Car ramps are a must-have tool for anyone working under their vehicle. But with options ranging from $60 to $160, how do you know which ones are worth your money? I put 11 different car ramps through a gauntlet of tests to see how they perform under various conditions and heavy loads. Here’s what I discovered.
The Contenders
I tested ramps from well-known brands like Pittsburgh (both plastic and steel varieties), RhinoRamp, Black Widow, and Eastwood, alongside lesser-known contenders like MaxxHaul, BiSupply, M Auto, Petersen, and Vowagh. Each ramp was evaluated for its ability to stay in place during use, load capacity, incline suitability for low-clearance vehicles, and overall durability.
Performance Tests
Staying in Place
A slippery concrete floor is a true challenge for any ramp. Most ramps struggled with traction, requiring a damp cloth or similar solution to prevent sliding. The RhinoRamp and Black Widow ramps, for instance, were prone to shifting due to insufficient rubber stops. On the other hand, ramps like BiSupply and Pittsburgh Plastic performed significantly better with the addition of damp cloths, thanks to their broader base and multiple rubber stops.
Weight Load Testing
All ramps were pushed beyond their rated capacities. The BiSupply ramp came out on top, holding an incredible 25,500 lbs before collapsing, while Pittsburgh Plastic wasn’t far behind at 24,900 lbs. On the lower end, the steel Petersen ramps failed under 7,750 lbs, despite their advertised 2,000 lbs per ramp rating.
Low-Clearance Vehicles
For cars with minimal ground clearance, like an old Buick LeSabre, ramps with a gentler incline, such as the MaxxHaul and BiSupply, performed well. However, steeper ramps, including the steel Pittsburgh and Peterson models, were unsuitable for these vehicles.
Runaway Resistance
To test what happens if the parking brake isn’t set, I measured the force needed for a vehicle to roll off the ramp. The Vowagh ramps excelled, requiring 368 lbs of force to roll off, while the Petersen ramps lagged at 129 lbs, indicating weaker safety measures.
Top Performers
After tallying all the scores, the Pittsburgh Plastic ramps from Harbor Freight emerged as the best overall performer, offering a fantastic balance of affordability, durability, and safety. The BiSupply ramps were close behind, excelling in load capacity and stability. For those with larger budgets, the Vowagh hydraulic ramps offered the highest lift and strongest runaway resistance.
Recommendations
If you’re shopping for car ramps, here’s my advice:
- Budget-Friendly All-Rounder: The Pittsburgh Plastic ramps ($60) provide excellent performance and value.
- Heavy Duty Choice: For larger vehicles or frequent use, the BiSupply ramps ($74) deliver exceptional strength.
- Premium Pick: The Vowagh hydraulic ramps ($160) are ideal for those needing high lift and advanced safety features.
Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a casual driver, Project Farm aims to provide insights that save you time, money, and headaches.
For the full breakdown of this year’s jump starters and to see them in action, watch the video on Project Farm’s YouTube channel here. If you found this comparison helpful, please subscribe and consider supporting Project Farm’s work on Patreon.
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