car/truck ramps

siume99 · March 28, 2002

I'm interested in getting a pair of car/truck ramps. What do you guys use? Are there certain manufacturers, or features I should look for or stay away from (one piece, two piece, foldable...etc.)

BTW I already have a 3.5 ton jack and stands. Do I need a pair of ramps? Are ramps safer, quicker?

Thanks

CMNTMXR81 · March 28, 2002

I got some yellow ones from Corvette Central a LOOOONNNNNGGGG time ago that have two black plastic ramp extenders that make it easier for low cars (like Vette's) to get up without scratching their lower chin on them. This was long before this style ramp made it to the mainstream market.

I don't know what brand they are though.

carguru · March 28, 2002

I got some yellow ones from Corvette Central a LOOOONNNNNGGGG time ago that have two black plastic ramp extenders that make it easier for low cars (like Vette's) to get up without scratching their lower chin on them. This was long before this style ramp made it to the mainstream market.

I don't know what brand they are though.

Believe that those yellow ones are the Ultra ramps. I've got a set of those also with the extenders. Works great for low cars. I've got the UR9000 which are the heavier duty ones. Got them about 7 years ago at Carquest. The only thing to watch out for is to put a nonslip pad under them to prevent slide out when driving up the ramps. Don't have to get the extenders for trucks.

General Lee 01 · March 29, 2002

I believe some sets come with wheel chucks for the opposite end of the vehicle. I would go with those.

But I prefer just jack stands, jacks, and Hi-lifts. My opinion is I think they are somewhat safer than those ramps.

Jpshostr · March 29, 2002

I believe some sets come with wheel chucks for the opposite end of the vehicle. I would go with those.

But I prefer just jack stands, jacks, and Hi-lifts. My opinion is I think they are somewhat safer than those ramps.

For working under a car I can't think of a more UNSAFE thing than a hi-lift jack. I hate using those things for any job, way too wobbly and shaky. If you need to jack, use a bottle jack, let that hi-lift sit.

carguru · March 29, 2002

For the ultimate, I would like to have a 4 post lift. Unfortunately, my garage is too small for that. Alternative would be to use a couple of bottle jacks (or floor jacks) and jack stands. I always have a fear that I get one side up on stands and the car/truck slips off the stands and punch a hole in the floor boards while I'm doing the second side. I'm with Jpshostr on the hilift issue. I think that they are too wobbly. For the ramps, as long as you have a non slip surface, they will not slide out. I've made rubber pads to go under them when I use so that they stay put. Works good so far. The rubber pads I made from scrap bed mat material. The other option is to get one of those kwiklift ramps. The entire car goes on and you use a floor jack to lift.

http://www.kwiklift.com

CityTruck · March 29, 2002

I seem to have plenty of room under my stock height truck with no lift at all. So far I've added the Nerf Bars, Mud Flaps, Cat Back, and changed the oil, etc... I love it.

CMNTMXR81 · March 29, 2002

Ultra sounds about right Car.

I'd love to have both a 4 post lift and a drive on lift in my garage, or even a pit, but local ordinances won't allow it! :angry:

The lift I've been looking at lately is similar to what Discount Tire uses. You drive over it, then the lift scissors up about 2ft lifting the car. It isn't going to allow full standing under carraige access and since it lifts the car via it's frame/sub frame rails with the same ramp you drive on, some access is limited BUT for those of us with normal garages could be useful.

siume99 · March 29, 2002

The kwiklift looks cool, but expensive. I'm not into cars and trucks that much, nor do I have the room (garage).

CityTruck, I have had room to do oil changes and replace horns and generally inspect the underside of my truck also. However, I think it's easier to sometimes work a little further than forearms reach from some things, especially if I'm under there for a while. *side note* my dad sometimes helps me with my truck and his girth is around 2.5 times mine!

Carguru, thanks for the tip with the rubber stoppers. I'm trying to make my own equivalent of CargoLoks for securing loose boxes and such in the back of my Tahoe. Normal velcro doesn't help on the carpet, I'm still looking for the stiffer "delux" velcro for holding my cargo stops in place.

WEFs99 · March 29, 2002

Anyone considering a Kwiklift think about this. I have a 20'x20' garage with a center mounted door opener. The Kwiklift is super for the Vette and my daughters Malibu and Sebring but the opener is in the way for the Sierra and Caravan. The Kwiklift in the lay flat position raises the truck plenty for most work underneath but the garage door opener is about a foot over the cab preventing a full lift.(22")

THE BIGPUNN · March 31, 2002

i have rhino ramps from meijer. i cant remember what i paid, no much im sure. the ultra from corvette central were too much, then you have to pay extra s@h. go with ramps for sure. quicker, safer, easier than jacks. once you get the car on the ramp, use the emergency brake, put it in park. then i put a brick or something under the rear tire for added safety.

Zane · March 31, 2002

i have rhino ramps from meijer.

Same here. With the Corvette and Camaro, we needed something to get under them. Our steel ramps(that we use with everthing else) would have damaged the cars.

carguru · April 1, 2002

i have rhino ramps from meijer.

Same here. With the Corvette and Camaro, we needed something to get under them. Our steel ramps(that we use with everthing else) would have damaged the cars.

That's why the Ultra ramps have extenders. Bought the Ultra ramps for the 'vette and Imp. I can do most work under the truck without them.

The rhino ramps are nice too. They weren't out on the market when I bought mine.