LESSON 1 OF 10

Adding/Replacing a Ramp Door Spring

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO

Identify the correct spring quantity and placement for Lippert ramp doors.
Execute a safe spring replacement sequence by manipulating door angle to manage tension.
Differentiate between manual and power tool methods to protect interior T-nut hardware.

TOOLS AT THE BAY

Hand ratchet — Remove the three bolts holding the bracket to the door without dislodging the internal T-nuts.
Safety glasses — Protect eyes while working under or around spring-loaded ramp components.
Order form or tablet — Record the door variant tag information to ensure the correct spring is ordered from Lippert.

Lippert ramp doors have 4, 5 or 6 springs. Vacant positions are at the ends, never in the middle four.

Give Lippert the door variant tag so the correct spring is ordered.

How It Works

Spring Configuration and Layout

Lippert ramp doors are designed to accommodate 4, 5, or 6 springs depending on the door weight and application. When a door uses fewer than the maximum number of springs, the vacant positions must be located at the ends of the spring rod; the middle four positions must never be left vacant.

Mechanical Tension Management

Safe replacement requires managing the stored energy of the torsion springs. By opening the door to 90° for bolt removal and then closing the door, the technician can effectively relieve spring tension to allow the bracket and spring to be slid off the rod safely.

Fastener Integrity

The mounting bolts interface with T-nuts located inside the door structure. Because these nuts are not permanently welded or fixed against high-speed torque, the use of power tools carries a high risk of spinning the nuts loose, which compromises the door's structural assembly.

⚠ CAUTION Power tools can spin the T-nuts loose. If you must use one, a second person must hold the T-nuts inside.

Step-by-Step Procedure

0/5 done

1.Open the ramp door to 90°.
2.Remove the three bolts holding the last bracket to the door — by hand ratchet only.
3.Close the door to relieve spring tension.
4.Slide the bracket and old spring off the spring rod.
5.Slide the new spring onto the rod, reinstall the bracket and bolts.

Diagnostic Chart

Symptom	Check	Spec / Expected	Likely cause & fix
Internal T-nuts spinning during bolt removal.	Verify if power tools were used without a second person holding the T-nuts inside.	Per the applicable manual	High-speed torque from power tools can break the T-nuts loose from the interior of the door. Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)
Replacement spring does not match door lift requirements.	Locate the door variant tag and compare it against the ordered part number.	Give Lippert the door variant tag so the correct spring is ordered.	Ordering a spring without referencing the specific door variant tag. Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)
Uneven door lift or spring rod binding.	Inspect the placement of springs across the rod positions.	Vacant positions are at the ends, never in the middle four.	Springs were installed leaving vacant spots in the center four positions rather than the ends. Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)
Extreme resistance when trying to slide the bracket off the rod.	Confirm the door position status.	Close the door to relieve spring tension.	The door is likely in an open position that maintains tension on the spring and bracket assembly. Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)

At the Bay: Diagnose the Case

CASE 1 / 4

Internal T-nuts spinning during bolt removal.

Test
Compare
Correct

Select the next check

Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911). A likely cause is a hypothesis; confirm it with the applicable service procedure before repair.

Common Bay Mistakes

✕ Leaving vacant spring positions in the middle four slots of the rod.
✕ Using power tools for bolt removal without a second technician to hold the T-nuts.
✕ Ordering a replacement spring based on visual similarity rather than the door variant tag.
✕ Attempting to slide the spring off the rod while the door is at 90° and under tension.
✕ Failing to reinstall the bracket before cycling the door.

Quick Check

Practice only — not scored.

Where should vacant spring positions be located if a door only requires 4 springs?

What is the primary risk of using an impact driver to remove the bracket bolts alone?

At what stage of the replacement process should the door be closed?

Plan the Service Sequence

Adding/Replacing a Ramp Door Spring

Planning practice only. Follow the applicable manufacturer's instructions, employer safety program and qualified supervision on real equipment.

Plan the first action. Compare the service steps with the bay mistakes.

Basis: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)

Source: Lippert TI-051 Adding a Spring to a Rear Ramp Door (CCD-0001911)

Next: Adjusting Spring Tension →