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Old 03-02-2015, 04:43 PM   #1
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Party Deck/Loading Ramp

Has anyone had any experience with their party deck/loading ramp "separating" or "de-laminating"? While I haven't picked up my unit yet, I know that after I unload the bike and put up the side rails, I'll be leaving the deck up for weeks. I have concerns that when it rains, the water will sit and soak, eventually causing the fiberglass (and wood I assume) to separate. Thinking that it has to be covered or tarped if it is left exposed for long lengths of time? Thanks,
Rusty
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Old 03-02-2015, 04:53 PM   #2
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Why would you leave the ramp open for weeks? When using mine at night the ram gets closed.
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Old 03-02-2015, 05:11 PM   #3
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Party Deck

I'll be full timing it come November. You take the railings down every day? Looks time consuming, but I've never done it, sho maybe not a big deal?
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Old 03-02-2015, 05:30 PM   #4
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I'll be full timing it come November. You take the railings down every day? Looks time consuming, but I've never done it, sho maybe not a big deal?
Side rails close in less than 5 min. I also don't keep it down at night as I don't want unwanted guess in my RV. Need to keep the cold from coming in or the heat from going out.
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Old 03-02-2015, 06:34 PM   #5
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My patio deck has been out & setup for 11 weeks now... No issues.
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Old 03-03-2015, 03:46 PM   #6
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I read on another forum a thread of the "de-laminating" issue you are concerned about. On the Lippert website it refers to the ramp door as "Vacuum-bonded construction" and the poster with the "de-lamination" stated it separated from the wood.

I've had my ramp patio out in the rain and while most of it runs off, I noticed some water pools and stands along the edges & corners. Wood and standing water are never a good combination, I always close my ramp door if there is any chance of rain.
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Old 03-03-2015, 05:40 PM   #7
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It rained & poured here yesterday (a rarity in Arizona), and I left the patio out and wide open. The entire deck was wet all day... and although I never noticed any pools of standing water, it would be nice if there were some type of 'run-off' drainage built it.

I guess I look at it like this: it's an outdoor patio. It's supposed to be made to get wet. If I'm supposed to fold up my chairs, and close it up every time a rain-cloud passes over, then it's worthless. If it fails, then I'll have it replaced under warranty.
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Old 06-12-2015, 12:18 PM   #8
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loading ramp issue

How about adding an adjustable chain link from the hardware store . Where your cables get pinned to the ramp,add the link for length .the added length will allow the water to run down and off.the extra few degrees of angle probably will go unnoticed.
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Old 06-12-2015, 12:34 PM   #9
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My stock connectors that attached the cable to the door frame screwed open and bent under the weight of the ramp. I bought new heavier Quick Link Connectors and since these were a little larger / longer than the ones I replaced it gave the ramp a slight downward tilt that would allow for any water to drain.

Great idea... I didn't even think about that when I bought the new connectors, I just wanted something heavier that wouldn't bend.

I still try to close my ramp when it rains... which has been quite often lately in these parts.
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Old 06-12-2015, 12:39 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by HornedToad View Post
My stock connectors that attached the cable to the door frame screwed open and bent under the weight of the ramp. I bought new heavier Quick Link Connectors and since these were a little larger / longer than the ones I replaced it gave the ramp a slight downward tilt that would allow for any water to drain.

Great idea... I didn't even think about that when I bought the new connectors, I just wanted something heavier that wouldn't bend.

I still try to close my ramp when it rains... which has been quite often lately in these parts.
You mean the ramp has been more like a swim platform lately??

More to come so says the weather weenies
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Old 06-12-2015, 01:06 PM   #11
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If I know we have a ton of rain, I suppose I'll fold it in. I've only my unit out for two, four day weekends, so I'm still getting the hang of it. I'll probably add the connector for a tiny slope and just NEATLY silicone or caulk along the seams. Guessing the non-skid covering on the ramp is relatively impervious to water, so that should be good.
Rusty
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Old 06-12-2015, 01:09 PM   #12
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You mean the ramp has been more like a swim platform lately??

More to come so says the weather weenies
I won't complain... after a 10 year drought the lakes are finally filling back up!!!

All the lakes in Texas are man made except one... Caddo Lake. This doesn't take into consideration what I call ponds or tidal lakes.
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Old 06-12-2015, 01:45 PM   #13
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Regarding the concern over the door being made of wood, I tore the non-skid material off my ramp door and it was aluminum underneath. If there's wood in my ramp door, I didn't find any evidence. If it's in between the fiberglass outer and aluminum inner it must be very light wood.
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Old 06-12-2015, 03:28 PM   #14
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Well, that's a good sign. Maybe worrying for nothing. Appreciate the input.
Rusty
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Old 06-12-2015, 04:27 PM   #15
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I nicked the non skid covering on my ramp with one of the legs when I dropped the patio rail and also noticed it had aluminum plate underneath.

Follow the link below to the thread I referenced about issues with delamination of the ramp door from dry rot. See post #13 for a photo that shows 1/8 inch plywood sandwiched in between. This was on a 2008 Toy Hauler and I read another comment that Lippert had re designed the ramp door in 2010, so maybe it's no longer a problem?

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