How to get heavy items into Matson container

[kauailover]

Originally Posted by sborford

Do you happen to have a picture of the ramp you built?

The OP might not be around but a ramp is pretty easy to build. There are a few videos on youtube but not the best design.

I recommend doing a 15ft ramp as others I've seen built are too steep to roll heavier items up. Buy 2-16ft 2x4's, 2 sheets of 5/8 OSB plywood. Buy about 4 to 5 other 8ft 2x4's for bracing and a box of 2" & 3" wood screws so its easy to take apart and reuse at other end for unloading. 2" screws for OSB onto ramp, 3" for all 2x4 bracing etc.

A few 8' -1x4's also help brace the H back to the ramp to keep it from rocking.

Once you get the container on site you can build it to exact height. Rip OSB plywood down to 30" wide and save scrap to build shelving if you want? 30" is plenty wide enough for a moving dolly to roll up and not risk rolling off edge without building a curb along ramp edges.

Hold 16ft 2x4 up to edge of container 5/8" below floor line, with doors open to get the angle you need to trim off 2x4 at the bottom of the ramp. Makes a smooth transition from street or driveway rolling heavy stuff up.

Now measure the height you need from the ground to just below the floor of the container. Build some H bracing for that end to get secured to 6ft ramp 2x4's. Cross bracing in both directions helps too. Also some bracing in middle of the ramp after you screw the plywood onto the 2 16ft 2x4's.

After ramp is complete I used a ratchet strap around the ramp H brace to the metal frame under the container to hold the ramp tight in place to the back of the container to keep it secure.

2 people can slide the ramp away if you need to lock up the container overnight to load more the next day.

I will try to get some pics on here asap. Let me know if you have any questions.

Also leave one side of the container open enough room to slide the ramp components into for re-use at other end.

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