car ramps or jack advice pls

The metal car ramps all seem to be of the same design, regardless of brand and I've heard stories of them suddenly folding, which was enough to put me off buying.

I went for these Sealey ramps, which aren't quite as high, but are very robust. I still place axle stands as well when I'm underneath, as I'm paranoid about getting squished!

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CZFWT6Y/ref=cm_sw..._apa_i_YdbmFbY168YB8

It took me ages to choose the right axle stands and wheel ramps.

Some wheel ramps looked pretty lame, with no cross bar where it mattered (under the wheel). The cheapo ones all had no extra bar, so i went with these.



These have this extra support bar



The axle stands were middle of the road ones, but have decent welding and rated for 3t per stand.



Buy the best you can afford obviously.

I still get anxious underneath though, and place huge blocks of wood under the arm gaurds just incase of axle or wheel stand failure.

U cant imagine the damage and pain of getting slammed under a diff. OMG i would squeel like a piggy!!!

It's all about piece of mind.When you get your ramps put them somewhere as flat as possible and strong enough to support the load. When backing up I use low range as it reduces clutch slip. You need to try this a few times to get used to positioning the car properly. Personally I don't like the design because for safety the wheels should drop into a well which stops any chance of the car rolling off the ramp. When you are satisfied that you are positioned safely get out-mind the drop-and vigourously shake the car. If it falls off:sick: try again.

Roger

Again, for piece of mind, obtain 2 pieces of 18mm ply 250mm square and screw the stands to them. They will be far more stable.

@Gadget - thanks. Are these plastic ramps known to be stronger than the metal ones? I hadn't seen them before but I like the concept

I like the ones with the "well" to drop the tyres into but note that they are lower than the metal ones. You could, if you believe you need the full height,build a base out of wood and attach to the ramp. just a thought.

Roger

treps wrote: @Gadget - thanks. Are these plastic ramps known to be stronger than the metal ones? I hadn't seen them before but I like the concept

Not seen any categorical proof that they're 'better', but they're rated for 1.5t each, so one in isolation can hold the entire weight of the car and less chance of one dodgy weld causing a whole ramp to fold, plus Sealey are a decent quality brand, so I felt happier sliding under the car with those. They don't provide as much clearance as metal ramps, but I could fit under the Jimny without them, so the added space is just a bonus