Ramps--man those things are dangerous--Use a Jack! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bustedbenz · #1 05-22-2008, 09:19 AM

I've never liked the idea of ramps. Seems like an idiot (like I am capable of being) could easily drive off the high end of the things and do FAR more damage to their body work than jacks generally do.

I grew up watching my dad (and grandfather) do everything we've ever done with jacks and jackstands, and feel comfortable working with them myself. I don't deny the possibility of an accident and I'm careful... but having never had experience with ramps, I feel a lot safer with the IDEA of jacks and jackstands.

vstech · #2 05-22-2008, 09:37 AM

on level stable ground either support device is fine, and Stands are MUCH more versatile for various tasks like suspension etc...
on NOT level ground, I would think the ramps are superior, since they are so much longer in contact with the ground, but they kinda limit what you can do to the raised car... brakes etc kinda difficult with the tire on...

Phil · #3 05-22-2008, 10:31 AM

I much prefer ramps when ever possible but I have had them slide when driving up on them. I have thought about drilling a hole in the floor and the front of the ramp so I could drop in a pin to hold it in place while I drive up them.

Diesel Dan · #4 05-23-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

I much prefer ramps when ever possible but I have had them slide when driving up on them. I have thought about drilling a hole in the floor and the front of the ramp so I could drop in a pin to hold it in place while I drive up them.

Or if you don't want to drill into your floor, brace a couple 2x4's against the back of the garage to hold the ramps in place. I like vstech's carpet idea the best though!

greguw · #5 05-23-2008, 12:50 PM

I have not had a small car like my little coupe in years , I just had to put her up on some jack stands and left jack inplace under the front beam .
I would have rather had a set of heavyduty ramps ...there is just much working room and it's better for the car .
I am looking around for a company thats producing a good set of ramps these days ...I could kick my self in the butt for giving a really nice set of ramps ...they even had a front tire stops ...they were a good set .
Just my 2 cents .

greg

bustedbenz · #6 05-22-2008, 10:46 AM

There's two factors at play with my commentary on jacks vs ramps... Might as well share them since they relate somewhat.

1. We have a smooth concrete floor garage - slick enough I think ramps would scoot. So level surface isn't an issue.

2. I'm an oil drainer, not an oil vacuumer. Therefore, my car gets jacked up every 5,000 miles because I rotate my tires every time I change the oil... so ramps are useless for 95% if not an even higher percentage of the work I do to the car. If the tires come off 95% of the times the car goes in for service, what's the point in having ramps anyway?

#7 05-22-2008, 10:59 AM

I use both depending on the job, at the moment the 240D is sitting on ramps with the AC compressor dangling waiting for a replacement bolt/spacer that somehow fell out of the bracket. I prefer ramps to get under the front of the car.

vstech · #8 05-22-2008, 11:14 AM

sure, no prob... I aims to please...
oh, and if your floor is REALLY REALLY smooth, just extend the carpet so it reaches your drive tires...

SD Blue · #9 05-22-2008, 11:20 AM

I use the "plastic" Rhino ramps and would never dream of using the "running approach". Try placing a rubber mat under the ramp.

ImBroke · #10 05-22-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD Blue

I use the "plastic" Rhino ramps and would never dream of using the "running approach". Try placing a rubber mat under the ramp.

I used to have a link with one of them Rhino ramps that exploded on somebody. One of mine's just got a chunk missing out of it. Not sure how much longer I'm going to use them.

Matt L · #11 05-22-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImBroke

I used to have a link with one of them Rhino ramps that exploded on somebody. One of mine's just got a chunk missing out of it. Not sure how much longer I'm going to use them.

With a chunk missing, it's time to retire them.

SD Blue · #12 05-23-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImBroke

I used to have a link with one of them Rhino ramps that exploded on somebody. One of mine's just got a chunk missing out of it. Not sure how much longer I'm going to use them.

Several factors could have caused that.........exceeding the weight rating, overrunning the end or side, or using damaged ramps. If your ramps are damaged, replace them. I would say the same thing about steel ramps, jack stands or hydraulic jacks. Even a damaged lift should not be used until it has been repaired.

I always ensure the stability and integrity of whatever I use. If the car is not sitting on the ramps squarely, as designed, then I back it off and remount. Also, using 2 factors while lifted is good sense. For example, 2 ramps, 2 jackstands, jack & jackstand, or even tire changing jack and spare tire in an emergency.

300SD81 · #13 05-22-2008, 11:44 PM

My ramps have sharp corners that literally dig into the concrete slightly, absolutely no slippage.. plus they weight 30+lb each, not sure what they were originally made for, but they came with our house for getting a mower in and out of a shed, I just prop them up on some solid concrete cinder blocks. For about a week once, I was too lazy to put them up, so I parked on them everyday, no issues at all...

Hatterasguy · #14 05-22-2008, 11:48 PM

I have used ramps once or twice, they are OK.

I think the best toy is a lift!

I can dream!