[Shop-talk] MATH GURUS AND TRAILER BUILDERS

[pethier at comcast.net]

In order to prevent an inordinately complicated formula, rather than one formula, you need three formulae.

One for break-over, using wheelbase and center clearance.

One of ramp angle front:  using front overhang and front clearance.

One for ramp angle rear: using rear overhang numbers you didn't ask for.  Need to avoid dragging the the tail, or tailpipes, on the ground.

Note that front, rear, and center clearances may not be the same.

The best way to do the front and rear ramp angles may be to use a piece of plywood and measure the ramp angle directly.

Each of these three formulae will give you a ramp length.  Use the longest of the three.

Not a big formula guy, I usually wind up scribbling triangles on a piece of paper and figure it all out using real numbers and a trig-capable calculator.

Phil Ethier West Side Saint Paul Minnesota USA
1973 Triumph Stag LE22439UBW "uncle jack", Sapphire Blue
2004 Suburban 8.1, Sport Red, the only automatic of the bunch
2005 Lotus Elise, Bordeaux Red Pearl
2007 Saturn Ion 3 2.4, Berry Red
pethier [at] comcast [dot] net
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pethier
http://www.triumphtransamerica.org.uk
http://www.mnautox.com

----- Original Message -----
> From: "john niolon" <jniolon at bham.rr.com>
> To: "shop-talk" <shop-talk at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 8:29:10 AM
> Subject: [Shop-talk] MATH GURUS AND TRAILER BUILDERS
> math and geometry have never been my strong suite... I need some help
> with a
> formula
> 
> 
> 
> Here's the math problem for all you geometry/trig/calculus/trailer
> building
> car people.(that have to haul the ride sitting in the shop... shop
> content)
> 
> 
> 
> I need to calculate the ramp length for a car hauler trailer so the
> vehicle
> won't drag on loading. given
> 
> 
> 
> a. the height of the trailer bed
> 
> c. the distance from the front edge of the vehicle to the front tire
> contact
> point
> 
> d. the wheel base of the vehicle
> 
> e. the height of the vehicle at it's lowest point
> 
> 
> 
> I think I've included all the variables... I know dovetailing the
> trailer
> helps a lot... but we might have to work with what's available...
> 
> 
> 
> a "plug in" formula would be sweet so you could just put in the
> variables and
> it would calculate the ramp length
> 
> 
> 
> I've got a sketch of what I'm trying to solve if you want to look at
> 
> http://jniolon.classicpickup.com/RAMP.HTML
> 
> 
> 
> I know this group can come up with something... heck, if I had the
> material
> you could build it be quitting time
> 
> 
> 
> thanks
> 
> John
> _______________________________________________
> 
> Shop-talk at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation $12.96
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/shop-talk/pethier@comcast.net