Plastic/Poly car ramps

mike_nofx · 02-09-2017, 06:33 PM

I'm looking to buy a set of car ramps for better access while servicing.

I'm specifically interested in the polypropylene (plastic) car ramps, mainly for ease of storage as they can be stacked and easily put up on a shelf.
They seem to have some mixed reviews, with some people managing to damage them while others have no issues. Seems to be the Americans with their 'trucks' and likely incorrect use which would be damaging them in my opinion.
However the same can be said of cheaper steel ramps too, with thin angle line and chinese welds.

I'm not looking to spend a fortune, and I'd like full height car ramps as opposed to the lower profile ramps which only give a few inches of lift. Will be mainly used on a VE SS Wagon.

Heres an example of what I am considering, any opinions or advice to give?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-2-4-T...sAAOSwKBVZp2XI

Tassie f100 · 02-09-2017, 06:48 PM

Seems a lot of money for something that will raise by 170 mm Steel angle iron ramps raise by closer to 300mm.A couple of 200 x75 pine sleepers,a few minutes with a saw and a few big nails and you would have something very servicable for $60-70

**GO FURTHER** · 02-09-2017, 07:14 PM

Much cheaper ... Just as good

danzvtil · 02-09-2017, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

I'm looking to buy a set of car ramps for better access while servicing.

I'm specifically interested in the polypropylene (plastic) car ramps, mainly for ease of storage as they can be stacked and easily put up on a shelf.
They seem to have some mixed reviews, with some people managing to damage them while others have no issues. Seems to be the Americans with their 'trucks' and likely incorrect use which would be damaging them in my opinion.
However the same can be said of cheaper steel ramps too, with thin angle line and chinese welds.

I'm not looking to spend a fortune, and I'd like full height car ramps as opposed to the lower profile ramps which only give a few inches of lift. Will be mainly used on a VE SS Wagon.

Heres an example of what I am considering, any opinions or advice to give?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-2-4-T...sAAOSwKBVZp2XI

That ramp looks like it has a nice shallow angle, I have an old metal pair of ramps that are too steep, and will gauge the front bumper on any of my cars. The only way I can use them is set them up where my driveway runs down hill.
So yes, shallow angle = good.

Sar4890 · 03-09-2017, 01:56 AM

I use those plastic ramps they use to level caravans as there is no way i can get my ba xr6 up on normal ramps same problem with the trolley jack have to lift one side up at a time which is a pita .

Crazy Dazz · 03-09-2017, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

That ramp looks like it has a nice shallow angle, I have an old metal pair of ramps that are too steep, and will gauge the front bumper on any of my cars. The only way I can use them is set them up where my driveway runs down hill.
So yes, shallow angle = good.

It has a "nice shallow angle" because it only lifts the car 17cm. Better off with a trolley jack and a couple of stands.

I'd also note that there's not much stopping you running off the end. A 4.5cm lip, on light-weight poly.

And they claim "stackable" like its something magical. So what, you can put one on top of the other?

And for $150?

I picked up a nice pair of steel ones, in good nick, off gumtree for $20.

uniacidz · 03-09-2017, 03:13 AM

I bought Supercheap Auto ones, black and handle 700kg I think per side
Car weighs 1650kg roundabout so with front only or rear only is fine

Never had a issue

Only issue is getting the car up on on over concrete, tends to push the ramps away when moving forward

Need rubber under ramps then sometimes still doesn't work

Sorted now for the most part

Lowered car needs a paver in front each side to lift it up clear of the bumper when going up the ramps

Wonder if the plastics will slide
I would think they would maybe but the steel ones too steep

Sent from ASUS ZE551ML ^_^ using Tapatalk

damo6 · 03-09-2017, 05:29 AM

Be carefull of these: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/rec...race-car-ramps

Pis-ton broke · 03-09-2017, 07:23 AM

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
what he said. don,t touch 'em with i barge poll.
and, plastic breaks down in time, and becomes very brittle. do you trust your life will bs advertising and a chinese made product like this, don,t do it.
even the sca steel ones are pos, imo. i have some idea as im as boilermaker, and work with steel daily.

lra · 03-09-2017, 08:31 AM

I have a pair of steel ramps which are too steep for my car.
A couple of treated pine sleepers 1800 x 200 x 50 up onto them make a good approach angle.

**GasoLane** · 03-09-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damo6

Be carefull of these: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/rec...race-car-ramps

Which coincidentally look exactly the same as the ones in the OP's post

mike_nofx · 03-09-2017, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damo6

Be carefull of these: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/rec...race-car-ramps

Be careful because they weren't supplied with an instruction manual or a warning sticker originally?

The ramps weren't recalled, just those who purchased them were sent stickers to apply to the ramps.

But thanks for the replies in this thread, I think I'll give them a miss for now.

bangm001 · 03-09-2017, 08:12 PM

Its a great idea being light etc but agree with the consensus of the others in this thread. Save your money and get yourself some good axle stands and a quality car jack.

SumoDog68 · 03-09-2017, 08:55 PM

These are reputable but pricey - https://raceramps.com/car-ramps/gara...56-race-ramps/
Steel ramps or axle stands are good alternative.

au350hp · 08-09-2017, 04:10 PM

It is your life. Why would you even consider trying to save $50-$100? In my lifetime I can remember 4 people that have died in their driveway because of working under a carjack or cheap rubbish collapsing. There are ramps for 'lowered' cars, 4WD and normal sedans. These are also available in various gauge steel. My tip, buy the heavy duty ones, even if you own an Escort, you will appreciate the extra strength and sturdiness when driving up on em. Also, my H/D steel ramps stack inside each other and I hang em off the wall, out of the way. Best thing I have bought. next to a V8 Ford.

au350hp · 09-09-2017, 06:09 PM

Just a thought, if you keep an eye on Supercheap, Autobarn & Repco, you will find they often group stands, ramps & jacks together in special buys.

mike_nofx · 10-09-2017, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roostercam

It is your life. Why would you even consider trying to save $50-$100? In my lifetime I can remember 4 people that have died in their driveway because of working under a carjack or cheap rubbish collapsing. There are ramps for 'lowered' cars, 4WD and normal sedans. These are also available in various gauge steel. My tip, buy the heavy duty ones, even if you own an Escort, you will appreciate the extra strength and sturdiness when driving up on em. Also, my H/D steel ramps stack inside each other and I hang em off the wall, out of the way. Best thing I have bought. next to a V8 Ford.

But are they really life risking pieces of equipment? Do you have evidence of anyone being injured or killed under plastic car ramps?

I actually own a few different types of car jacks, axle stands and I have heavy duty steel car ramps which are about 20+Kgs each.

As I stated in my first post, the idea of the plastic ramps were just something to aid in servicing, theyd be easy to get out, drive up and remove the sump plug and oil filter.

Tassie f100 · 10-09-2017, 07:12 PM

I would presume that the plastic ramps will deteriorate over time, but hyd jacks lower themselves,stands fall over,steel ramps can be pushed by the car when you try to drive up on them.I guess nothing is infallible if not used properly

au350hp · 13-09-2017, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

But are they really life risking pieces of equipment? Do you have evidence of anyone being injured or killed under plastic car ramps?

I actually own a few different types of car jacks, axle stands and I have heavy duty steel car ramps which are about 20+Kgs each.

As I stated in my first post, the idea of the plastic ramps were just something to aid in servicing, theyd be easy to get out, drive up and remove the sump plug and oil filter.

Are they really life threatening equipment you ask? Do you really want to find out? Like many others here, I don't even look at the cheap tools/parts or mechanics aids as they're usually rubbish made with little steel or dodgy circuitry. A trip to Repco/Supercheap or Autobarn supports my claim.

Sar4890 · 13-09-2017, 06:04 PM

Perhaps the plastic ramps are useful to get the car up a few inches to get a trolley jack under it so you can get stands under the especially if they have a less aggressive approach angle than the steel ones. like the ones i use they will only lift the car about 4 -5 inches enough for me to get the jack under my BA xr6 and my focus its enough to reach under to get to the oil filter and sump plug with out even getting under the car.

comfortablynumb · 13-09-2017, 07:05 PM

I wouldn't get any work done at all under those plastic ramps.

My eyeballs would be swiveling in my skull just watching for them to give way.