Whether you plan on working on your car or not, it’s important to have the right equipment that enables you to do your job safely and efficiently. One of those pieces of equipment is a ramp that you’ll mount your car onto so that you can perform any routine maintenance that you intend on doing.
Well if you’re looking to do your own oil change at home, we have the perfect list that includes ten of the best auto ramps in the market. We also included a buying guide that outlines all of the different ramp features that you should think about before purchasing. Also keep reading for our step-by-step instructions that explain how to use a ramp safely.
Top 12 Best Auto Ramps
[amazon table=”27175″]
1. Race Ramps RR-40
[amazon box=”B003ZA8WIE” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]
If you want to maintain or display your vehicle, Race Ramps is a brand that offers another one of the best product options in the market. The Race Ramp Companyformulated its products to specifically serve vehicle owners, specifically those who own low-profile vehicles or have short front ends. Due to their meticulous design and great product features, their brand is renowned by racing organizations, car clubs, and car enthusiasts which is proven by their features in publications such as “Car and Driver” and “Motor Trend”.
Made out of lightweight expanded polystyrene foam, these are designed to withstand 1,500poundsd per ramp, meaning that they can support vehicles such as Miatas, BMWs, and Jaguars. These Race Ramps are able to support cars that have a tire width of 8 inches wide. With a clearance of 7 inches, this product also makes it ideal for you to do oil changes or other maintenances. The very gentle incline of 16.7-inch degrees and the 40 inches of length give low-profile cars the chance to be mounted without worry.
Sprayed with a hybrid polyurea coating, it allows the ramp to withstand any automotive chemicals that it might be emitting. Due to its large surface and because of the other anti-slip attributes that this Race Ramp features, it further increases the safety and stability that its product offers. The construction of the ramp also prevents scuffing to occur on your garage floor while you’re mounting your vehicle. In addition to its lightweight, there is even a carrying strap that assists you in easily moving the ramps before and after use. The compact design also makes it ideal for storing for later.
Since the ramp can only accommodate vehicles with a tire width smaller than 8 inches, it is only suitable for smaller-sized cars. If they fall under a heavyweight because you’re using the ramps with a bigger vehicle, the ramps are susceptible to deforming and bulging, thus losing their structural integrity. Another notable drawback of these Race Ramps is that it’s pricier, which can work for some but not for many looking to work within their budget.
Specifications
- 40-inch length
- 7 inches of clearance
- 16.7-degree incline
- Withstands a tire width of 8 inches maximum
- 100% high density, lightweight expanded polystyrene foam
- Hybrid polyurea coating
- Accommodates 1,500 pounds per ramp, 6,000 pounds maximum
Sample Customer Review… I do quite a few oil changes at remote locations and require the ability to get under the car with ramps. I have owned and used a few styles of ramp over the last 40 years and the RR40 ramps are absolutely the best that I have used. Lightweight with more than enough strength to support any car or light truck that I will be servicing. I always had problems with my older plastic ramps with a customer’s Toyota 4runner with aftermarket tires, I did an oil change on that vehicle with no issues. The ramps were wide enough to accommodate the tires and had no issues with driving the 4runner onto the ramps. I had issues with the ramps slipping forward with the old ramps and with the RR40 I drove up with no slippage. I really enjoy the lightweight vs strength compared to my plastic ramps, always thought I had to accept the heavy steel ramps for strength or the more flimsy plastic ramps for lightweight. Not os with the RR40, I get the best of both worlds and save time which makes me money. Great investment for anyone that does oil changes. Good investment, wish I had found Race Ramps sooner.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
2. RhinoGear RhinoRamps
[amazon box=”B0117EESNC” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]
RhinoRamps are renowned for their very sturdy and durable design that supports a very big portion of your vehicle’s weight. As one of the lower-cost products in the market and due to its various product attributes, this proves that this is the most cost-effective ramp. Made out of a very strong, heavy-duty polymer these ramps are able to support a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12,000 pounds, making them perfect for SUVs, pickups, and other kinds of cars.
Since the width of the ramp is 9 inches wide, this means that it can accommodate any vehicle that has a tire that is smaller than 9 inches. The RhinoRamps provide 6.5 inches of clearance which makes it ideal for oil changes or any other kinds of maintenance that you plan on doing. To prevent the ramps from sliding around while you mount your car, there is a CoreTRAC non-skid base that covers the underside of the product.
The 17-degree angle of approach is also ideal because it prevents any damage or scuffs from happening to your vehicle’s undercarriage while you drive your car onto the ramp. The gentle incline is also a signifier that this ramp is ideal for low-profile vehicles as well. The RhinoRamps are also highly portable because of their lightweight construction and are easily stored away because of their compact design.
The platform of these ramps has an end wall that assists with stability when your vehicle is sitting on the tip of it. Some consumers have commented that if you hit the guards too fast while driving you can drag the ramps forward, which can be potentially dangerous and unsafe for yourself and your vehicle. You can also risk cracking or damaging the ramps if you move the car forward with too much momentum or power. If your tires are wider than 9 inches then this ramp isn’t for you. Some have complained that you cannot adjust the height at which your car sits once it’s lifted onto the ramps either.
Overall, the RhinoRamps boast a very strong, stable, and robust design that makes it really ideal for mounting your car. It is compatible with a lot of different vehicle types and sets a very reasonable price point that is desirable for a lot of us trying to work within our budget. If you buy these RhinoRamps, be prepared to not be disappointed because they are the very best auto ramps in the market.
Specifications
- 6.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 12,000 pounds
- CoreTRAC non-skid base
- Weighs 10.74 pounds
- 17-degree incline
- 9-inch width
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
Sample Customer Review… These ramps are extremely well made and very sturdy. They held my CR-V without any issue at all. After seeing some of the failures, I was sure to check for bowing or cracks. I didn’t see even a little flex in the sides of the ramps. A few things I like. There are rubber grips on the bottom that prevent the ramps from sliding out as long as they are on a clean floor. The ramps fit inside each other, so they take up less space in the garage. The front lip on the top is very pronounced, making it easy to tell when you are on the top of the ramp. The ramps also have plenty of grooves to prevent your tires from slipping.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
3. Rage Powersports Vehicle Service Stands
[amazon box=”B005JKC66M” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
Although abnormally large due to the removable ramps, there are some great utilities that can come with the Rage Powersports ramps. Designed specifically for lower-profile cars, these can also work for your everyday vehicle whether you plan on showing it off or to work on your car.
Able to support a weight of up to 3,000 pounds because of their strong, heavy-duty aluminum construction, these ramps are only really suited for smaller vehicles. To make up for this, the Rage Powersports product offers 9.5 inches of clearance which is more than enough space for your maneuver under your car and to do work on the underbody. Another great feature is the 7.6-degree incline that enables you to mount your car without having to worry about damage inflicting your vehicle’s undercarriage or front and back bumpers.
There are quite a few disadvantages of these ramps, however, one of them being that it’s really expensive due to the aluminum construction. Since it’s designed for lower-profile cars, the gradual incline makes the ramp length much longer than other ramps. This can be an issue for vehicles with a shorter wheelbase because then both the front and back wheels will be on the ramps. The removable ramps are also susceptible to come loose during mounting due to the lack of a secure attachment design for them.
Although the Rage Powersports ramp is highly ideal for lower-profile cars, you can also use this on your own vehicle. If you have a really large budget and a big enough garage to fit this large ramp within, then maybe it’s worth considering. But due to a lot of the drawbacks that this product poses, it lands this ramp set in sixth place on our list for the best auto ramps.
Specifications
- Made of strong aluminum
- 7.6-degree incline
- 9.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 3,000 pounds
- 24-inch length and 16-inch width
- Removable ramps that are 73.75 inches long
Sample Customer Review… I was originally going to purchase a pair of Race Ramps model rr-xt-2 67, but was not sold on those space-foam ramps lasting me 10 plus years.
These, on the other hand, are super sturdy and are well made. They definitely look like they will last me forever. Furthermore, the ramps are not too heavy either. The ramps give you 9.5 inches of actual lift and will accommodate any low profile vehicle.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
4. Black Widow PSR295
[amazon box=”B01N308YYO” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]
Although it sports a steeper incline, the Black Widow ramps can do you some justice by providing you with its 6.25-inches of clearance. Known for their additional traction and highly durable construction, these ramps are worth some consideration.
Able to withstand 16,000 pounds, the Black Widow ramps are made out of high-impact plastic which also means that these can withstand any abuse that it encounters. In addition to its construction strength, the width of this product is 12 inches wide. This accommodates cars such as vans, SUVs, trucks, and large sedans, giving you extra room to maneuver to the platform of the ramp. With a clearance of 6.25 inches, this makes it an ideal lifted height for you to do any work on your vehicle’s underbody.
On the outside of the ramps, there is a gridded pattern that mimics the treads that are present on a tire so that it gives you additional stability when you mount your car. This grid design also helps with any debris such as water, dirt, and snow to fall off of your tires while you mount.
The tire stoppers at the end of the platform are also notable because they give you the proper assistance you need to indicate that you’ve reached the end of the ramp. There is also an internal support mechanism at the core of the ramps so that it distributes the weight of the tires evenly throughout the platforms. These Black Widow ramps also anti-slip rubber footings at the bottom so that they don’t slide around when you drive your car onto them.
Due to the wider size of the ramps, this requires higher skill and caution when driving up to them. Due to the bulky design of the Black Widow ramps, they are not as easily portable. The cutout handles on the sides try to make up for this drawback by allowing you to maintain a grip on the ramps when moving them.
They also can’t stack on top of each other after use so they are also more difficult to store. Since these cons aren’t really significant and the price of the Black Widow ramps are somewhat inexpensive, this lands them in third place of the best auto ramps.
Specifications
- 6.25 inches of clearance
- 35.5-inch length and 12-inch width
- Maximum weight capacity of 16,000 pounds
- High-impact plastic
- Weighs 18 pounds
- Anti-slip rubber footings
Sample Customer Review… These worked great for changing the oil on my car (only one use so far). The ramps did not slide across the smooth cement garage floor, so it was easy to drive the car up onto the ramps. The clearance was JUST enough to fit under the bumper of my 2015 Toyota Camry. I like the fact that the lifting height is about 6.5 inches — not so high as the steel ramps I used previously (that no longer work for modern cars). There was no evidence of strain on the ramps, but I did slide a couple of spare tires mounted on steel wheels underneath the car’s floor reinforcement rails as a safety backup.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
5. Nicky Nice Ramp Set
[amazon box=”B00Q1F20BU” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
Best known for their long life and unique construction, the Nicky Nice ramps are ideal for many different kinds of vehicles especially if you intend to perform routine maintenance and repairs on your car.
Able to withstand up to 6,500 pounds, or 2,000 pounds per ramp, these solid steel ramps are highly durable and strong enough to support your car while it sits on top of it. Don’t worry about whether these ramps will survive the test of time or wear and tear because these have been powder coated to prevent so.
Whether you’re driving forwards or backward onto these Nicky Nice ramps, the raised safety ribs will give you the guidance you need during mounting. Although the angle of incline of this product is unknown, these ramps sport punched and extruded traction holes that provide extra adhesion for when you drive up to them.
Although inexpensive, some consumers have complained that the build quality of this ramp is low which may be important to consider when thinking about purchasing. Some others have mentioned that the height is too high for comfort for some cars too. Besides these, there are really no other drawbacks to rival the great utility of these Nicky Nice ramps.
Specifications
- Made of solid steel
- Maximum weight capacity of 6,500 pounds, 2,000 pounds each ramp
- Powder coat finish
- Punched and extruded traction holes
- Safety ribs on sides
- 35-inch length, 13-inch width, 9-inch height
Sample Customer Review… I used these for my 2017 Honda CR-V and 2015 Chevrolet Cruze and you can feel rest assured that crawling under your vehicle while rolled on these ramps that you are safe. The ramps are solidly built of steel and and have a raised lip at the end of the hardware so that you know when to stop accelerating your car. Also have holes on the incline part to provide bonus traction for your tires to prevent vehicle slippage. 1/4″ holes are punched out on each ramp so that they can be hung up for storage, also they are stackable.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
6. Trailer-Aid Tandem Changing Ramp
[amazon box=”B000YOH16I” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]
A unique addition to our list, the Trailer-Aid ramp is meant mostly for trailers but also keeps in mind those who have normal vehicles and trucks too. The design of these appeals the most to people who are very familiar with tire blowouts and so it allows you for an easy change of a flat tire. The strong suit of this ramp is that you can use it without the help of others.
Easily able to withstand 15,000 pounds, this is due in part to the construction of the ramp which is of a very strong, lightweight polymer. Due to these kinds of materials, the ramp does not rust and is water-resistant. Since this product is geared towards those with trailers, the 4.5 inches of clearance may not be enough for some applications. Nonetheless, this product provides you with the right incline so that you can smoothly mount your vehicle onto it.
At the front of the ramp, there are two holes that are supposed to provide you easy access and handling when you move it. Since this Trailer-Aid ramp weighs so little, just under 6 pounds, you can easily bring it on the go in case you need it in a bad situation.
Overall, this inexpensive ramp is great because of its extreme durability and utility, and what makes it better is that it doesn’t have any drawbacks.
Specifications
- Created for tandem trailers
- 4.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 15,000 pounds
- Made of lightweight, strong polymer
- Waterproof and rustproof
- Weighs 5.94 pounds
Sample Customer Review… I was looking for an easy jack solution for my tandem axle boat trailer and this fit the bill. I travel frequently to remote fishing locations where getting help on the side of the road for a flat tire would take forever if you can even get cell phone reception. Therefore, I need a good option to be able to change a tire or hub or perform other emergency services easily and safely by myself. This has been the perfect solution. I opted for the plus version to make sure I had the necessary clearance on any terrain.
I tested it out a few times when I got it on both concrete and in the grass. On the concrete, it works great and provides more than enough clearance to remove either a flat tire or a fully inflated tire. On the grass, it also provides plenty of functional clearance but due to it sinking some into the soil it was less than when on the concrete. This is where the plus version comes in handy with the extra height.
When pulling forward onto the ramp with the front tire of the trailer it is much easier to tell when you have reached the top of the lift and stop. The same cannot be said for backing up the ramp with the rear tire. I have over-driven the top of the ramp a few times and had to start the process again. This is all while alone. With a partner to stand back and watch the process, it would be much easier.
So far it has held up to the use and looks to be solidly made. It also provides a stable lift platform due to its extra surface area compared to using a jack which can be more apt to tip over on uneven or soft surfaces.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
7. Race Ramps RR-EX-14
[amazon box=”B003ZAEOHW” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
The second Race Ramps product on our list, are just ramp extenders, meaning that these are supposed to give your Race Ramp a gentler incline if you have a lower powerful vehicle that needs extra accommodation. These can also be very helpful if you’re not comfortable with mounting your vehicle directly onto the steeper ramp incline. Either way, these extenders ensure that there is no scraping that occurs to the undercarriage of your vehicle while you drive it up the ramps for self-service.
With a 6.6-degree incline, the Race Ramp Extender is highly ideal for lower cars. Due to the 12-inch width, these extenders can accommodate any vehicle with a tire size width that’s 12 inches and below. Boasting a stable design, these offer you extra security when your vehicle climbs the entirety of the ramps.
On the bottoms of the ramps, there is a non-slip surface that prevents it from sliding around when placed in conjunction with other Race Ramps products. Weighing just 20 pounds in total, 10 pounds per ramp, this makes these ramps highly portable and storable. This product also has a solid core so that when you store it there is no dust or grime build-up on the insides of it.
Since this technically isn’t a ramp itself, you’d have to purchase this separately from your purchase of actual ramps. Another very important thing to note is that these extenders can only be used with 56- or 67-inch Race Ramps, and not with any other brand of ramps. Some consumers have also complained that this product is somewhat expensive for extenders that aren’t actually ramps. So if you’re a Race Ramp fan or are considering buying from them, the extenders may be worth consideration.
Specifications
- Weighs 20 pounds total
- 6.6-degree incline
- 67-inch length and 12-inch width
- Only compatible with 56- or 67-inch Race Ramps
- Anti-slip rubber footings
Sample Customer Review… While the Race Ramps are perfect for regular cars, I needed the extenders for cars lower to the ground. These fit the Race Ramps perfectly as expected and the look/finish is identical to the Race Ramps. The tabs on the sides of the extenders may seem a little flimsy at first, but they don’t have to be strong, all they have to do is line up the extender to the ramp. If you need extenders, don’t hesitate to get these, they are worth the money.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
8. BISupply Service Ramps
[amazon box=”B07PYJ4V8W” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
As the fourth-best ramp on our list of the best auto ramps, the BISupply Ramp Set should be highly considered especially due to its inexpensive price and highly durable construction.
Made out of thick, durable plastic, the BISupply ramps are able to withstand up to 4,000 pounds. With the clearance of 6.3 inches of clearance, this makes it ideal to do routine maintenance, such as oil changes, as well as other self-service. Due to the 11.5-inch width, this product was specifically designed to accommodate multiple vehicles including pickups, cars, SUVs, and vans. Since these only weigh 8.7 pounds each, these make these ramps highly portable and storable.
On the tops of these BISupply ramps, there is a traction pattern that gives you the extra stability you need for guiding your car up these ramps. In addition to the traction, the holes in the ramp also help any debris such as ice, dirt, and sand to fall off the tires and through the ramp too.
The end wall that marks the end of the platform also gives you the indicator you need to safely rest your vehicle on the tops of this product. The rubber pads on the bottom of these BISupply ramps also help with slippage as it works to keep the ramp in place during mounting.
There are really no drawbacks to this product besides that you may only want to use these on a flat surface. Some consumers have complained that there are no ID markings on the product too. Otherwise, the BISupply ramps are highly ideal for any of your intended uses especially because of their inexpensive cost as well.
Specifications
- Maximum weight capacity of 4,000 pounds
- Weigh 8.7 pounds each
- 6.3 inches of clearance
- 35.5-inch length and 11.5-inch width
- Made of heavy-duty plastic
- Anti-slip rubber footings
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
Sample Customer Review… I bought these ramps to make oil changes and similar work easier and safer. They elevate the car enough to get under it comfortably but without the difficulty and hazards of jacks. I bought two pair to raise both ends of the car evenly so fluids drain and refill at the correct levels. These particular ramps with their 6-1/2″ lift are ideal for me. Higher lifts raise my two SUVs too much to clear my garage overhead and lower lifts are not adequate.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
9. Discount Ramps 6009-V2
[amazon box=”B00UHLPES0″ description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
Although designed more for lower-profile cars, the inexpensive Discount Ramps are also suitable for other kinds of vehicles as well. Due to the low clearance height, some consumers prefer to use these ramps for storing their vehicle while others will use a jack or a service lift to further mount their car. Meant for lower cars or not, the heavy-duty plastic design and the honeycomb pattern on the top make for a sturdy and highly durable product.
As stated, the plastic construction of these ramps makes them durable and gives them the ability to withstand 4,400 pounds of weight. Due to the width being 7.75 inches wide, this would mean that the Discount Ramps can only sustain vehicles that have tires that are slightly smaller than 8 inches wide.
With a clearance of 2.5 inches above the ground, it does not make it ideal for you to get under your car to do work. If you’re planning on using these in combination with a jack or service lift, this ramp is for you. The gentle incline of 9.05 degrees also makes it simple and easy for you to mount your car without the fear of scratching the undercarriage or front and back bumpers.
Due to the lightweight composition of these ramps, it proves to be highly portable. In addition to its compact size, the honeycomb design that’s on the top of the ramps prevents moisture build-up, which makes it suitable for storage. There is also a small end wall that’s at the end of the platform, further increasing the amount of stability that your vehicle is given once it’s resting on the end of the ramp.
One drawback of the Discount Ramp is that it doesn’t have any anti-slip footings at its bottom, making it susceptible to slipping while you’re trying to mount your vehicle. Besides this, there are really no other complaints about this product besides that it’s primarily designed for low profile cars.
Specifications
- 9.05-degree incline
- 2.5 inches of clearance
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Maximum weight capacity of 4,400 pounds
- Honeycomb pattern which prevents moisture build-up
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
- 27.5-inch length and 7.75-inch width
Sample Customer Review… Not sure why there are so few reviews for these ramps. Their value compared to more expensive alternatives is great. I’ve used them a few times for brake pad changes for track days on a low profile competition package M3. They raise the front end just enough to access the front center jack point for subsequent lowering onto jack stands onto the side lift points. The instructions say that the width of the ramps is exceeded by my stock tires but this has not been an issue and I feel safe with these as I wouldn’t do work under the car on these ramps anyways. I just make sure they are lined up with my front tires well prior to driving up onto them. Regarding slipping of the ramps on concrete, an easy solution that I use is to support them with my rubber wheel chocks or place a rubber yoga mat beneath each ramp. This provides plenty of friction.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
10. Tomioka Racing Super Slopes
[amazon box=”B005D1JSM2″ description=” ” rating=”4.5″]
The Tomioka Racing ramps are much more inclined to low-profile vehicles but can also work for your everyday vehicles also. If you’re thinking about using a jack or a service lift to further mount your car to do work on its underbody then this ramp is for you. Due to this product having the lowest price in the ramp market, it immediately signals consumers that it may be worthy of purchasing.
Although specifically designed to cater to those with lower profile vehicles, these are still capable to fulfill the needs of your everyday vehicle. With a clearance of 2.5 inches, the Tomioka ramps are ideal for when you’re going to use other lifting mechanisms to further mount up your vehicle. Due to the 8-inch width, this ramp also only accommodates vehicles with tires that are 8 inches and smaller.
Since both of the ramps together weigh a total of 10 pounds, this makes these ramps highly portable and storable. The plastic makeup of this product also gives it stronger structural integrity, making it beefier and sturdier for your car to sit on top of.
Since the clearance height is relatively low, this ramp is not ideal for doing work on the underbody without another tool to lift it higher. The Tomioka Racing ramps are somewhat inexpensive so it’s a good deal to purchase these if you have the other things you need to do work on your car.
Specifications
- 2.5 inches of clearance
- Made out of strong, heavy-duty plastic
- Strong grip track surface
- Small end wall that assists with tire stopping
- Withstands a tire width of 8 inches maximum
- Weighs 10 pounds total
Sample Customer Review… These are a little thin for 9” wide tires, but still work great. Lowered Nissan S-chassis drives right up them, even on my epoxy-sealed garage floor… With no slipping thanks to the low approach angle. Makes getting to the oil pan drain plug possible, and don’t have to have the car super high on other ramps or jacks to change the oil. The extra 2.5” height also makes working in the engine bay a little easier on the back. Definitely recommend to those with lowered cars.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
11. Magnum 1002-01 Car Ramps
[amazon box=”B007B6BHW6″ description=” ” rating=”4.1″]
The Magnum 1002-01 Car Ramps are a ramp system that provides sturdy support for any vehicle, with a capacity to hold up to 16,000 pounds. This four-piece set is able to detach which makes the setup and storing processes very convenient, not to mention it’s made out of eco-friendly material. With its low, sloped design, the Magnum 1002-01 allows easy access up the ramp with a safety chock for support.
Specifications
- 17 pounds
- 20.63 x 10.33 x 20.33 in
- Black plastic exterior
- 16,000 pound weight capacity
Sample Customer Review… The slope is low enough, i could get my el camino up it even with the crushed springs and shot shocks. Not sayin it will do a low rider, but, the front body was sitting flat on the chassis. I run a BB 396 and they hold it up fine with no bowing or creaking. good buy at a good price
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
12. Specter 08226 Plastic Automotive Ramp Set
[amazon box=”B004XATP04″ description=” ” rating=”4.6″]
The Specter Plastic Automotive Ramp Set offers a high-quality design at an affordable price. Made from resin, the ramp system is able to hold up to 12,000 pounds. The ramp set, itself, weighs a heavy 20 pounds. With its open-grid design, the Specter ramps are made to allow any snow, dirt, or water to fall out and not get in the way as your car goes up the ramp. This design also provides a grip for your car to safely drive up, with a core parabolic arch that helps to distribute the weight.
Specifications
- 32 x 13 x 8.5 in
- 20 pounds
- 12,000 pounds weight capacity
Sample Customer Review… Love these ramps, I’ve had them for about 2 years now and use them all the time for oil changes on my 01 Trans Am, two Ford Expeditions and F150. They hold up to the weight of my full size SUVS and truck which are about 4500-5000 lbs. I feel safe under them. Good grip and the stop on the end works to keep you from going over the edge. If you have a slippery floor like my garage concrete floor, the solution I came up with was to put Yoga Mat underneath the ramps. The Yoga Mat is a perfect non slip type of rubber and kept the ramps in place so they didn’t slide. Highly recommend these ramps.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Whether you’re ready to tackle the underbody of your vehicle now or not, a ramp is highly recommended for lifting your car next to jack and service lifts. When shopping for the right auto ramp, you have to consider quite a few products attributes that can highly affect what kind of work you can do to your car. So what things do you really have to think about before purchasing a car ramp anyway? Here is our list of ramp features that you should note before buying.
Construction Materials
Car ramps come in different kinds of materials, the best of which are either metal or aluminum because they can support the heavyweight of vehicles including campers, SUVs, and trucks. Metal ramps also tend to last longer as well. Some ramps are made out of plastic, polymer, composite materials, and resin. These kinds of materials tend to be of a lighter weight which makes it easier to take on the go and to store in your workshop or garage.
Incline
Especially if you have a low-profile vehicle, the gradual or the steepness of an incline will dictate what kind of ramp you will purchase. Ramps with a lower angle of incline allow you to mount your vehicle without the worry of damage inflicting your undercarriage and front or back bumpers.
Traction
Although you may think that your tires have great grip, it’s also important to keep in mind the extra traction that ramps offer, especially if their incline is very steep. The smooth surfaces of some ramps encourage more slippage than others so an anti-slip, textured surface is used to keep your car locked in place. Plastic or rubber ramps have enough traction because of their natural texture alone but metal ramps need grooves to provide that extra grip.
Anti-Slip Footings
During mounting, you’re susceptible to moving the ramps because of the amount of weight and pressure that is applied to the ramp when you drive onto them. To prevent this, any anti-slip footing prevents the ramp from moving, sliding, or shifting during mounting. This also mitigates the chances of the ramp sliding out from under your car while mounting too. Especially if you’re working on a concrete floor this product feature is very important for a safe experience while using ramps.
Ramp Height
Especially if you’re looking to perform regular maintenance on the bottom of your vehicle, the ramp height is important to consider. The ramp has to be tall enough for you to maneuver under the car but also able to provide extra space because some parts of the vehicle may be hot. If you’re looking to use a jack or service lift in addition to the ramp, then purchasing a ramp with a lower height or clearance is okay.
Ramp Width
You also have to think about whether the width of the ramp is wide enough in relation to the width of your tire. If the ramp is too narrow then your car may fall off of the ramps, if the ramp is too wide then it will be increasingly difficult to center your tires in the right spot before mounting. The right kind of ramp is wide enough that it can accommodate your tires but also gives a small amount of space on either side of the tires. Knowing your tire’s width makes choosing the right ramp easier.
Weight Capacity
This refers to the maximum weight capacity that a ramp, or both ramps, can handle. If you’re a larger vehicle, it’s ideal to choose ramps that accommodate a heavier car. Some ramps indicate Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) while others show the single-axis rating. It’s helpful to know the weight of each axis on your car before choosing a ramp because most of the time since the engine is in the front of the car it will be heavier than the rear axis. It’s ideal that you choose a ramp that exceeds the weight capacity of the vehicle you plan on mounting.
Tire Stops
This is a small but very important product attribute that you should highly consider when purchasing a car ramp. Tire stops, or otherwise known as end walls, are important for giving your vehicle extra stabilization when it’s resting on top of the ramp platform. This feature also prevents your vehicle from rolling off of the ramp and causing any unnecessary damage to your vehicle or to yourself.
How to Use Car Ramps Properly
Car ramps are sturdier and easier to use than jack stands but it’s also necessary to know how to use ramps safely. Here are the steps to take when using your ramps to prevent causing damage to your vehicle or yourself.
- Always work on a flat surface that is smooth and not slippery or wet, if necessary use a carpet or rubber underlay to prevent the ramps from sliding.
- Position the ramps so that they barely touch the tires but still align with the center of your wheels.
- Before driving onto the ramps, make sure your steering wheel is centered.
- Carefully apply pressure to the gas so that your vehicle slowly ascends the ramps, if you have to, use the parking brake while pushing on the throttle to prevent the car from lurching forwards.
- Once your tires hit the tire stops at the end of the ramp’s platform, use the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling off of the ramp.
- Use wheel chocks and place them before each wheel to provide extra stability.
- You are ready to work on the underside of your vehicle!
Conclusion
When you’re thinking about lifting your car so that you do some work on it, whether it is on the underbody or not, it’s important to mount your vehicle with the utmost care. It’s important to choose a ramp that is well suited for your specific kind of vehicle so that you can feel comfortable and safe while using it.
Written by: Julia Batista and Sonam Choedon
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