Retire old car ramps?

[HawkeyeScott]

I have a pair of metal ramps I bought in 2002, been steadily used since for oil changes, transmission drains, etc. They're still in great shape as they've always been stored inside. But I seem to remember reading in several places over the years that ramps are something that should be replaced after a certain amount of time. I'm likely well past that window.

That said, these things are in great shape and *look* like new. Throwing them out seems like a waste. But I'm also more aware of my mortality than ever before and, even thigh I always use jack stands, am not all that interested in needing the stands in case of a ramp failure.

Getting ready to embark on a series of repairs in the next few weeks. I suppose that's why this is top of mind today. Is it time to spend $40 on new ramps?

 

[69GTX]

With any ramps, regardless of age, that are not solid (ie full blocks of wood for example) I'd expect to use back up jack stands on the frame either side, just in case. If there is no distortion or weld cracks, pitting, corrosion, etc. in those metal ramps I'd still use them....along with b/u jack stands.

 

[Rolla07]

Use em with jack stands just in case but I doubt they go bad unless any visible damage.

 

[cptbarkey]

i tossed my (plastic) rhino ramps after 10 years, i dont trust them. i just replaced them with another set about 6 months ago. I do not trust cheap metal ones myself.

 

[andyd]

I had a metal ramp fold side wise. I won't buy another pair. I went back to cement blocks used cores up and dunnage. Slow and reliable.

 

[JHZR2]

My plastic ramps are over ten years old, and not showing any signs of issues. I'd be willing to take them out of service, but they don't get regular UV exposure so without signs of stress discoloration I'm going to keep using them.

 

[Silverado12]

Originally Posted By: andyd
I had a metal ramp fold side wise. I won't buy another pair. I went back to cement blocks used cores up and dunnage. Slow and reliable.


I'm not sure what kind of blocks you're talking about, but never use regular concrete blocks. They can collapse w/o warning.

 

[Supercalifragili]

Originally Posted By: Silverado12
Originally Posted By: andyd
I had a metal ramp fold side wise. I won't buy another pair. I went back to cement blocks used cores up and dunnage. Slow and reliable.


I'm not sure what kind of blocks you're talking about, but never use regular concrete blocks. They can collapse w/o warning.


+1

I have used masonry products in a pinch, but they are not recommended. When I simply had nothing else as a secondary support, I doubled up on the columns of bricks, so as many bricks as possible were supporting the car from the ground. So, on one side, I had the jack as a primary support.. and since that is not enough safety and never is, two columns of masonry product, one brick, and one sturdy cinder block. Some use tire rims.

Plastic ramp should hold up over time, metal does rust and I would not use. Ramps work well for a number of things.

Car suspension also supports the car when ramps are used, so, safety is high.

 

[silverrat]

Quote:
Car suspension also supports the car when ramps are used, so, safety is high.


What does this mean?

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Why not back up the ramps that are over 8 years old by placing jack stands or railroad tie sections under strategic support points after you drive up on the ramps?

 

[Jarlaxle]

I have at l;east one pair of ramps that is close to 40 years old...I wouldn't hesitate to use them for any vehicle up to and including a HD diesel pickup!

 

[supton]

Steel ramps? I'd think they'd last forever, assuming a decent grade of steel. Could always shore them up: get some 2 x whatever, and "fill" in the area under the ramp. That way, if it collapsed--well, it wouldn't, it'd just crush down onto the ramp.

If in doubt, just replace. How much is the cost of ramps vs peace of mind?

 

[Lubener]

As long as your old ramps are not damaged, I would trust those more than new, Chinese built ramps. I personally do not use ramps but use jack stands. I would never crawl under a car being supported by plastic ramps.

 

[Gasbuggy]

Originally Posted By: silverrat
Quote:
Car suspension also supports the car when ramps are used, so, safety is high.


What does this mean?



I think he means that most of the weight of the car is on the suspension and not the ramp. Man, all the times I've weighed my cars and I didn't know to jack them up to unload the suspension!

 

[sw99]

My metal ramps are about 20 years old and I use them all the time.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

My grandpa has metal ramps that are 30 years+ old... still good.

In fact, all the orange paint has rubbed off from being drugged, and tires!

We NEVER use jackstands/blocks or any of that other nonsense with ramps. You just put the E-brake on, chock the rear wheels, and you are good to go!

You always do the "bounce" test before you go under, and even it they did fold or fail.... the wheel is still on it, so you got like 12" of ground clearance.

That is not enough safety for some people, or some people go cheap.

 

[Bamaro]

Metal ramps should outlast you unless they are too rusty.

 

[Kira]

Seriously, ramps are way safe EXCEPT when they're on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

I've seen stamped steel which have been loaded crookedly finally fold up under load.

My pal who went to automotive school has seen it happen several times.

I gave him my stamped steel ramps when the last car in the family which could use 'em (a Jeep XJ) was sold.
I had mounted them on a piece of 3/4" plywood which grooves cut into them which matched the ramps edgy footprint-adding rigidity. He loves them.

Happy January 1st, Kira

 

[philipp10]

very strange article that would say replace after a certain amount of time. Its not like they how would wear out and there are way too many variables to make such a statement. The original author did you a disservice. Things like how well originally constructed, how maintained, how used ...etc come into play. I would personally inspect close and use a back up jack stand OR shore them up with two by fours. BTW, anything new is suspect, everything made now is so cheaply built.

 

[DBMaster]

I once accidentally drove off the front of a pair of metal ramps with my 1972 Pontiac Catalina. Fortunately, the car had an actual full frame. It dented the ramps down a bit. I had to use a jack to get them out. No damage was done to the car and the ramps remained usable even after that.