.

Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? My main concern is will the back end of the coach drag when the front is 18" in the air? I
suppose I can build shorter ramps for the back and use them

simultaneously, but I was hoping to avoid that. Any thoughts?
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[john r. lebetski]

I did my radiator in the driveway with an uncut hoop. I don’t remember jacking the coach at all. Lowered entire assembly with a floor jack.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

 

[LQQKatJon]

Only thing I have found the wood ramps not tall enough is transmission removal. Drop tranny with ramps and then jack up coach scary high to get
tranny out from underneath.

Rear drag is hard to say. Different coaches, and what height are air bags at??

Overbuild metal if you must. But most all of us have built a set of wood ramps based on this:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/wood-ramp-construction/p5006.html

Not only angle but ramp needs to fit under coach fender/running board.

These wood rear ramps are also what I use on front.


--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

 

[Greg C.]

So the general consensus is that the wood ramps will be high enough for radiator removal and timing chain work?
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[Larry Davick]

>
> I also replaced my radiator without jacking up the coach.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976 Palm Beach
Fremont CA

 

[johnny]

I can get the radiator out without raising the coach, after removing the loop that holds it. Transmission will come out with a relatively small lift
if you tilt it back, slide, and then forward to clear the final drive and crossmember.

--johnny

--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell