Race Ramps... a must!

[jroyk]

Did an oil change, on the Jeep, this weekend.

Not really necessary, but it did make life easier

Bob
Riverside, California

I change my JGC without ramps. Ground clearance and cartridge filter up top make it the easiest OC I’ve ever done.

 

[srtdusty]

Good to know. Thanks

 

[Jimmy N.]

Has anyone used Race Ramps on gravel or dirt, in other words less than perfect surfaces?
I'll need something to make the transition to my trailer's ramp door, but suspect that those ramps could crumble if not supported evenly.

 

[Diboblo]

Has anyone used Race Ramps on gravel or dirt, in other words less than perfect surfaces?
I'll need something to make the transition to my trailer's ramp door, but suspect that those ramps could crumble if not supported evenly.

They are solid, not hollow.

The 2 piece are designed as trailer ramps.

You shouldn't have any issues.

Bob
Riverside, California

 

[McLovin]

In some ways, they work a bit better when there is some surface friction.

I've found mine tend to push forward a bit when trying to roll the car up on them on a smooth surface.

 

[Jimmy N.]

Thanks, Rob.
When I looked into getting a set a few months ago, it seemed like an "expanding foam" type base enclosed in "bedliner", and not necessarily a good setup for uneven surfaces.
But there's only one way to find out, I suppose.

 

[Jimmy N.]

I've found mine tend to push forward a bit when trying to roll the car up on them on a smooth surface.

Well, in my case it's not smooth vs. brushed concrete. More like cobblestones, really.

 

[McLovin]

Well, in my case it's not smooth vs. brushed concrete. More like cobblestones, really.

I'd say as long as they aren't 'rocks' (like say larger thatn #2 limestone...you should be OK. Small pebbles or slightly uneven surfaces (as long as they are reasonably flat) should work fine

 

[Jimmy N.]

That's where I have a problem. Reasonably flat, yes, larger than #2, definitely.
I could spread fine gravel in a "loading spot", but it'd get probably get plowed away during the winter.

On a positive note, I ordered a pair of smaller Race Ramps last year, but they sent the wrong kind so I've never used them.
Forgot all about those. Now I need to find them, and use them as Guinea Pigs.

 

[jroyk]

The directions that ship with Race Ramps tell you to sweep away stones before using them.
https://www.raceramps.com/faq/a/r14/

 

[Jimmy N.]

Yeah, that's the problem with having a (mostly) gravel driveway.
I could load and unload out on the road, but it would be a bit of a production.

 

[Confuzed1]

I bought my ramps last year and have used them a few times. I really like them since they're light, easy and fast to set up. My garage is concrete so a flat surface isn't an issue. I suppose if I had a relatively flat gravel driveway, I'd try to put the ramps on a large piece (or two pieces) of 1/4" thick plywood and try them. If you don't do that, they're going to get dimpled underneath I'd think....which may or may not hurt them.

EDIT: And of course, the link posted above says not to use them with wood or metal. But I bet they are talking about using either as an extension?

 

[Jimmy N.]

Yeah, using plywood should work, and worth a try.

I'd prefer to build my own ramps, the main drawback being the weight of them. With a bad back and knees, and a hernia, I try not to lift any more than I have to, which is why the Race Ramps are tempting.

 

[Confuzed1]

Yeah, using plywood should work, and worth a try.

I'd prefer to build my own ramps, the main drawback being the weight of them. With a bad back and knees, and a hernia, I try not to lift any more than I have to, which is why the Race Ramps are tempting.

Yeah, I've seen guys build some really nice ramps. But - these cars sit low so the ramps end up being pretty long and real heavy... These RR's are super light and I just throw them in the back of my pickup in the garage when I'm not using them. I have two fake knees and my back is shot too. But thankfully no hernia..

 

[Jimmy N.]

I suppose I could build my own and leave them at home. Here weight isn't an issue since I have machinery to lift things with.
Then, wherever I'm going, I could most likely use Race Ramps for unloading. That would probably be the least unintelligent solution.

 

[Diboblo]

I change my JGC without ramps. Ground clearance and cartridge filter up top make it the easiest OC I’ve ever done.

Is there supposed to be a cover on the access hole, to the drain plug and filter?

I was surprised to find it wide open...

If there is... I need a part number.

Mostly, I put it up on ramps to find space for my train horn kit. Mostly.



Bob
Riverside, California

 

[Diboblo]

Has anyone used Race Ramps on gravel or dirt, in other words less than perfect surfaces?
I'll need something to make the transition to my trailer's ramp door, but suspect that those ramps could crumble if not supported evenly.

Here are some examples of how the 2 piece ramps are used for trailer access.

https://www.raceramps.com/c/trailer/

They are more robust than one might think.

Maybe a member local to you can show them off, for you...



Bob
Riverside, California

 

[Jungle Cat]

I have used my race ramps on the front lawn to change oil on my truck while driveway was being paved. No issues. Ground was pretty hard at that time. I would be less enthused in early spring when ground is soft.?

 

[jroyk]

Is there supposed to be a cover on the access hole, to the drain plug and filter?

I was surprised to find it wide open...

If there is... I need a part number.

Mostly, I put it up on ramps to find space for my train horn kit. Mostly.



Bob
Riverside, California

Mine is a ‘14 Overland. There is no cover for the drain plug, but there may be for trail rated models. The oil filter has one in the middle of the engine cover on top of the engine. Do you have a spin on filter underneath?

 

[Jimmy N.]

Here are some examples of how the 2 piece ramps are used for trailer access.

https://www.raceramps.com/c/trailer/

They are more robust than one might think.

Maybe a member local to you can show them off, for you...

Bob
Riverside, California

Got started on figuring out which ones I'd need. Meeting the 10% approach angle requirement is easy, but I need to find the breakover angle for a 'Cat so I know how high the ramps must lift the door on the trailer.

Then, checking and measuring angles got me completely sidetracked, so now I'm looking at ordering a 32' gooseneck trailer with a hydraulic dove tail.
Without dumping the air suspension, that dove tail is at only 15 degrees, so naturally that got me thinking about being able to load a Challenger on it, too.