When a standard trailer setup doesn’t fit the vehicle, sometimes the best solution is to build exactly what’s needed.
A customer approached Pottsies Fabrication with a problem: the front tires of their vehicle were too wide to fit between the fenders of their trailer. They needed a way to raise the vehicle’s front tires above the fenders while maintaining a manageable approach angle.
Rather than modifying the trailer itself, we designed and fabricated a pair of custom aluminum ramps and elevated platforms to solve the problem.
Starting With a Custom Design
Every custom fabrication project starts with understanding what the customer needs.
For this project, we developed a CAD model of two matching aluminum ramps, each featuring an inclined approach leading to a raised platform approximately 9 inches above the trailer floor.
The design incorporated crossmembers, vertical supports, and reinforcement to distribute the vehicle’s weight through the structure.
Cutting and Machining the Aluminum
With the design finalized, it was time to turn the drawings into actual parts.
The framework was constructed from 6063-T52 aluminum square tubing. Each piece was measured, cut, and prepared for assembly.
Some components also required machining to achieve the proper fit and geometry.
Precision TIG Welding and Assembly
Once the components were prepared, the framework was assembled and TIG welded.
The ramps feature closely spaced crossmembers and vertical supports, with additional reinforcement at critical joints. Maintaining alignment throughout the welding process was especially important to ensure the finished platforms would sit properly.
Adding the Diamond Plate and Reinforcement
After completing the framework, we fitted aluminum diamond plate to create a durable, textured driving surface.
Additional side gussets were installed at key locations to reinforce the structure, and the rear ends were enclosed with diamond plate to provide a raised tire stop.
The result was a matching pair of custom-built aluminum ramps designed specifically around the customer’s application.
From Drawing to Finished Product
Before delivery, we performed a preliminary fit and loading check using a pickup truck to observe how the completed ramps behaved under vehicle weight.
Seeing the finished ramps supporting a vehicle was a satisfying conclusion to a project that started as a custom design.
Have a Custom Fabrication Problem?
Not every problem has an off-the-shelf solution.
At Pottsies Fabrication LLC, we specialize in turning ideas, sketches, and unique challenges into finished parts and assemblies.
Our services include:
- Manual and CNC machining
- Precision TIG and MIG welding
- Custom metal fabrication
- CAD design and prototyping
- One-off parts, repairs, and short production runs
Whether you need a custom bracket, specialized equipment, or a complete fabricated assembly, we’d be happy to discuss your project.
Pottsies Fabrication LLC – Charlestown, Indiana