Your Ramps

[Densetsu]

I've been looking around a while for a decent set of ramps, and I've yet to find anything decent for the Pathy. All I'm working with right now is a jack and jackstands, which works fine but is slow compared to just driving onto some ramps.

RhinoRamps are sold at Canadian Tire, but everybody who has them wishes they had more clearance than they do (just 6.5" of lift). These also aren't good for the Pathy... with 255/65/R16 tires, my tires are 10" wide and the RhinoRamps "officially" say 9.5" is the max. (Though will a half-inch really make a difference?)

Shercom Industries, operating out of Saskatchewan, used to make a solid rubber ramp from recycled tires (old article on them here). A lot of people raved about them, but when I got in touch with them they said they stopped making them last year. Again, no good.

I'd prefer to stay away from steel ramps and buy a one-piece, non-rusting ramp, like the two above or like these. Something solid that will last a long time. I could build my own from wood, though it would cost a bit and I'd never be as confident under them as I would if I bought a set of ramps.

Also, I'm in western Canada (Alberta) so, while I like to hear what everyone has, I'm somewhat handicapped in where I can buy from. I'd imagine if I bought ramps online from the states, shipping costs would kill me.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I use a pair of steel ramps which I've had for about five years now and they still work great. They probably net about 7-8" of lift which is perfect. I am able to sit up while under my car, which makes jobs like changing the fuel filter much easier. It's also nice having an angled driveway, it makes working on parts closer to the body much easier.

[Densetsu]

I just came across this: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/...32759

When I was picturing making my own out of wood, I was thinking of putting the boards vertical. Probably because that's the way my dad made his, and I was never totally confident using his ramps. Didn't even consider putting them horizontal/flat... that way is idiotproof. No way the boards could tip/shear like if you put them vertically.

If I can invite myself over to my parents or brother's place, I'll probably do these up this weekend. Both those guys have nice miter saws, it'll probably be a lot easier than the hand saws I have! Seal the wood after, keep them in a dry garage, those suckers will probably last a lifetime. I have the dimensions already (re-)worked out, don't need such a small angle with an SUV!

[Axelpkt]

I have the Rhino ramps and I have no problems with them

[Mikey178]

Same here, I've got Rhino ramps and they are a breeze to climb and yes the tires do overhang the ramps but it doesn't matter.

I've never had any issues and they work great. Don't use them much tho as the truck at stock has good clearance.

[02pathy]

yeah i would stay away from the steel too, they move sometimes(when trying to go on), well i used to used them with my manual car, i think i have seen the rubber ones in partsource or princess auto is a good place to check if u have one over there

[jsm02cpa]

After seeing the mustang post, then a camaro post where several guys built these wood ramps, I would make some suggestions. They say they are pretty heavy and bulky. So, screw a rolling foot, like from a tool chest to the end that has all the pieces lined up, then you can tilt it up and roll it to where you want it to go. Also, I'd cut the 2x10s at a 45 degree angle where the tire ramps up to make the car not have to jump up to the next level, (even though our vehicles can handle it), just thinking of other cars that may use it.

These guys were worried about clearance, we don't have that problem. If you want to make the back tires go up some as well, make a smaller set that has two levels of wood, that would increase the back end 3" as well. You just have to get your spacing right so the wheels end up finishing in the right spot, front and rear.

I have metal stands that work just fine, so I don't need this, but for those that want to build them, it's pretty clever, and reasonably priced.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Also, if building wood ramps, be sure to add a second small wheel chock (like the one at the very front of the ramp that prevents the car from going over the tall end) at the point behind where the wheel will sit at the top of the ramps. I would also probably angle cut one side so it's easy to go forwards on, but not back. This way, if the brakes do release, it will hold the vehicle on the ramps.

In the Mustang pics he uses some plastic chocks that he just sits atop the ramps. It would probably be much safer if it were just another piece of wood which was bolted to the rest of the ramp instead of just sitting up there.

[SpartanAir]

I built my own ramps for my very first car about 11 years ago out of wood, they lasted quite a long time. Best thing to do and cheapest solution, you can make them to suit your car.

[Densetsu]

I built my own ramps for my very first car about 11 years ago out of wood, they lasted quite a long time. Best thing to do and cheapest solution, you can make them to suit your car.

How have they held up so far? Did you do anything to them after building (painting, sealing, etc)? Have a pic?

My dads have held up since the 70's, he's still uses them on both his vehicles and they seem sturdy enough. All it is is two 2x10's on either side, cut into a ramp shape, and held together by a bunch of 2x4's he cut 10" long and nailed to the top of the 2x10s.. No picture, but with the magic of MS paint I can give you a crappy representation of them.



Like I said, I've never completely trusted them. I'd much rather have a ramp that has nearly no risk of breaking (stacked 2x12's, RhinoRamps, or the ones that were solid rubber) than my dad's or the steel ramps.



Just looks like sheet metal... could fold and collapse at any time. Most likely it won't, but it's always in my mind...

[Chuck Tribolet]

I have Rhino Ramps and really dislike them. I've used them exactly once andnever will again.

I went to back my Corvette onto them, had one ramp move and the tire shot it right under the 'vette and I ended up with the 'vette fame sitting on the ramp. The other ramp stayed put, and the 'vette tire spun on it and melted it. They've been sitting in my side yard junk pile since. Anybody in the SF bay area want them? Come get 'em. Free. At your own risk.
Modified by Chuck Tribolet at 7:23 AM 11/7/2009

[carnal_c30]

Discountramps.com has a good selection

I'm getting a set since takata discontinued their lds ramps for low cars