Car Ramp Comparison: Budget vs. Premium – Which One Wins?

Introduction: My Quest for the Perfect Car Ramp

I recently stumbled upon this fascinating video comparing different car ramps, from budget-friendly to premium hydraulic options. As someone who regularly works under their car, finding a reliable and safe ramp is crucial. This video review sparked my curiosity, and I’m excited to share my key takeaways and analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh plastic ramps offer the best balance of performance and price.
  • Buy Supply and Lyon ramps are strong contenders but could be more competitively priced.
  • Max Hall ramps are decent, but the rubber stops can be a concern.
  • Rhino and M Auto ramps need more rubber stops for better stability.
  • Peterson ramps, despite being made in the USA, failed under a heavy load.
  • The hydraulic VWAG ramps are impressive but expensive and bulky.
  • Always use the emergency brake and put the vehicle in gear when using ramps.

Video Overview

This video tests 11 different car ramp brands, ranging from $60 to $160. The tests include checking for slippage on smooth surfaces, measuring clearance, assessing roll-off prevention, and determining maximum load capacity using a hydraulic press. This comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each ramp.

‘Assessing performance is somewhat subjective, but seven of the 11 brands received the best possible rating.’

Detailed Breakdown and Commentary

Slippage Test

The video demonstrates that most ramps tend to slip on smooth surfaces, especially with rear-wheel or front-wheel drive vehicles. Using damp cloths or t-shirts underneath the ramps significantly improves grip. This highlights the importance of surface preparation when using car ramps.

Clearance Test

The video measures the clearance offered by each ramp, a crucial factor for low-clearance vehicles. The VWAG hydraulic ramps provide the highest clearance, but their height can also be a safety concern.

Roll-Off Prevention

This test simulates a scenario where the emergency brake is not engaged. The VWAG ramps performed the best in this test, while the Pittsburgh ramps offered the least protection.

‘It’s very important to use the emergency brake and put the vehicle in gear when using car ramps.’

Max Load Test

Using a hydraulic press, the video tests the maximum load capacity of each ramp. Impressively, all ramps exceeded their rated capacity. The Buy Supply and Pittsburgh plastic ramps performed exceptionally well in this test.

Personal Analysis and Insights

The video clearly demonstrates the importance of choosing the right car ramp. While price is a factor, safety and performance shouldn’t be compromised. The video also highlights the importance of proper usage, such as engaging the emergency brake and using wheel chocks.

I was surprised by the performance of the budget-friendly Pittsburgh plastic ramps. They outperformed some of the more expensive options, making them an excellent value for money. However, the slippage issue on smooth surfaces is a concern that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

This video review provided invaluable insights into selecting the right car ramp. While the more expensive options may offer some advantages, the budget-friendly Pittsburgh plastic ramps prove that you don’t always have to break the bank for good performance. Remember always to prioritize safety and use ramps correctly.

What are your experiences with car ramps? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below! Let’s learn from each other.

Attribution

This blog post is based on the YouTube video ‘Car Ramp Comparison’ by Project Farm. You can watch the full video here.


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