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

F18 · #16 05-22-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

... screw a piece of carpet to the ramp portion of the ramp... extend 12" or more past the beginning of the ramp... drive smooth on... no need for speed to get on the ramp. carpet holds the ramp still.

Thats brilliant! I have used some scraps of foam pipe insulation along the edge on occasion but I'll have to try carpet.
Thanks for that tip!

vstech · #17 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...

tgingrich · #18 05-22-2008, 11:18 AM

I would never use those flimsy steel ramps, but I have some nice low profile plastic ramps that are great for changing oil. They have a little rubber pad to keep them from sliding when driving up. My previous cars have been to low to get the floor jack under without driving up the ramps first.

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/200205524.htm

SD Blue · #19 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 · #20 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 · #21 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.

Jeremy5848 · #22 05-22-2008, 08:51 PM

I have driven a car off of a ramp (fortunately nothing/no one hurt) so the cautions are valid. My cheapo-brand pressed metal ramps have a lip that I bent downwards so I can stick the lip in the edge between two concrete sections of the driveway. That keeps the ramp from moving. The carpet idea is much more clever, however.

Clearly, both ramps and jack stands have their uses. Has anyone ever tried to get the rear of a car up on ramps? I was always too scared to try.

Jeremy

hangit · #23 05-22-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Has anyone ever tried to get the rear of a car up on ramps? I was always too scared to try.

Jeremy

We drove a 300SD rear up on ramps last weekend. No problem.

John

barry123400 · #24 05-22-2008, 11:39 PM

I have seen two examples of steel ramps collapsing. They were not deteriorated by rust. I will not get under a car with the cheaper steel ramps. In fact I always slide some timber pieces under the car as well if not on a lift or over a pit.

300SD81 · #25 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 · #26 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!

SD Blue · #27 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.

Diesel Dan · #28 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 · #29 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