Servicing Ramps

[Chris CM]

Hi Guys,

I've decided to do my own servicing and repair my sliding step and want to buy a pair of ramps. Most "heavy duty" ones seem to be around 2.5 Tonnes and my van is plated at 4.5 Tonnes. What do you think? Also can anyone recommend any makes or suppliers?

 

[andykim]

Most ramps seem to be too steep, I have a pair of heavy duty steel ones and the problem with mine is, when you start to drive onto them the wheels "push" them away so I have to put some scrap decking boards into the first gap of the ramp to hold them down. When you get the vehicle on its a bit scary if you go up too far and there's a chance of them tipping forward and the ramps ending up in your floor. Chock the rear wheels and use axle stands as an extra precautionary as well.

 

[ROCHESB]

When I fitted the air suspension to the rear of our Autocruise panel van I only needed to raise it 3-4" to crawl under so I made some 'ramps' out of old fencing boards 'laminated' together. I have some steel ramps but haven't used them in years as they slide as andykim says

 

[Guigsy]

I'm not sure, but as long as each axle isn't over 2.5t, won't they be ok?

 

[Oldrat]

Most ramps seem to be too steep, I have a pair of heavy duty steel ones and the problem with mine is, when you start to drive onto them the wheels "push" them away so I have to put some scrap decking boards into the first gap of the ramp to hold them down. When you get the vehicle on its a bit scary if you go up too far and there's a chance of them tipping forward and the ramps ending up in your floor. Chock the rear wheels and use axle stands as an extra precautionary as well.

Put a strip of old carpet on the ground, put one end through the first ‘rung’ and bring it back to lay on top of the rest of the carpet.

That sound like a dogs dinner. What I mean is - Fold a strip of carpet in half, with the ramp in the fold.

Drive onto the carpet, and then up the ramp.

Weld some upright stops on the top of the ramp to drive up to and stop you over shooting?

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[BobJayne]

Otherwise put some strapping or rope on the ramp to drive over, a bit like this but obviously taller ramps.

 

[DandG5515]

I just use my leveling ramps, that's high enough to do an oil change.

Ps milenco quattro 3

 

[ericroy]

I use my heavy duty levelling ramps (Milenco Quattro) but ensuring that the other pair of wheels is properly chocked. Not sure why it would be necessary to buy another set of ramps when I already have some? If spending new money, I would go for a trolley jack and heavy duty axle stands.

 

[SIFTA SAM]

Make your own using staggered builders planking nailed together?

 

[68c]

I would not trust the Milenco Quatro style ramp if I was under the van. I had a pair starting to collapse as the edges deformed
OK if its just for levelling at a campsite and you are in, not under the van.

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[Chris CM]

Thanks guys, I have some Milenco Quadro levelling ramps but they only lift 120mm, not enough for me to get underneath to remove the step, most car type ramps go up to 180/190mm, hence the reason I’m thinking of something like them for that little bit extra room, but I’ll be able to do the oil change with my levelling ramps.

 

[jumar]

I buy my own oil and filter. I know what's going in.....then give the mechanic down the road 35€ to do the dirty bit....works for me. works for him....takes 20 minutes to take and replace sump guard alone..

 

[Gromett]

Jim made a brilliant set from some wood. I don't know what it was but they are extremely good. Hopefully he will see this and let us know what the wood was.
It wasn't scaffold boards too thick for that. Don't think it was railway sleepers as I think he got them from a builder merchant.

 

[bigtwin]

The ramp rating is for each wheel so a 2.5t ramp can handle a 5tonne AXLE weight, so probably good for a 7.5t vehicle given that most vehicles have, at least, two axles.

What wording is actually associated with the 2.5t marking?

Ian

 

[the1andonly]

The one thing to look out for is the width of the ramp, and the angle.
These are suitable for the rear but too steep for the front (will foul the front fairing) and i use an extension ramp that is narrow and not particulaly strong, too ready to bend( i have subsequently welded extra supports).
The ramp has a restrictor (piece of angle) at top of ramp that I had to remove to safely get on the flat part (intended to stop it rolling back). I used 2 25l bottles of water in front of van to stop ramps moving forward. For oil changes i use my Milenco ramps (triangular ramps not tripples or quattros). PS they were about £150 the pair

simular to these 2 tons per ramp

Hydraulic Car Ramps 2x Heavy Duty 3000lbs Garage Van Bottle Lift Jack Ramp | eBay

Always make sure the handbrake is on and the car is in gear. Avoid working alone under a car or van if possible. Trailer Parts & Accessories. Maximum Lift Height: 350mm. Car Care & Accessories. There is a left and a right side (A PAIR ).

www.ebay.co.uk

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[rob1234]

i bought a 4 t trolley jack,, jack up stick, a couple of stands under, and get under ,,the autotrail has lots of clearance anyway but i like turning tyres round regularly and this make it so easy

 

[icantremember]

Some years ago I was working under the rear end of a PVC motorhome (3.5t) while raised on a pair of steel 2.5t ramps when I noticed one was slowly bending and just got out in time before it collapsed.
I would not now go under any raised vehicle not supported on solid ramps or proper axle stands.
I made a pair of ramps from a scaffold plank which of course can be any height you choose.
One of my ramps ....

 

[berni109]

Scaffold boards as suggested above. No fear of overloading.
Got mine 50 odd years ago and still going strong.
I did help that I worked next to a scaffolding depot.

 

[andykim]

Scaffold boards as suggested above. No fear of overloading.
Got mine 50 odd years ago and still going strong.
I did help that I worked next to a scaffolding depot.

Did the wind blow them your way?

 

[Landy Andy]

New oak sleeper (so it’s square and uniform) chainsaw at an angle through it, and you get a nice pair of sturdy ramps. Cost about £30 for oak, cheaper in pine though.