Braun ramp will not completely unfold

[jbeck_57]

I have a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan modified by Braun. The problem I have is that when unfolding the ramp, it doesn't completely unfold when the ramp touches the ground. The sequence of events are:
1) the door opens
2) the van "lowers"
3) the ramp starts to unfold and stops as soon as it makes contact with the ground, leaving the ramp unfolded.

[Burgerman]

Cant visualise it. My similar rollx unfolds as it deploys so if it touches the ground it done it correctly.

http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/images- ... deploy.mpg

[jbeck_57]

This is exactly what I have. When mine touches the ground is not unfolded.

[Burgerman]

Theres a cable, runs along one edge of the ramp. Yours needs adjusting, or shortening, or replacing. It "pulls" the outer folding part upwards as the ramp deploys.

[jbeck_57]

Do you have any instructions on how to adjust this? mine has a small chain on it.
thanks jim

[Burgerman]

No, but it will be obvious. Even if it means removing a link.

Too long and you get your problem. Too short and it wont fold flat when shut and appears to have an errection when you deploy it...

Likely there will be a couple of nuts or something visible to adjust slack.

[ex-Gooserider]

It may be an adjustment issue, but it may also be normal... My 2010 Braun / T&C has power deployment and unfolding until the inside section is at about 45* out, then the motor cuts out and gravity takes over. When the end of the ramp touches down, it is often not fully unfolded, especially if exiting onto a sidewalk or other situation where the place the ramp touches is higher than the tire contact patch.

Usually the ramp continues to unfold and flatten out, with the end sliding across the ground, but if it's a rough / sticky surface (like grass) it will sometimes get stuck... Not a big deal though, as I've found that as soon as you put any weight on it with your chair it will flatten on out with no problem...

However it wouldn't hurt to run the situation by your dealer, or call Braun tech support to see if they have any more detailed suggestions.

ex-Gooserider

[LROBBINS]

Attaching a piece or two of UHMW polyethylene at the bottom edge of the ramp might let it slide easier along the ground. This stuff is tough, used for things like lining rock conveyers, but can be hard to attach. I've had fair luck with roughing one side of thin strips stock with course sandpaper and using contact cement, but there are also some primer-cement pairs made for PE, PP, even teflon. If there's room for it, you can use a block and hold it on with mechanical fasteners. More abrasion resistant than Delrin (acetal), but harder to machine. Ciao, Lenny