American Recreational Tram Systems can turn your water view into waterfront at the push of a button.

The mission of American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. is to improve the quality of life for our clients.  Our hill-climbing tram systems allow everyone, young and old, to fully enjoy their waterfront or mountain property.  The installation of an American Recreational Tram System is your safe, sensible solution to steep waterfront or mountain property.

American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. has been serving the Southeastern United States since 2000 and has been expanding rapidly to serve the increasing needs of our clients.

All tram components are fabricated in our company owned manufacturing facility to ensure quality control.  We service and upgrade hill-climbing tram systems made by any and all manufacturers, regardless of location.

Our Services in More Detail

Warranty

American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. offers the best and most comprehensive warranty on the market. A limited 15 Year Warranty is standard on all of our in-house manufactured components and the warranty on our drive and electronic components is the best in the business!

Service & Maintenance

Our Optional Annual 21 Point Service and Maintenance program provides you with the Peace of Mind that goes with knowing that your American Recreational tram system has been inspected and maintained by our expert service technicians. All moving parts are inspected, cleaned and lubricated, all electronics and switches are inspected and cleaned as necessary, connections secured and control buttons are checked for proper operation. All cables are aligned and inspected for wear and all braking systems are tested and adjusted as required. Multi-year discounts are available.

Annual Service & Maintenance Program

Our annual service and maintenance program will keep your tram in peak operating condition and will provide you with many years of fun and enjoyment.

Upgrade to Current Technology

American Recreational Systems, LLC. provides service for tram and lift systems built by other manufacturers. We can upgrade your tram system to state of the art technology with our Tram Service Upgrade Program. Contact us for an evaluation of your existing tram system and a complete, comprehensive quote.

Whether you call it a tram, lift, hill climber, hillside elevator, lake to shore or incline system, American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. are definitely the answer to the drudgery of climbing steps up and down your hillside property. It also eliminates the need for you to transport your guests in a golf cart, 4-wheeler or other mode to your waterfront, allowing you to enjoy your lake front property safely and worry free! Located in Campbell County Tennessee, American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. has built and serviced trams throughout the southeastern United States.

American Recreational Tram Systems, LLC. is an All American corporation whose specialty is providing you and your guests with a safe, sensible solution to your steep waterfront property. Our Hill-climbing tram system can increase your property value by providing comfortable, easy access to your waterfront. Steps can be exhausting, potentially dangerous and require maintenance and replacement. With the press of a button, you can be on your way, safely and comfortably to previously difficult or in some cases, totally inaccessible property.

An Industry Leader in Tram Technology

Our tram system includes seven independent braking systems, three individual galvanized cabling systems and a passenger car that cannot tip off the track. These systems are in place to provide you and your guests peace of mind and to ensure a safe, relaxing ride.

The materials used in the production of an American Recreational Tram System are the best available. We use only American made steel, Galvanized inside and out with Triple-Flow Coat Corrosive Protection for all track assemblies, support columns, bracing and for the tram passenger car. Galvanized steel provides superior performance and longevity over commonly used carbon steel. We also Powder Coat all steel components and cure them at 400 degrees. This process results in the best exterior finish on the market and will give you many years of hassle free enjoyment of your tram system.

Our hill-climbing tram systems use three phase technology; which, along with our computer regulated speed controller, provides comfortable acceleration and deceleration, allowing for a smooth ride for you and your guests similar to that of a modern commercial elevator.

Our spacious passenger car can carry up to 1000 lbs and rides comfortably from top to bottom. We design all of our passenger cars with under-seat storage for added convenience. Never again experience the hassle of transporting awkward boating gear, coolers and other supplies to your dock…

Optional Additional Accessories

Attached accessory basket

Lightning/Surge protection

Handicap accessible passenger car

Annual maintenance service plan

Keyed access

Extended warranty program

Wireless remote control system

Passenger car door

Custom passenger car. We can customize your passenger car to meet your individual requirements.

525 ft Tram, Norris Lake, TN

 Thank all of you for making my life so much easier. As you know, the steps were very challenging and too troublesome to take full advantage of our lakefront, but no more! Your tram system has made it possible for us and our guests to use the lake anytime we desire.

Everyone loves riding the tram and is very impressed with the workmanship and safety features. Donna and I know that we made a great investment in our property and improved our quality of life as well.

Thanks again for your professionalism, timely response, and follow up. We highly recommend your product, but more importantly, your people and your service.

450 ft Tram in Norris Lake, TN

As you know, several contractors had stated that access to our lakefront was impossible due to the steep terrain and several rock bluffs. Being 450 feet up from the water, our view is spectacular but getting to the water was impossible. We had resigned ourselves to only a view of Norris Lake from our home and using Twin Cove Marina to dock our boat. It was a hassle but the only option we had to enjoy our boat UNTIL OUR TRAM SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED!

The difference your tram system has made is WONDERFUL. I would call it life changing because it has opened up a whole new lifestyle for us. The ease and comfort is remarkable and everybody loves to ride it. Before the tram, our lake use was limited because it was such a hassle to drive to the marina, get the boat out, etc., especially when we had family or guest staying with us. We can now utilize and enjoy our boat any time we want with just a push of a button. WOW!!!

The landing and steps with handrails to our dock are well made and very solid while being attractive and safe. We are extremely please with the entire installation. American Recreational Tram Systems … Safe, Sensible, Solutions is the perfect logo for your company as it is all of that and so much more. We want to thank you for your professionalism and dedication to safety and service.

165 ft Tram in Indian River, TN

I just wanted to drop you a note letting you know how pleased Donna and I are with how the Tram installation went. Since we are not permanent residents at our lake front home, it is not easy to conduct construction activities. Working with you and your crew, we never had to worry about how things were going or if they would not be done as indicated. On several occasions you arranged to have someone take care of needed activities, like taking down the dead trees. It sure made the installation painless. You all were very cordial and willing to work around our schedule and wants. You were very accommodating to locating the Tram so that we could add a future deck onto the back of the house. Thanks for making this investment a pleasure.

We have only been able to go up and down the tram a few times, since winter has set in and the boat is back in Ohio, but it has worked flawlessly. It came in real handy the day we took out the boat, I had to go up and down the hillside five times. Taking the 110 steps would have nearly killed me. If you ever need to show someone the lift in operation, or need a referral, we would be glad to let you do that, even when we are not on site.

175 ft Tram in Lake Keowee, SC

This is to make a record of your fine product and service that I have had the pleasure of using.

Some of our friends think of our tram as a big toy for us to play with, but I can tell you that it is an absolute necessity from our point of view. Without it, I would never be able to make as many trips to our dock as I do on a daily basis. I know that there are other tram companies out there, but the attention to detail, installation, and the immediate response to any of our service requests were all done in a professional manner from your firm.

We would highly recommend your company to anyone who may wish to discuss your work with us.

150 ft Tram in Lake Blue Ridge, GA

 Thank-you for finishing off the docking area entrance, it looks great. The finer points include; the engineering, stability, the perfect welds and powder coat finish. Truly the best I have ever seen. Two of my neighbors want to get one this spring, I hope you can work them in.

In the mean time feel free to use mine as a demo, I am that proud of it. It worked out perfect and is far superior to others I have seen that cost more. My only regret is I didn’t get it earlier, we would have got a lot more use out of the lake. Thanks again for all you have done.

190ft Tram, Ford Lake

 

American Recreational Tram has changed our lives on Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee! After 28 years of walking down 166 steps to go boating, and walking back up to the house a few times a day. We never dreamed our lives on the lake could be any better! In less than 3 minutes we can ride down to the water to go boating!

It made us realize how much we love, love, love, our tram. Making it so convenient for this young 81 year old, and her family and friends to enjoy the lake for many more years!

190 ft, Norris Lake

We believe that our tram is what sold the buyers of our home. A great investment! Thank you for the great job you and your team did on the installation. I think everyone on the point has taken a ride once word got around that we had a tram.

190 ft, Chickamauga Lake

In every area where I had concerns American Recreational Tram had a far superior design, choice of materials, and better quality basic components.

They did everything they said they would, on time, as quoted. The workmanship and installation is stellar. Tony and Chris are some of the most trustworthy people I have met and an absolute pleasure to work with. I even had them build my lower landing (on a separate contract) that is beautiful. My family now enjoys our lake front property ten times more now than before. I would highly recommend ART and you will wish you had done it sooner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I install an American Recreational Tram System?

An American Recreational Tram System will improve the quality of life for you and your guests. Steps can be exhausting, potentially dangerous and require maintenance and replacement. With the press of a button you can be on your way, safely and comfortably to previously difficult or in some cases, totally inaccessible property.

With an American Recreational Tram System you will not have to worry about the safety of older guests and young children climbing up and down your hill.

Our Hill-climbing tram system can increase your property value by providing comfortable, easy access to your waterfront.

An American Recreational Tram System is a safe, sensible solution to your steep waterfront property.  A tram will allow you to make several trips up and down your hill to run errands or to restock coolers without having to feel the burn of muscle strain.

Is an American Recreational Tram System easy to operate?

    Yes! An American Recreational Tram System features push-button access that can be easily operated by people all ages.  The buttons are well marked and color coded so even young children can safely operate our tram system.

    Our computer regulated speed controller provides comfortable acceleration and deceleration, allowing for a smooth ride for you and your guests similar to that of a modern commercial elevator.

    How many people can safely ride in the passenger car?

    Our spacious passenger car can carry up to 1000 lbs and rides comfortably from top to bottom.  The passenger car is 4 x 6 feet and will comfortably carry four average adults plus all the necessities for water recreation.

    Can a person with physical limitations use the tram system?

    Yes! An American Recreational Tram System makes it easy for people with physical limitations or disabilities to enjoy your waterfront.  People of all ages and abilities can use and enjoy an American Recreational Tram System. A special handicap accessible passenger car is available for those with special needs.

    How fast can the tram passenger car travel?

    The passenger car will smoothly travel 60-90 feet per minute. The ride is relaxing and enjoyable from top to bottom.

    What safety features does an American Recreational Tram System employ?

    Our tram system includes seven independent braking systems, three individual galvanized cabling systems and a passenger car that cannot tip off the track.  Top and bottom limit switches as well as an over-limit braking system automatically ensures that the passenger car will not travel past the designated landings.

    Can the passenger car accidentally tip or fall off the track?

    ABSOLUTELY NOT!  The passenger car has combined 6 inches of steel as safety guides that lock the passenger car onto the track.

    What determines the cost of an American Recreational Tram System?

    The total length of the tram, the angle of the terrain and the expected rock and soil composition are factors in determining factors of the cost of an American Recreational Tram System.  Other factors include installation time and the transportation of materials to your installation site.

    We provide an on-site evaluation to identify these factors and to provide you with a complete, comprehensive installation quote.

    All required components are fabricated in our company owned manufacturing facility to ensure quality control, and to reduce the final cost to the customer.

    How is an American Recreational Tram System Powered

    American Recreational Tram Systems uses three phase technology.  This allows for computer regulated speed control providing the smoothest ride possible for you and your guests.

    Three-Phase electrical and control systems are used extensively by manufacturing & production companies in the United States due to superior performance, durability, increased efficiency and reliability while reducing wear and tear on the equipment minimizing the need for repairs.

    What determines the cost of an American Recreational Tram System?

    The total length of the tram, the angle of the terrain and the expected rock and soil composition are factors in determining factors of the cost of an American Recreational Tram System.  Other factors include installation time and the transportation of materials to your installation site.

    We provide an on-site evaluation to identify these factors and to provide you with a complete, comprehensive installation quote.

    All required components are fabricated in our company owned manufacturing facility to ensure quality control, and to reduce the final cost to the customer.

    Do I need three phase electrical service?

    No! Our three phase system does not require three phase electrical service in your area.  We use phase converters to modify a normal 220 volt power source to three phase operating power in the control panel.

    Is an American Recreational Tram System used strictly for waterfront property?

    No!  An American Recreational Tram System is very versatile and is appropriate for any mountain, lake, river, or other steep terrain locations where numerous outdoor steps would be necessary.

    An American Recreational Tram System can be your safe, sensible solution even when traditional steps are impractical or even impossible.

    What do I do when the tram passenger car is at the opposite end of the track?

    Control buttons are located at the top and bottom of an American Recreational Tram System. If the passenger car is at the top of the track, simply push the down button and the car will automatically travel to the bottom-landing site. If the passenger car is at the bottom of the track, simply push the up button and the car will automatically travel to the top-landing site. It is quick and easy with the up, down and stop button system.

    How can I prevent unauthorized use of the tram system?

    We install a lockable ON/OFF disconnect box for each tram system.  For additional security, the circuit breaker for the tram system located in your circuit panel can be switched to the off position.

    Optional keyed access can be provided in the control button assembly to restrict access to your tram system.

    What would happen if the power failed while the tram is being used?

    The electronic braking system is always engaged when the tram is in use. In the event of a power outage the electronic break would engage and would immediately stop the passenger car on the track.

    What would happen if the main cable failed or if it should break?

    The “Cable or Cable Failure” would immediately activate, stopping the passenger car on the track. The passenger car cannot come off the track and our system has seven independent braking systems for your safety and peace of mind.