Sliding Rhino Ramps

HaroldCallahan · January 11, 2005

Got Rhino Ramps from walmart for the oil change.

The floor on my garage is finished very smooth and the ramps were sliding despite the rubber foot. They were actually being shot out to the front after getting part way up the ramps. Only one would shoot out and one would remain in place - ending up with one wheel up on the ramp and the other on the garage floor. I put some carpet scraps under them and they then worked.

I think I will get some rubber mats to put under them.

My wife thinks if I had been going up them a little faster that maybe they would not have slid, and no I wasnt using the brakes which could lock the front wheels and cause the Yukon to just push the ramps.

My fear of going too fast is that I might drive off the end. Also if one was to shoot out the front and the other one held fast it seems like it would be even more likely to drive off the one that didnt slide.

I thought about placing wheel chocks at the right spots so that the rear tire would be blocked at about the same time as the front tire reaches the end of the ramp. Would there be any downside to doing this ???

Am I just worrying too much ???

firecadet613 · January 11, 2005

Put it in 4x4 then go on the ramps...works for me.

Joe

az'03Silverado · January 11, 2005

4 wheel drive will work best. The ramps work really well with a front wheel drive car. But, if you don't use 4x4, do this. Put the truck in park with the wheels straight (you can leave the engine running) and the parking brake on. When placing the ramps in front of the truck, give them a good push toward the tire to wedge them under the tire. Then be sure to hold the brake until you have it in drive and the transmission engages (this way the truck won't roll backwards any). Release the parking brake and let the truck roll up the ramps giving it a little gas to keep it from rolling backward. As long as you don't really rev it up it should stop right up on the ramps. I've even had the ramps scoot forward a little without the truck rolling off of the end. They're really tough ramps and will hold the truck really well as long as the wheels are centered on the ramp.

Wingnut · January 11, 2005

Cheap fix...Drill a hole in the base of each, and tie a long peice of rope through it, and lay it out flat. That way when your front wheels hit the ramp, the rear wheels are on the rope keeping them from moving.

Or...You could use the carpet pads.

Or...You could use rubber strips.

Or...You could use 4 wheel drive.

Wait....Oil change? Why do you need ramps for an oil change?

cit1991 · January 11, 2005

Wait....Oil change? Why do you need ramps for an oil change?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what I wondered. I just slide under from the driver's side...always plenty of room, and I'm not what you'd call very wiry.

asilverblazer · January 11, 2005

I use 4x4. Not to change the oil though, I use it to clean underneath there.

HaroldCallahan · January 12, 2005

Wait....Oil change? Why do you need ramps for an oil change?

With the tube steps on it I cannot slide under the 2005 Yukon XL, 4x4. I was surprise at how low it actually is.

There is plenty of room under my 1988 GMC Suburban though.

az'03Silverado · January 12, 2005

Wait....Oil change? Why do you need ramps for an oil change?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what I wondered. I just slide under from the driver's side...always plenty of room, and I'm not what you'd call very wiry.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can change my oil without ramps but the ramps give me a lot of extra room for lubing the chassis and doing a thorough visual inspection of the underside of my truck. I can also crawl back and check out the trans and driveshaft for leaks and problems. It also lets more light under there so I don't have to use a shop light.