How To Build Low-Budget Car Ramps
If your car is too low that you can't fit a jack anymore, it might be time to invest in some car ramps.
I made these with basic tools and about $20 worth of supplies.
Things you'll need:
- 1x8x12 wood plank (x2) - $14
- Pack of 2" or larger screws - $7
- Drill
- Drill bits (5/32)
- Phillips drill attachment
- Phillips screwdriver
Template:
Step 1:
Cut pieces into appropriate sizes as listed above. You should have 2 of each size. (4', 3', 2', and 1')
Step 2:
Start by placing the 3' plank on the 4' one. Mark and make pilot holes using the drill. I used a 5/35 bit for this.
Make sure the holes are spread out evenly. You should make the holes towards the ends of the plank.
Step 3:
Insert the screw into the guide holes. Make sure to tighten them down by hand with a phillips screwdriver.
Step 4:
Repeat step 3 with remaining 2 planks. Make a staircase design. Once you are done with each level remember to tighten all the screws down by hand.
For reference I used a minimum of 8 (4 on each end) screws per level.
At this point you have finished building the ramps.
They should give you about 6" of extra clearance.
You can now go ahead and try them out.
I only had to drive up to the second plank to have enough clearance for my jack.
And if you're wondering, the answer is yes, they will fit in your trunk. :thumbsup:
Disclaimer:
- feel free to add another section atop the last plank to stop the car from going too far and sliding off. A simple 1.5" high piece of wood will suffice.
- add another block of wood behind the tire to act as a tire stop.
- angle the planks at the end to make driving up them a little easier.
If your car is too low that you can't fit a jack anymore, it might be time to invest in some car ramps.
I made these with basic tools and about $20 worth of supplies.
Things you'll need:
- 1x8x12 wood plank (x2) - $14
- Pack of 2" or larger screws - $7
- Drill
- Drill bits (5/32)
- Phillips drill attachment
- Phillips screwdriver
Template:
Step 1:
Cut pieces into appropriate sizes as listed above. You should have 2 of each size. (4', 3', 2', and 1')
Step 2:
Start by placing the 3' plank on the 4' one. Mark and make pilot holes using the drill. I used a 5/35 bit for this.
Make sure the holes are spread out evenly. You should make the holes towards the ends of the plank.
Step 3:
Insert the screw into the guide holes. Make sure to tighten them down by hand with a phillips screwdriver.
Step 4:
Repeat step 3 with remaining 2 planks. Make a staircase design. Once you are done with each level remember to tighten all the screws down by hand.
For reference I used a minimum of 8 (4 on each end) screws per level.
At this point you have finished building the ramps.
They should give you about 6" of extra clearance.
You can now go ahead and try them out.
I only had to drive up to the second plank to have enough clearance for my jack.
And if you're wondering, the answer is yes, they will fit in your trunk. :thumbsup:
Disclaimer:
- feel free to add another section atop the last plank to stop the car from going too far and sliding off. A simple 1.5" high piece of wood will suffice.
- add another block of wood behind the tire to act as a tire stop.
- angle the planks at the end to make driving up them a little easier.
