Guys I can tell you that I am NOT using the ramp incorrectly. I am using it FREQUENTLY, but not upsidedown or backwards.
I got a call from Kendon Industries this morning from Charles in sales. I was parked right outside a machine shop getting ready to have it welded when the phone rang. We spoke for a while then he put me through to Frank the owner of Kendon Industries. Frank wanted to make sure I was using the ramp correctly when attaching it to the trailer. I assured him I was as I had recieved specfic and proper instruction at the time of purchase. We discussed welds and metalurgy and so on. I asked if he had any advice for the tech who was going to weld it. Frank suggested that instead of welding, he would send me a new ramp which I agreed to. I also asked him for another set of caster wheels as the ones on it now are worn out. Frank said that upon seeing the picture he was surprised because what happened to my ramp has never been an issue. I told him that perhaps unlike most Kendons owners who use their trailers for occasional recreational purposes, I use mine repeatedly, sometimes four or more times a day transporting Kawasaki Police training bikes back and forth to the range. Frank went on to say that the Kendon trailers are used in MANY applications including daily use by dealers and other motorcycle related businesses. I thanked him for his time, prompt response and new ramp. He told me to contact him directly should I have further problems.
I have to say that when I first saw the crack I was very surprised. However I understand that NOTHING in the world is perfect. My main focus this morning was to get the ramp welded so I can use it next weekend for class. Having the company contact me and being able to speak directly to the owner of the company was also a surprise. That does not happen very often these days. It comes down to this. I had a problem with a Kendon product, I spoke with the owner and they are making it right. I made the original post because I was concerned that other Kendon owners may encounter the same thing. Hence my suggestion that all Kendon users check their ramps. When I posted this on other forums I got responses from folks who have experienced similar issues. Now I don't know if they use the ramps correctly like me, or incorrectly as posted by KendonGuy. I did pick up some good ideas from some of the improvments they made.
My opinion, and it's just that an opinion, is that perhaps the repeated high cycle usage that I employ transporting the Police Training bikes back and forth from the range may be considered excessive when compared to the recreational use of other Kendon owners. Whereas some may use their trailer infrequently just to haul a bike to a shop, a show or a rally, I use mine as a workhorse piece of equipment.
But my opinion may be wrong.
Mark