FIRGELLI APPLICATION CALCULATOR
Trailer Ramp Actuator Calculator
Size an actuator to lower and raise a trailer loading ramp. Enter the ramp weight, length, travel angles and mounting dimensions, then animate the movement and compare actuator matches.
Start your calculation ↓
Adjust the trailer ramp and bracket dimensions above.
Plan the trailer ramp mechanism
The ramp pivots around its hinge on the trailer. A rigid bracket connects the ramp to the actuator, while the actuator base mounts to the trailer frame. The simulator checks the changing leverage and hole-to-hole length throughout lowering and raising.
Enter your trailer ramp measurements
- Enter the weight of the moving ramp and its attached hardware, and measure the ramp length from the hinge to its outer edge.
- Set the stowed and deployed angles. The starting example uses 95 degrees stowed and 0 degrees deployed; enter your ramp's actual angle when lowered.
- Measure the bracket arm length and its position along the ramp, then the horizontal and vertical position of the trailer base mounting pin relative to the hinge.
- Rotate the installation dial to match the mounting orientation. Select one to four actuators and adjust the safety multiplier.
Check force, travel and installation space
Use the live force dial and dimension labels while the ramp moves. Actuator Matches compares force and stroke requirements with the listed mounting-hole dimensions. If an invalid actuator path appears, reposition the mounting points before choosing an actuator.
The model assumes a rigid ramp with uniformly distributed weight. Multiple actuators share the load equally and require synchronized movement. These results size ramp deployment and stowing; they do not determine the ramp's vehicle or cargo capacity when used for loading.