Cargo conversion, ramp door vs. barn doors

[msnglinc]

Just ordered a cargo trailer to convert into a toy hauler and like most I ordered the ramp door cause it just seems to make sense and because that's just what everyone does. So I need some opinions. I will be loading ATV's and/or my Wildcat SxS. The ramp seems to be the best choice but I could easily load with a set of ramps to accomplish the same thing.

Reasons for now thinking barn doors would be a smarter choice albeit a bit harder to use:
1. Width of opening, ordered a 7' wide, the ramp uses more space than doors. SxS is 67" as it sits now.
2. I could add two small slider windows with screens in the doors for cross flow ventilation while camping and not using the AC.
3. Maybe most importantly, I could use an inside locking mechanism when we are camping and use this as an extra emergency exit.

I have a few days to decide before they start building my trailer, so, is it worth dealing with a set of light weight ramps in exchange for the ramp door?

Dave

[Gunman9]

I just picked my special order up yesterday and I went with the ramp. Simply because loading anything inside with separate ramps will be a pain to store them and haul them around. Plus I don't see any real use for the barn doors for my application. Also there is a screen company by me that will make a mosquito net to go over the opening and I'll use the ramp as a "deck" in the cooler times of the year.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432069538.074243.jpg (190.08 KiB) Viewed 5745 times

[Rainier70]

I think I remember a post on here where someone used spring loaded slam latches to hold either their barndoors or ramp shut on the inside. They used a small chain on the end of the latch that they could pull to release it. It also could be pulled back to a bolt where it could be secured in the open position, so that it didn't interfere with operation of the door from the outside.

If it was barndoors I still think it could be adapted to use with a ramp.

[lrrowe]

I think I remember a post on here where someone used spring loaded slam latches to hold either their barndoors or ramp shut on the inside. They used a small chain on the end of the latch that they could pull to release it. It also could be pulled back to a bolt where it could be secured in the open position, so that it didn't interfere with operation of the door from the outside.

If it was barndoors I still think it could be adapted to use with a ramp.

I believe it was MtnDon who was one poster who used internal latches for his barn doors. Search in his posts for one idea. I went with barn doors as I rationalized that I could use removal ramps should I ever need them. But then again, I did not get my CT with carrying "toys" in mind as a priority. Also with barn doors, it would be easier for me to built and use a separate galley at the end of the trailer.

Edit: Found the link I was thinking about:
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336&start=210

And I believe there are other posters.

[Rainier70]

I think MtDon used an over center latch for his door's weight. Although I think over center latches would work on a ramp too. Just close your ramp normally then latch it on the inside and then go back out and unlatch the outside bars.


I just saw that you had a link to MtDon's. It was a large over center latch. Something even smaller but like that should work.

[Padilen]

Even though I don't like walking* on ramps. I wanted a ramp for my intended use, and ease of use. Barn door have benefits, but the negative was having to have ramps& and store them. No room inside and underneath would just be a pain for me.
* fused right ankle I walk and look dorky on them.

[khigh]

It just seems like kind of a catch 22 - advantages and disadvantages to both.

I like the easy access of the barn doors. I can pop in and get supplies or what have you from under the bed without ever entering the trailer.

Some things are still easy to put in like a motorcycle. Some things are harder. Depends on how much you can lift with any regularity somewhat. I'm going to wind up getting ramps for mine, or making some. I'm not even sure how you do that, because don't pickup ramps depend on the slot between the bed and tailgate to hold them in place? How do you do that with a CT?

Another cool thing I'd like to experiment with a ramp is to put jacks as close to the end as possible without interfering with the lowering, and make a "foamie" slide out. If I do another build I might go that route.

[nunrleft]

I can't see any benefit to barn doors over ramp door if you're going to haul atv's or other toys. If I close my ramp door (and don't lock it from the outside) it will stay in the closed position until I pull it open. I could easily install a latch on the inside if I wanted to. Nice, solid platform to load on beats narrow wobbly ramps every time. Windows installed in the sides and a roof vent, there should be no need for a window in the back. But like others, I also have a full screen that covers the entire rear opening when the door is down. No ramps to haul and store and set up and pinch your fingers in (if you have folding ramps like me). All in all the ramp doors are best for toy haulers.

[NO David!]

Sounds like the ramp door may be best for you, but since you asked...

We prefer barn doors, meets our modular options plan. Setup depends on the season, or what is being hauled and our toys aren't too heavy.

Cooler weather:


Summertime:


Here, you can close/lock the right door and leave the left for A/C exhaust. The A/C box closes off the rest of the trailer.


Inside:


When we do load heavy stuff, we break out the ramps, now that's a cheap... (ahem) frugal setup.

Oh and + 1K on the windows setup for crossflow. I used Gonefishin's idea for offset windows front and rear and it is great, when combined with a fantastic vent roof fan.

Have fun with your build, just make it "yours", make a few dry run trips before you finalize everything.

[desertrat222]

ive had both and i love the ramp. it sucks dealing with other ramps and storing them especially if its for a UTV and heavy. go ramp and put a screen door in =) I hope you got a side entry door their an absolute must.

[msnglinc]

ive had both and i love the ramp. it sucks dealing with other ramps and storing them especially if its for a UTV and heavy. go ramp and put a screen door in =) I hope you got a side entry door their an absolute must.

I did get the side RV door in a 32" with a small sliding window and a screen door.

[bc toys]

I've had all 3 barn is on the trailer I got now love it had full swing door in my 5x8 and ramp on 7x16 for what you want to use it for I would go with a ramp I don't load ATV's so barn doors work great for me

[msnglinc]

Going with the ramp. Thanks for the replies.