Hello, I have a 2014 Spyder RT and an Aluma aluminum utility trailer with a 6x10 bed and a foldable ramp. Loading Spyder front first, the nose barely and briefly touches the second and third bar of the ramp, before the front wheels reach the beginning of the ramp. It is so mild that I didn’t notice that until my wife who was standing on the sidewalk by the trailer pointed that out. I read about using additional ramps to lift up the nose when loading, but I am wondering if I really need to do that given that the nose barely touches the ramp. I don’t have any way to look under the nose to see if there is any damage from scraping, but some scratches under the nose don’t bother me if that is the only damage (a cracked or broken part may be a different story). Any thoughts about that? Thanks.
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Very light scraping while loading - should I worry?
- Thread starter gianfri
- Start date
Wouldn't that reduce the clearance even more and make the scraping worse?
Possible, although I don't have to load and unload the Spyder on the trailer more than a couple of times a year.
Using a mirror, this is what I can see underneath (not easy to see using a photo from the phone). With my finger I can definitely feel scratches but no cracks. And given that I just bought this Spyder less than a year ago and it is a 2014 model, I have no idea if these scratches are due to my loading it on the trailer or something else. Thanks!
Do you mean across the direction of the ramp (right to left)? I am not sure that would help, by the time the front wheels reach the ramp the nose has cleared it. I know I could use two ramps to extend the trailer ramp, but that is what I am trying to figure out and see if I can avoid it. Thanks!
trikermutha
New member
Cant you place some small ramps under the trailer ramp to avoid the scrapping?
When I had my Spyder towed recently he used some small short ramps to get me on his flat bed and never scrapped.
When I had my Spyder towed recently he used some small short ramps to get me on his flat bed and never scrapped.
I think I could use additional ramps, but they would have to be ON the trailer ramp, not UNDER. Again, the scraping takes place BEFORE the front wheels reach the trailer ramp. Anything that elevates the trailer ramp is going to make the scraping even worse. I would have to use two ramps (one for each front wheel) and connect them to the 2nd or 3rd "step" of the trailer's ramp, so that when the nose reaches the trailer's ramps the two extensions have already lifted the front wheels, so the nose is now higher than before.
Gwolf
Well-known member
Put down the tongue jack on the trailer and raise the front of the trailer up a little bit. Even with it still attached to the towing vehicle, the tongue will go up a few inches. That might reduce the angle of the ramps enough to prevent any scraping. If that isn't enough you might try running the rear tires of the tow vehicle up on some scraps of 2X6.
johnsimion
New member
In addition to the concerns noted, I suggest you check to ensure that the center of the Spyder does not catch on the joint between the ramp and the trailer bed. I had this happen on my Drop-Tail trailer, which screwed up the reverse gear and required a repair. It seems that the piece in question would go on the trailer okay but catch when taking it off. I solved the problem the next time (post-repair) by adjusting the rear shock to maximum hardness and lifting the ramp a little when beginning to back off. This gives enough clearance. Although my trailer is different, the principle is the same.
Spyderlass
New member
If you lower the Spyder rear suspension, the nose will rise considerably. It might be the easy fix you need.
Similar threads
