Started By
Message

Utility Trailer for ATVs - Ramp Gate or Not?

Posted on 3/21/24 at 9:50 pm
Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
344 posts
Posted on 3/21/24 at 9:50 pm
About to order a new flatbed trailer to haul around 4 wheelers, kayaks, lumber, etc. Going with a 16-ft trailer with a rail around it.

On the back, I was going to go with slide-out tractor ramps (the adjustable ones you can move around) because I may occasionally haul longer stuff that needs to stick out.

On the other hand, the ramp gate would be good for peace of mind and for keeping little crap like gas cans from falling out.

So what do y’all think is better for a redneck dude’s utility trailer: gate or no gate?

Thanks.
Posted by Big_country346
Member since Jul 2013
3644 posts
Posted on 3/21/24 at 9:53 pm to
Don’t have any pictures on hand, but a fella I know welded a piece of 2” C channel on each of the back corner posts and slides a 2X in after he loads up.
Posted by Contender54
the Enn Oh
Member since Jan 2009
1003 posts
Posted on 3/21/24 at 10:10 pm to
Gates are much more convenient than ramps.
I've had trailers with both.
Posted by MotorBoater
Hammond
Member since Sep 2010
1677 posts
Posted on 3/21/24 at 10:20 pm to
The gate is definitely more convenient but they rattle around so much it drives me crazy! Plus it adds a ton of wind resistance. I agree. It’s a tough decision.
Posted by mudshuvl05
Member since Nov 2023
740 posts
Posted on 3/21/24 at 11:45 pm to
If I had to choose, I'd go with the gate. One thing is you KNOW you'll be hauling around 4 wheelers, kayaks, gas cans, and other wheeled vehicles, etc., but you MAY have to one day haul something longer than 16 ft. If I KNOW I'm primarily hauling wheeled vehicles, I'm going with the gate.

Will the gate not slide out if you need to haul something longer? Alot you can remove, but they take a 2 man team to rehang them. I have a little 12 footer that I welded up a removable, HD front rack at the same height as the rear gate. That way if I needed to haul something longer than 12 ft. (which is alot more often than in a 16 footer if it's the only trailer you have), I could strap the object to the front rack and rear gate and transport it suspended. It worked like a charm.
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7388 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 6:35 am to
My 14' Buck Dandy utility trailer has a gate that folds forward if I'm hauling anything longer than 14'.
Posted by WillFerrellisking
Member since Jun 2019
737 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 7:13 am to
Removable gate
Posted by Icansee4miles
Trolling the Tickfaw
Member since Jan 2007
29298 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 8:03 am to
Mine has a gate. Buddy has ramps. Get the gate.
Posted by El Segundo Guy
SE OK
Member since Aug 2014
9668 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 8:18 am to
On a 16' I'd go ramps. I don't care for gates on 16-18' trailers. If you were talking 12-14' I'd go gates.

I have both and use them both for different applications. 16-18' trailers are so versatile that I'd hate to set it up for just ATVs. I use my 18' to haul my tractor, as a car hauler and for big loads to the dump. Also for big tree trunks I cut down that no way I could put it in a trailer with a gate.
This post was edited on 3/22/24 at 8:24 am
Posted by Huntinguy
Member since Mar 2011
1755 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 8:45 am to
You want ramps on a utility trailer and gate on a smaller tandem for side by sides and atv's.
Posted by FightnTiger
Louisiana
Member since Jul 2007
1067 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 8:54 am to
16' dove tail trailer with short gate.
will help with the rattle.

Posted by Sharlo
Van down by the river.
Member since Oct 2021
344 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 9:52 am to
Going with a detachable gate.

Thanks baws!
Posted by Honest Tune
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2011
15882 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 11:56 am to
The welded angle iron with a 2x10 treated is the way to go and buy some wheeler ramps (collapsing style) from Tractor Supply.
Posted by Runnin Mullet
NW Alabama
Member since Oct 2016
63 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 12:34 pm to
My trailer has and easily removal gate.Slides in and out with no tools required. Helps with hauling longer items. I have added a couple of heavy duty bungee cords to keep is tight and reduce the rattle. It also has the ability to lay forward if not needed to reduce drag.
This post was edited on 3/22/24 at 12:36 pm
Posted by turkish
Member since Aug 2016
1801 posts
Posted on 3/22/24 at 1:36 pm to
Dove tail or bifold gate catch a lot less wind.
Posted by Mid Iowa Tiger
Undisclosed Secure Location
Member since Feb 2008
18775 posts
Posted on 3/23/24 at 8:00 am to
The full ramp is not great for mileage. Even perforated it’s a giant sail.

Go with the 2x idea or build a box on the tongue for smaller items.
Posted by Griffindawg
Member since Oct 2013
6195 posts
Posted on 3/23/24 at 3:10 pm to
If the trailer is built heavy enough to haul a small tractor or skid steer get the slide out ramps bc the weight of either will crush the expanded metal on a drop gate.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram