Assist ramp for driveway.

My driveway is a little too steep where it meets the street and causes the receiver hitch on the back of the WC to drag. I have to drag out some 2X10's and make a ramp, with other boards under the highest part for support. It's not really difficult, just terribly inconvenient and worse if it's raining. The boards are heavy and cumbersome and the DW can't handle them, so I have to get positioned sideways across the street (good thing I'm in a cul d sac) while I get situated. I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem and what you did to make it easier. I am opposed to putting wheels/rollers/whatever on the rear of my WC as I think this would put too much negative stress on the frame. If you have experience with this sort of thing, please change my mind or make me feel at ease with the idea.

Thanks

Bob

I would doubt the rollers would overstress the frame or other elements. I've cranked up my rear stabilizers to a point where they lift the trailer (not off the wheels), but removes a lot of weight from the axles. It would be the same loading w/ rollers. As long as you don't shock load it and keep it gradual, I'd say you'll be fine.

Negative stress...that a new one in the world of structural matters.

Wouldn't it depend on where the roller went. If they are on the furthest most place towards the bumper, ie, on the bumper, couldn't it pull the bumper off. ???

I think someone on here has rollers, hopefully they will chime in.

Is your driveway wide enough to start in on an angle and then straighten out after you are past the deepest part of the dip?

Is there some way to have something fabricated out of steel or aluminum you could leave in place only while you have the Cat out?

Place the steel or aluminum plates where needed before pulling the Cat out and just leave them in place until you return???

Even steel grating of some type to save on weight???

I think its ScottZ who has the rollers on his hitch.

Is your driveway wide enough to start in on an angle and then straighten out after you are past the deepest part of the dip?

Nope.

My drive is steep enough that if I hit it fairly straight on, the WC hitch receiver will drag (enough to stall the TV). By coming in on an angle I can clear the receiver. I do have to straighten up quickly or I will drag the rear stabilizer jack. It is the DW's first responsibility to see that I get the correct angle on the drive, and if I don't have it, to get me stopped before I drag.

We have several marks in the concrete where I have made contact, but we pretty well have it down now.

...you could leave in place only while you have the Cat out?

Unfortunately it would be out in the street several feet and run the risk of damaging someones vehicle.

As for weight, I've had some experience with the sort of grating that would have to be used in order to support the weight. I believe it would be at least as heavy as the boards I now use. However, there might not be any further support under the grating, as with the boards, thus saving at least a few pieces.

Thanks for the grating idea, I'll check into that as well as further research the roller idea.

There is another thread here (Rear Bumper Blues) that may offer a solution. Eliminate the receiver and you could possibly gain the room you need to back in without ramps. Worth a look