Important Note:
Spring systems can contain a significant amount of stored energy and can be dangerous. Serious injury can result if the spring system is improperly adjusted, modified or otherwise altered. If you are not mechanically inclined or unsure of the dangers involved, please do not attempt to work on your system. A local overhead garage door dealer can be an excellent resource for working on these systems.
Ramp Door Spring Systems - Common Problems
Common problems encountered when installing and using ramp door spring systems
Cables loose tension when door closed
Not enough winds on the spring(s) to rotate the drum enough times to pick up all the cable
Add more winds to the spring(s)
- Measure the length of the cable from the cable drum to the attachment point in inches.
- Divide that length by 13 and add 1.
- That is the minimum number of turns needed to wind all cable onto the drum (assuming a 4″ diameter cable drum)
One cable is slacker than the other
Ramp door is not level or is racked
Straighten the ramp door
- Always install spring system when the ramp door is on level ground.
- Take care when removing slack from the cables prior to winding. It is easy to raise one corner of a light door.
- If racked, contact trailer manufacturer
Ramp Door Hard to Open
Spring system is pulling on the ramp door when it is closed
Too many winds on spring(s)
- Reduce springs winds, but ensure door is still balanced and there are enough winds to wind up all the cable
Ramp Door Too Heavy to Lift
Spring torque is not sufficient to counterbalance the ramp door weight
Add more spring torque
- Up to 2 additional turns to the spring(s). More than 2 turns can significantly degrade the life of the spring
- Replace the spring(s) with higher torque spring(s)
Ramp Door Too Light or Raises by Itself
Spring torque is too large for the ramp door weight. Difficult problem to solve
Reduce lift capability of the spring(s)
- If dual system, loosen the winding cone set screws for one spring and only use one spring for the lift.
- Move the cable attachment point on the ramp door closer to the trailer opening.
- Reducing spring winds can cause cable problems
Spring “snaking” while being wound
Some “snaking” is normal. Winding cone may not be sliding freely on the torque tube
Burrs or dents on torque tube
- Use a metal file to remove any burrs
- If torque has significant dents, it may need to be replaced
Spring binds or “crunches” as door lowered
Torsion spring not able to grow while being wound by the door
Spring not stretched while winding
- Spring needs 2”-3” to grow while it winds
- See snaking solutions
- If installed with door up, spring not pre-stretched
Spring coming off cone or coils expanding when winding
Spring being wound backward
Check winding direction or spring hand
- Winding should be executed by pulling down on the winding bar from the roof of the trailer
- Wrong handed spring installed on wrong side of spring system
Trailer already has a hinge torsion spring