##Why Drive-Up Car Ramps are Essential for DIY Mechanics
As someone who enjoysworking on their own car, I’m always looking for tools and equipment to make the job easier, safer and more affordable. One item that I think every DIY mechanic should have is a good set ofcar ramps. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze under your car with just a jack, you know how inconvenient and even dangerous that can be. Car ramps allow you to easilydrive up onto an angled platformto safely raise your car and give you plenty of room toget under the vehicleto access the oil pan, transmission, exhaust and more.
I’ve used various cheap car ramps over the years with mixed results. Some were too flimsy and didn’t feel very stable when my car was on them. Others flexed too much when I drove onto them, scraping my bumper on the street. After going through several sets of subpar ramps from local auto parts stores, I finally decided to try out the selection atHarbor Freight. They’re known for affordable prices on quality tools and equipment, so I had high hopes. I’ve now been using my Harbor Freight car ramps for over a year without any problems—here’s my experience with thesebudget-friendly lifting solutionsfor home mechanics.
##Examining the Car Ramp Options at Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight offers several different types and sizes ofdrive-up car rampsto suit various needs. They have basic ramps made of durable plastic as well as heavy-duty options with arubber-coated steel platformfor extra traction and strength. The weight capacities range from6,000 to 12,000 poundsper pair, so they’re suitable for everything from small sedans up to full-size trucks and SUVs.
The mostcompact and portablecar ramps at Harbor Freight are theplastic ramp pairslike thePittsburgh Automotive Ramps. They’remolded from a high-strength polymerand have aclaimed capacity of 6,000 pounds, which is plenty for mycompact SUVand most regular cars. Each ramp is60″ long x 12″ wide, with about a30 degree incline. Thegrooved surface helps grip tiresand they haveangled end lipsto prevent scraping bumpers. At around17 lbsper pair, these plastic ramps are super easy to store and transport.
For liftinglarger vehicles, thesteel and rubber rampsprovideextra durability and traction. TheBadland 12,000 lb Capacity Vehicle Rampsare a popular choice, with adynamic weight capacity of 12,000 poundsper pair. Each ramp features arubber-coated steel basetopped with aribbed rubber driving surface. The72″ long rampshave anergonomic arched designtofit most tire widthsand prevent sliding or slippage. With these sturdy Badland ramps, I can easily lift full-sizetrucks, vans and SUVsfor oil changes and other maintenance.
##Comparing Prices on Harbor Freight’s Car Ramp Selection
One of the biggest benefits of shopping at Harbor Freight is thelow, affordable priceson all of their automotive tools and equipment. The car ramps are no exception. Pricesstart at around $30 for a basic pair of plastic rampssuitable for small cars and go up to$70-80 for the heavy-duty steel ramp optionsmade for trucks or SUVs.
Considering manyauto parts stores charge $40-50 or morefor acheap plastic ramp pairof questionable quality, the prices at Harbor Freight are very reasonable. The moreheavy-duty rubber and steel rampscan cost$150-200+ elsewhere, so getting them forunder $100 at Harbor Freightis an awesome deal for home mechanics on a budget.
They also frequently havesale prices and coupon codesavailable for additional discounts on the car ramps and other automotive products. With a20% off coupon, you could grab a quality set of steel ramps capable of holdingtwo tons for around $60—much cheaper than other retailers. The prices at Harbor Freight makeowning your own set of car rampsa very affordable proposition for DIY work.
##Reviewing the Performance and Safety of Harbor Freight Car Ramps
Before I bought my first set of ramps from Harbor Freight, I was curious about how well they would perform and whether they’d provide thesafetyI needed when working under a raised vehicle. After over a year of frequent use and abuse, I’ve beenthoroughly impressedwith their durability and design.
Theplastic rampsaresurprisingly rigid and stable, without excessive bouncing or flex when I drive onto them. I make sure to use wheel chocks for extra security, but thegrooved surfacehelpsgrip my tiresand prevents sliding. Thelong, gradual inclineis easy to drive up without bottoming out my bumper.
I feel evenmore secure using the heavy-duty steel and rubber rampsfor larger vehicles. Thethick rubber coatingon theramp platformmakes itsuper grippy, while thearched profileconforms to various tire widths. Thewelded steel basesprovidesheer strengthto support overtwo tonswithout buckling. Theraised edgeshelpcenter tiresand prevent sliding off the sides.
Overall, thedesign and constructionof Harbor Freight’s car ramps give meconfidencein their ability tosafely lift my vehicles. As long as I also usejack standsand take proper precautions, I feel veryprotectedwhen working underneath. Thequalityfor theaffordable pricingis unmatched.
##Conveniently Shopping Online or In-Store
One thing that makes Harbor Freight such an accessible option for DIYers is theconvenienceof being able toshop online or in-store. They have over1,000 retail locations across the country, so you can often find a local store to go see and purchase items like car ramps. But even if there’s not a location near you,their website makes it easy to ordertools and automotive accessories withfast shippingright to your door.
I like having the ability togo to my local storeto inspect theconstruction and sizeof ramps in person before buying. But it’s also very handy to be able toorder replacements onlineif I ever need to—HarborFreight.com carries the full range of car ramps and more. Thefree shippingon most items over $99 is a nice bonus too. Whether shopping online or making a trip to the retail store, Harbor Freight providesconvenient accessto quality automotive products.
Determining the Right Car Ramp Size For Your Vehicle
When deciding which Harbor Freight car ramps to purchase, it’s important topick the appropriate size and weight capacityfor your specific vehicle. They offerstandard ramp sizesto fit everything fromsmall sedans to extended trucks and SUVs.
For aregular car or compact SUVlike my Honda CR-V, the6,000 lb plastic ramps around 5-6 feet longare plenty sturdy. The12,000 lb heavy-duty rampsthat are6-8 feet longare recommended forlarger trucks, vans, and full-size SUVs. They also haveextra-long 10,000 lb capacity rampsexceeding9 feetforextended wheelbase vehicles.
Make sure tocheck your owner’s manualfor your vehicle’scurb weightandtire widthto find ramps designed tofit your truck or car. Allow someextra capacity as a safety margintoo. Properly fitted ramps will haveenough surface area and strengthtolift your vehicle securely and prevent sliding. With Harbor Freight’s range of sizes, you’re sure to find theperfect ramps for your needs.
Assembling and Maintaining Harbor Freight Car Ramps
One of the nice things about Harbor Freight car ramps is thatno complex assembly is required—you can take them out of the box and start using them right away. Theplastic rampsareone-piece molded unitsready to go. For thetwo-piece steel ramps, you just have tobolt the top rubber traction matto thesteel basewith the included hardware. I was able to assemble my heavy-duty Badland ramps inunder 10 minuteswith simple hand tools.
To help theramps last a long time, I recommend keeping themclean and drywhen not being used. It’s also important toperiodically check the conditionof your ramps for anycracks, damage, or wearing. If therubber surfacestarts becomingtoo slickfrom dirt buildup, use apressure washerorstiff brushto clean off any grime andrestore traction. Avoidharsh chemicalsthat could degrade therubber or plastic materials. With occasional inspection and cleaning, Harbor Freight car ramps will provide years of reliable service.
Safely Using Harbor Freight Ramps for DIY Car Maintenance
The first time using new ramps can be a little nerve-wracking until you get comfortable with them. Here are some tips for safely and easilydriving vehicles up onto Harbor Freight car rampsfor maintenance or repairs:
- Make sure ramps are on alevel, paved surfaceandpositioned straight. Improperly angled ramps canslide or allow vehicles to roll.
- Carefullyalign your tiresbeforedriving upthe ramps. Staycenteredon the ramp width.
- Usecautionand govery slowlyto avoid bottoming out your bumper. Allow wheels toroll up smoothly.
- Once on the ramps, set the parkingbrakeand placewheel chocksin front and behind the tires.
- The vehicle’stransmission should be in park(auto) or a gear (manual).Avoid neutral.
- Always usejack standsat the recommended lift points to support the vehicle –ramps alone are not enough.
- Make sure vehicle isbalanced and stablebefore going underneath.No rocking or shifting.
Following thosesafety steps, Harbor Freight car ramps providesafe, easy accessfor DIY maintenance and repairs. Theirquality materials and constructiongive mepeace of mindwhen working under my raised vehicle.
Considering Additional Accessories for Ramps
Harbor Freight offers more than just basic car ramps—they also have some greataccessory productsto use with ramps and make your maintenance tasks easier:
- Wheel chocks– Thesewedge chockshold tires in place on ramps. Therubber bottomsgrip nicely.
- Jack stands– Available in3-ton and 6-ton capacities, essential forextra support. Their largesaddle padsfit nicely on frame rails.
- Creeper seat– Makes itcomfortable to workunder your car on ramps.Rolls smoothlyand has padded back support.
- Portable work lights– Illuminate theunderside of your vehiclewhen working in dim areas.Magnetic basesallow hands-free use.
- Oil drain pans– Catches old oil easily when doingchanges on ramps.Deep sidesandpour spoutshelp prevent spills.
Thosehelpful add-onspaired with quality ramps from Harbor Freight make DIY auto maintenance a breeze. Theirone-stop shophas you fully covered.
Taking Advantage of Harbor Freight’s Return Policy
Harbor Freight is known for standing behind the products they sell, including car ramps. If you find your ramps are damaged or defective straight out of the box, you have90 daysfrom purchase to return them,no questions asked. I had to exchange acracked plastic ramponce and it was a smooth, seamless process.
They also have a“SATISFACTION GUARANTEE”stating if you’re dissatisfied with your ramps foranyreason, you can return them for afull refundwithin 90 days as long as they are in sellable condition. Thisrisk-free policygives you greatpeace of mindwhen purchasing.
I’m very satisfied with my current set of Badland steel ramps, but it’s nice knowing I could get mymoney back if I ever wanted to try a different stylein the future. Harbor Freight really does stand behind their products and makes it easy to get replacements if needed.
Hunting for Coupons and Discounts on Ramps
As if Harbor Freight’s everyday low prices weren’t already affordable enough, they offerregular couponsandpromotionsto save even more on car ramps and other gear. I alwayscheck the monthly flyerandwebsitefor any deals before shopping in-store. You can also sign up for theiremail newsletterto have the latestcoupon codessent right to your inbox.
Some discounts I’ve taken advantage of include:
- 20% off any single item– Applies to any set of ramps or accessories
- $10 off $50 purchase– Easily spend $50 on ramps, jack stands, chocks, etc.
- Free LED work lightwith $50 order – Handy little magnetic light as a freebie
- Closeout/Clearance deals– Check for discounted open-box or clearance ramp options
With thefrequent promosand already low pricing, there’s no reason not toupgrade your car rampsand get quality lift access at checkout. The savings add up.
Worthy of Trust – Harbor Freight’s Car Ramp Quality
For any automotive equipment, quality and reliability are my top concerns. Having a cheap set of ramps fail while under a vehicle could potentially be disastrous. That’s one reason I trust Harbor Freight ramps—theirrigorous design and testing standardsprovide ** dependable security and stability**.
All Harbor Freight car ramps undergoextensive load testingwithweighted rigsto ensure they can withstand many times more force than their rated capacity without buckling or breaking. Therubber and plastic materialsarelab tested for durabilityagainst weathering, impacts, and wear. Production molds are injectionchecked for consistencyto avoid flaws in the components.
Thiscommitment to quality controlgives me great confidence when using their ramps. I also take comfort in knowing they’resubject to federal regulations and safety standards. Of course, proper setup and precautions are still crucial for working under a lifted vehicle. But Harbor Freight does their due diligence to providereliably solid rampsvehicle owners can count on.
Affordable Accessibility from Harbor Freight Car Ramps
As a DIY mechanic, having my own set ofquality car rampsis invaluable for gainingeasy accessto inspect and work on theunderside of my vehicles. After going through somecheap, disappointing rampsin the past, I’ve beenthoroughly satisfiedwith the ones from Harbor Freight. Theirdurable construction,smart design features, andaffordable pricingmake them abudget-friendly optionfor driveway technicians.
Thenext time I need to change the oilorreplace an exhaust component, I canconfidently position my vehicleon thestable steel and rubber rampsfrom Harbor Freight. I’d recommend them to any home mechanics looking for asturdy, safe set of rampsthat willprovide years of reliable useduring maintenance projects. Paired with jack stands and wheel chocks, they give me everything I need toget under my car with ease. Thanks to Harbor Freight’s quality offerings, I cankeep my DIY repair costs lowandskip the workshop labor charges.
