Whether you plan on working on your car or not, it’s important to have the right equipment that enables you to do your job safely and efficiently. One of those pieces of equipment is a ramp that you’ll mount your car onto so that you can perform any routine maintenance that you intend on doing.
Well if you’re looking to do your own oil change at home, we have the perfect list that includes ten of the best auto ramps in the market. We also included a buying guide that outlines all of the different ramp features that you should think about before purchasing. Also keep reading for our step-by-step instructions that explain how to use a ramp safely.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Auto Ramps
- 1.1 1. Race Ramps RR-40
- 1.2 2. Black Widow PSR295
- 1.3 3. Trailer-Aid Tandem Changing Ramp
- 1.4 4. Race Ramps RR-EX-14
- 1.5 5. RhinoGear RhinoRamps
- 1.6 6. BISupply Service Ramps
- 1.7 7. Nicky Nice Ramp Set
- 1.8 8. Discount Ramps 6009-V2
- 1.9 9. Rage Powersports Vehicle Service Stands
- 1.10 10. Tomioka Racing Super Slopes
- 2 Things to Consider Before Buying
- 3 How to Use Car Ramps Properly
- 4 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Auto Ramps
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Race Ramps RR-40 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Black Widow PSR295 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Trailer-Aid Tandem Changing Ramp |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Race Ramps RR-EX-14 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | RhinoGear RhinoRamps |
| Check On Amazon |
 | BISupply Service Ramps |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Nicky Nice Ramp Set |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Discount Ramps 6009-V2 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Rage Powersports Vehicle Service Stands |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Tomioka Racing Super Slopes |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Race Ramps RR-40
If you want to maintain or display your vehicle, Race Ramps is a brand that offers another one of the best product options in the market. The Race Ramp Companyformulated its products to specifically serve vehicle owners, specifically those who own a low profile vehicles or have short front ends. Due to their meticulous design and great product features, their brand is renowned by racing organizations, car clubs and car enthusiasts which is proven by their features in publications such as “Car and Driver” and “Motor Trend”.
Made out of lightweight expanded polystyrene foam, these are designed to withstand 1,500poundsd per ramp, meaning that it can support vehicles such as Miatas, BMWs and Jaguars. These Race Ramps are able to support cars that have a tire width of 8 inches wide. With a clearance of 7 inches, this product also makes it ideal for you to do oil changes or other maintenances. The very gentle incline of 16.7-inch degrees and the 40 inches of length gives low profile cars the chance to be mounted without worry.
Sprayed with a hybrid polyurea coating, it allows the ramp to withstand any automotive chemicals that it might be emitting. Due to its large surface and because of the other anti-slip attributes that this Race Ramp features, it further increases the safety and stability that their product offers. The construction of the ramp also prevents scuffing to occur on your garage floor while you’re mounting your vehicle. In addition to its lightweight, there is even a carrying strap that assists you in easily moving the ramps before and after use. The compact design also makes it ideal for storing for later.
Since the ramp can only accommodate vehicles with a tire width smaller than 8 inches, it is only suitable for smaller sized cars. If they fall under a heavyweight because you’re using the ramps with a bigger vehicle, the ramps are susceptible to deforming and bulging, thus losing its structural integrity. Another notable drawback of these Race Ramps is that it’s pricier, which can work for some but not for many looking to work within their budget.
Specifications:
- 40-inch length
- 7 inches of clearance
- 16.7-degree incline
- Withstands a tire width of 8 inches maximum
- 100% high density, lightweight expanded polystyrene foam
- Hybrid polyurea coating
- Accommodates 1,500 pounds per ramp, 6,000 pounds maximum
2. Black Widow PSR295
Although it sports a steeper incline, the Black Widow ramps can do you some justice by providing you with its 6.25-inches of clearance. Known for their additional traction and highly durable construction, these ramps are worth some consideration.
Able to withstand 16,000 pounds, the Black Widow ramps are made out of high-impact plastic which also means that these can withstand any abuse that it encounters. In addition to its construction strength, the width of this product is 12 inches wide. This accommodates cars such as vans, SUVs, trucks, and large sedans, giving you extra room for you to maneuver to the platform of the ramp. With a clearance of 6.25 inches, this makes it an ideal lifted height for you to do any work on your vehicle’s underbody.
On the outside of the ramps, there is a gridded pattern that mimics the treads that are present on a tire so that it gives you additional stability when you mount your car. This grid design also helps with any debris such as water, dirt and snow to fall off of your tires while you mount.
The tire stoppers at the end of the platform are also notable because they give you the proper assistance you need to indicate that you’ve reached the end of the ramp. There is also an internal support mechanism at the core of the ramps so that it distributes the weight of the tires evenly throughout the platforms. These Black Widow ramps also anti-slip rubber footings at the bottom so that they don’t slide around when you drive your car onto them.
Due to the wider size of the ramps, this requires higher skill and caution when driving up to them. Due to the bulky design of the Black Widow ramps, they are not as easily portable. The cutout handles on the sides try to make up for this drawback by allowing you to maintain a grip on the ramps when moving them.
They also can’t stack on top of each other after use so they are also more difficult to store. Since these cons aren’t really significant and the price of the Black Widow ramps are somewhat inexpensive, this lands them in third place of the best auto ramps.
Specifications:
- 6.25 inches of clearance
- 35.5-inch length and 12-inch width
- Maximum weight capacity of 16,000 pounds
- High-impact plastic
- Weighs 18 pounds
- Anti-slip rubber footings
3. Trailer-Aid Tandem Changing Ramp
A unique addition to our list, the Trailer-Aid ramp is meant mostly for trailers but also keeps in mind those who have normal vehicles and trucks too. The design of these appeals the most to people who are very familiar with tire blowouts and so it allows you for an easy change of a flat tire. The strong suit of this ramp is that you can use it without the help of others.
Easily able to withstand 15,000 pounds, this is due in part to the construction of the ramp which is of a very strong, lightweight polymer. Due to these kinds of materials, the ramp does not rust and is water-resistant. Since this product is geared towards those with trailers, the 4.5 inches of clearance may not be enough for some applications. Nonetheless, this product provides you with the right incline so that you can smoothly mount your vehicle onto it.
At the front of the ramp, there are two holes that are supposed to provide you easy access and handling when you move it. Since this Trailer-Aid ramp weighs so little, just under 6 pounds, you can easily bring it on the go in case you need it in a bad situation.
Overall, this inexpensive ramp is great because of its extreme durability and utility and what makes it better is that it doesn’t have any drawbacks.
Specifications:
- Created for tandem trailers
- 4.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 15,000 pounds
- Made of lightweight, strong polymer
- Waterproof and rustproof
- Weighs 5.94 pounds
4. Race Ramps RR-EX-14
The second Race Ramps product on our list, are just ramp extenders, meaning that these are supposed to give your Race Ramp a gentler incline if you have a lower powerful vehicle that needs extra accommodation. These can also be very helpful if you’re not comfortable with mounting your vehicle directly onto the steeper ramp incline. Either way, these extenders ensure that there is no scraping that occurs to the undercarriage of your vehicle while you drive it up the ramps for self-service.
With a 6.6-degree incline, the Race Ramp Extender is highly ideal for lower cars. Due to the 12-inch width, these extenders can accommodate any vehicle with a tire size width that’s 12 inches and below. Boasting a stable design, these offer you extra security when your vehicle climbs the entirety of the ramps.
On the bottoms of the ramps, there is a non-slip surface that prevents it from sliding around when placed in conjunction with other Race Ramps products. Weighing just 20 pounds in total, 10 pounds per ramp, this makes these ramps highly portable and storable. This product also has a solid core so that when you store it there is no dust or grime build up on the insides of it.
Since this technically isn’t a ramp itself, you’d have to purchase this separately from your purchase of actual ramps. Another very important thing to note is that these extenders can only be used with 56- or 67-inch Race Ramps, and not with any other brand of ramps. Some consumers have also complained that this product is somewhat expensive for extenders that aren’t actually ramps. So if you’re a Race Ramp fan or are considering buying from them, the extenders may be worth consideration.
Specifications:
- Weighs 20 pounds total
- 6.6-degree incline
- 67-inch length and 12-inch width
- Only compatible with 56- or 67-inch Race Ramps
- Anti-slip rubber footings
5. RhinoGear RhinoRamps
RhinoRamps are renowned for their very sturdy and durable design that supports a very big portion of your vehicle’s weight. As one of the lower-cost products in the market and due to its various product attributes, this proves that this is the most cost-effective ramp. Made out of a very strong, heavy-duty polymer these ramps are able to support a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12,000 pounds, making them perfect for SUVs, pickups, and other kinds of cars.
Since the width of the ramp is 9 inches wide, this means that it can accommodate any vehicle that has a tire that is smaller than 9 inches. The RhinoRamps provide 6.5 inches of clearance which makes it ideal for oil changes or any other kinds of maintenance that you plan on doing. To prevent the ramps from sliding around while you mount your car, there is a CoreTRAC non-skid base that covers the underside of the product.
The 17-degree angle of approach is also ideal because it prevents any damage or scuffs from happening to your vehicle’s undercarriage while you drive your car onto the ramp. The gentle incline is also a signifier that this ramp is ideal for low-profile vehicles as well. The RhinoRamps are also highly portable because of their lightweight construction and are easily stored away because of their compact design.
The platform of these ramps has an end wall that assists with stability when your vehicle is sitting on the tip of it. Some consumers have commented that if you hit the guards too fast while driving you can drag the ramps forward, which can be potentially dangerous and unsafe for yourself and your vehicle. You can also risk cracking or damaging the ramps if you move the car forward with too much momentum or power. If your tires are wider than 9 inches then this ramp isn’t for you. Some have complained that you cannot adjust the height at which your car sits once it’s lifted onto the ramps either.
Overall, the RhinoRamps boast a very strong, stable, and robust design that makes it really ideal for mounting your car. It is compatible with a lot of different vehicle types and sets a very reasonable price point that is desirable for a lot of us trying to work within our budget. If you buy these RhinoRamps, be prepared to not be disappointed because they are the very best auto ramps in the market.
Specifications:
- 6.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 12,000 pounds
- CoreTRAC non-skid base
- Weighs 10.74 pounds
- 17-degree incline
- 9-inch width
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
6. BISupply Service Ramps
As the fourth-best ramp on our list of the best auto ramps, the BISupply Ramp Set should be highly considered especially due to its inexpensive price and highly durable construction.
Made out of thick, durable plastic, the BISupply ramps are able to withstand up to 4,000 pounds. With the clearance of 6.3 inches of clearance, this makes it ideal to do routine maintenance, such as oil changes, as well as other self-service. Due to the 11.5-inch width, this product was specifically designed to accommodate multiple vehicles including pickups, cars, SUVs, and vans. Since these only weigh 8.7 pounds each, these make these ramps highly portable and storable.
On the tops of these BISupply ramps, there is a traction pattern that gives you the extra stability you need for guiding your car up these ramps. In addition to the traction, the holes in the ramp also help any debris such as ice, dirt, and sand to fall off the tires and through the ramp too.
The end wall that marks the end of the platform also gives you the indicator you need to safely rest your vehicle on the tops of this product. The rubber pads on the bottom of these BISupply ramps also help with slippage as it works to keep the ramp in place during mounting.
There are really no drawbacks to this product besides that you may only want to use these on a flat surface. Some consumers have complained that there are no ID markings on the product too. Otherwise, the BISupply ramps are highly ideal for any of your intended uses especially because of their inexpensive cost as well.
Specifications:
- Maximum weight capacity of 4,000 pounds
- Weigh 8.7 pounds each
- 6.3 inches of clearance
- 35.5-inch length and 11.5-inch width
- Made of heavy-duty plastic
- Anti-slip rubber footings
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
7. Nicky Nice Ramp Set
Best known for their long life and unique construction, the Nicky Nice ramps are ideal for many different kinds of vehicles especially if you intend to perform routine maintenance and repairs on your car.
Able to withstand up to 6,500 pounds, or 2,000 pounds per ramp, these solid steel ramps are highly durable and strong enough to support your car while it sits on top of it. Don’t worry about whether these ramps will survive the test of time or wear and tear because these have been powder coated to prevent so.
Whether you’re driving forwards or backward onto these Nicky Nice ramps, the raised safety ribs will give you the guidance you need during mounting. Although the angle of incline of this product is unknown, these ramps sport punched and extruded traction holes that provide extra adhesion for when you drive up to them.
Although inexpensive, some consumers have complained that the build quality of this ramp is low which may be important to consider when thinking about purchasing. Some others have mentioned that the height is too high for comfort for some cars too. Besides these, there are really no other drawbacks to rival the great utility of these Nicky Nice ramps.
Specifications:
- Made of solid steel
- Maximum weight capacity of 6,500 pounds, 2,000 pounds each ramp
- Powder coat finish
- Punched and extruded traction holes
- Safety ribs on sides
- 35-inch length, 13-inch width, 9-inch height
8. Discount Ramps 6009-V2
Although designed more for lower-profile cars, the inexpensive Discount Ramps are also suitable for other kinds of vehicles as well. Due to the low clearance height, some consumers prefer to use these ramps for storing their vehicle while others will use a jack or a service lift to further mount their car. Meant for lower cars or not, the heavy-duty plastic design and the honeycomb pattern on the top make for a sturdy and highly durable product.
As stated, the plastic construction of these ramps makes them durable and gives them the ability to withstand 4,400 pounds of weight. Due to the width being 7.75 inches wide, this would mean that the Discount Ramps can only sustain vehicles that have tires that are slightly smaller than 8 inches wide.
With a clearance of 2.5 inches above the ground, it does not make it ideal for you to get under your car to do work. If you’re planning on using these in combination with a jack or service lift, this ramp is for you. The gentle incline of 9.05 degrees also makes it simple and easy for you to mount your car without the fear of scratching the undercarriage or front and back bumpers.
Due to the lightweight composition of these ramps, it proves to be highly portable. In addition to its compact size, the honeycomb design that’s on the top of the ramps prevents moisture build-up, which makes it suitable for storage. There is also a small end wall that’s at the end of the platform, further increasing the amount of stability that your vehicle is given once it’s resting on the end of the ramp.
One drawback of the Discount Ramp is that it doesn’t have any anti-slip footings at its bottom, making it susceptible to slipping while you’re trying to mount your vehicle. Besides this, there are really no other complaints about this product besides that it’s primarily designed for low profile cars.
Specifications:
- 9.05-degree incline
- 2.5 inches of clearance
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Maximum weight capacity of 4,400 pounds
- Honeycomb pattern which prevents moisture build-up
- End wall that assists with tire stopping
- 27.5-inch length and 7.75-inch width
9. Rage Powersports Vehicle Service Stands
Although abnormally large due to the removable ramps, there are some great utilities that can come with the Rage Powersports ramps. Designed specifically for lower-profile cars, these can also work for your everyday vehicle whether you plan on showing it off or to work on your car.
Able to support a weight of up to 3,000 pounds because of their strong, heavy-duty aluminum construction, these ramps are only really suited for smaller vehicles. To make up for this, the Rage Powersports product offers 9.5 inches of clearance which is more than enough space for your maneuver under your car and to do work on the underbody. Another great feature is the 7.6-degree incline that enables you to mount your car without having to worry about damage inflicting your vehicle’s undercarriage or front and back bumpers.
There are quite a few disadvantages of these ramps, however, one of them being that it’s really expensive due to the aluminum construction. Since it’s designed for lower-profile cars, the gradual incline makes the ramp length much longer than other ramps. This can be an issue for vehicles with a shorter wheelbase because then both the front and back wheels will be on the ramps. The removable ramps are also susceptible to come loose during mounting due to the lack of a secure attachment design for them.
Although the Rage Powersports ramp is highly ideal for lower-profile cars, you can also use this on your own vehicle. If you have a really large budget and a big enough garage to fit this large ramp within, then maybe it’s worth considering. But due to a lot of the drawbacks that this product poses, it lands this ramp set in sixth place on our list for the best auto ramps.
Specifications:
- Made of strong aluminum
- 7.6-degree incline
- 9.5 inches of clearance
- Maximum weight capacity of 3,000 pounds
- 24-inch length and 16-inch width
- Removable ramps that are 73.75 inches long
10. Tomioka Racing Super Slopes
The Tomioka Racing ramps are much more inclined to low profile vehicles but can also work for your everyday vehicles also. If you’re thinking about using a jack or a service lift to further mount your car to do work on its underbody then this ramp is for you. Due to this product having the lowest price in the ramp market, it immediately signals consumers that it may be worthy of purchasing.
Although specifically designed to cater to those with lower profile vehicles, these are still capable to fulfill the needs of your everyday vehicle. With a clearance of 2.5 inches, the Tomioka ramps are ideal for when you’re going to use other lifting mechanisms to further mount up your vehicle. Due to the 8-inch width, this ramp also only accommodates vehicles with tires that are 8 inches and smaller.
Since both of the ramps together weigh a total of 10 pounds, this makes these ramps highly portable and storable. The plastic makeup of this product also gives it stronger structural integrity, making it beefier and sturdier for your car to sit on top of.
Since the clearance height is relatively low, this ramp is not ideal for doing work on the underbody without another tool to lift it higher. The Tomioka Racing ramps are somewhat inexpensive so it’s a good deal to purchase these if you have the other things you need to do work on your car.
Specifications:
- 2.5 inches of clearance
- Made out of strong, heavy-duty plastic
- Strong grip track surface
- Small end wall that assists with tire stopping
- Withstands a tire width of 8 inches maximum
- Weighs 10 pounds total
Things to Consider Before Buying
Whether you’re ready to tackle the underbody of your vehicle now or not, a ramp is highly recommended for lifting your car next to jack and service lifts. When shopping for the right auto ramp, you have to consider quite a few product attributes that can highly affect what kind of work you can do to your car. So what things do you really have to think about before purchasing a car ramp anyway? Here is our list of ramp features that you should note before buying.
Construction Materials
Car ramps come in different kinds of materials, the best of which are either metal or aluminum because they can support the heavyweight of vehicles including campers, SUVs and trucks. Metal ramps also tend to last longer as well. Some ramps are made out of plastic, polymer, composite materials and resin. These kinds of materials tend to be of a lighter weight which makes it easier to take on the go and to store in your workshop or garage.
Incline
Especially if you have a low profile vehicle, the gradual or the steepness of an incline will dictate what kind of ramp you will purchase. Ramps with a lower angle of incline allow you to mount your vehicle without the worry of damage inflicting your undercarriage and front or back bumpers.
Traction
Although you may think that your tires have great grip, it’s also important to keep in mind the extra traction that ramps offer, especially if their incline is very steep. The smooth surfaces of some ramps encourage more slippage than others so an anti-slip, textured surface is used to keep your car locked in place. Plastic or rubber ramps have enough traction because of their natural texture alone but metal ramps need grooves to provide that extra grip.
Anti-Slip Footings
During mounting, you’re susceptible to moving the ramps because of the amount of weight and pressure that is applied to the ramp when you drive onto them. To prevent this, any anti-slip footing prevents the ramp from moving, sliding, or shifting during mounting. This also mitigates the chances of the ramp sliding out from under your car while mounting too. Especially if you’re working on a concrete floor this product feature is very important for a safe experience while using ramps.
Ramp Height
Especially if you’re looking to perform regular maintenance on the bottom of your vehicle, the ramp height is important to consider. The ramp has to be tall enough for you to maneuver under the car but also able to provide extra space because some parts of the vehicle may be hot. If you’re looking to use a jack or service lift in addition to the ramp, then purchasing a ramp with a lower height or clearance is okay.
Ramp Width
You also have to think about whether the width of the ramp is wide enough in relation to the width of your tire. If the ramp is too narrow then your car may fall off of the ramps, if the ramp is too wide then it will be increasingly difficult to center your tires in the right spot before mounting. The right kind of ramp is wide enough that it can accommodate your tires but also gives a small amount of space on either side of the tires. Knowing your tire’s width makes choosing the right ramp easier.
Weight Capacity
This refers to the maximum weight capacity that a ramp, or both ramps, can handle. If you’re a larger vehicle, it’s ideal to choose ramps that accommodate a heavier car. Some ramps indicate Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) while others show the single-axis rating. It’s helpful to know the weight of each axis on your car before choosing a ramp because most of the time since the engine is in the front of the car it will be heavier than the rear axis. It’s ideal that you choose a ramp that exceeds the weight capacity of the vehicle you plan on mounting.
Tire Stops
This is a small but very important product attribute that you should highly consider when purchasing a car ramp. Tire stops, or otherwise known as end walls, are important for giving your vehicle extra stabilization when it’s resting on top of the ramp platform. This feature also prevents your vehicle from rolling off of the ramp and causing any unnecessary damage to your vehicle or to yourself.
How to Use Car Ramps Properly
Car ramps are sturdier and easier to use than jack stands but it’s also necessary to know how to use ramps safely. Here are the steps to take when using your ramps to prevent causing damage to your vehicle or yourself.
- Always work on a flat surface that is smooth and not slippery or wet, if necessary use a carpet or rubber underlay to prevent the ramps from sliding.
- Position the ramps so that they barely touch the tires but still align with the center of your wheels.
- Before driving onto the ramps, make sure your steering wheel is centered.
- Carefully apply pressure to the gas so that your vehicle slowly ascends the ramps, if you have to, use the parking brake while pushing on the throttle to prevent the car from lurching forwards.
- Once your tires hit the tire stops at the end of the ramp’s platform, use the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling off of the ramp.
- Use wheel chocks and place them before each wheel to provide extra stability.
- You are ready to work on the underside of your vehicle!
Conclusion
When you’re thinking about lifting your car so that you do some work on it, whether it is on the underbody or not, it’s important to mount your vehicle with the utmost care. Our top choice for the best auto ramps is the RhinoGear RhinoRamps due to their ability to accommodate different vehicle types, it’s strong durability and it’s ease of portability.
Although this is our recommendation, it’s important to choose a ramp that is well suited for your specific kind of vehicle so that you can feel comfortable and safe while using it.
8 Best Race Ramps