Ramps for maintenance
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Just the front, or are you thinking of driving the whole thing up on ramps?
I've used those old style metal ramps with cars, and they're fine unless you drive off the end! I procured a second set, and would either carefully drive the front on to them and jack up the rear and use them as stands under the rear tires, or put them back to back in the front so there was not danger of driving off the end, there would be a "bump" and the tires would go on top of the front set. I started using a pole in front of the car to bump when the tires were on top (used a tape measure to place pole).
Another good way to get it off the ground to work underneath is to get a good floor jack (or two) with the twist handle to lock the pump, and place jack stands under the van, or blocking under the tires. I got rid of my ramps and just use a floor jack now, or two; I have two. Tip: you need a long throw jack for the Transit, or some sort of blocking on top of the jack head like a stack of short 2x6 or a chunk of 4x4 or 4x6.
![Aircraft Vehicle Aviation Toy Airplane]()
I've used those old style metal ramps with cars, and they're fine unless you drive off the end! I procured a second set, and would either carefully drive the front on to them and jack up the rear and use them as stands under the rear tires, or put them back to back in the front so there was not danger of driving off the end, there would be a "bump" and the tires would go on top of the front set. I started using a pole in front of the car to bump when the tires were on top (used a tape measure to place pole).
Another good way to get it off the ground to work underneath is to get a good floor jack (or two) with the twist handle to lock the pump, and place jack stands under the van, or blocking under the tires. I got rid of my ramps and just use a floor jack now, or two; I have two. Tip: you need a long throw jack for the Transit, or some sort of blocking on top of the jack head like a stack of short 2x6 or a chunk of 4x4 or 4x6.
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I have some plastic ramps - super handy for working under the van. I use them two at a time: to lift the front, or the rear, or one side.
To crawl around under the vehicle, I use a foam mat. We use these things a ton - useful for cargo bumpers and picnic seats.
To crawl around under the vehicle, I use a foam mat. We use these things a ton - useful for cargo bumpers and picnic seats.
I have a set of Rhinoramps plastic ramps. Their weight rating (12,000 GVWR) is more than enough for a loaded van.
I have noticed over years of use that occasionally they will slide as you attempt to go up them. They have rubber strips on the bottom that are supposed to prevent that. But they don't always work, especially when using on a smooth garage floor.
![Automotive tire Black Motor vehicle Font Tire]()
I have noticed over years of use that occasionally they will slide as you attempt to go up them. They have rubber strips on the bottom that are supposed to prevent that. But they don't always work, especially when using on a smooth garage floor.
I just drive up on a couple of 6x6's that are about a foot and a half long.
These combo bottle-jack/stack-stand things have been clutch on the last Sprinter as well as the Transit. Combined with the old-school drive-on ramps when necessary, we're able to get under pretty nicely.
If I had only one, it'd be those combo ones. We rarely use the drive-on ramps as much - mostly only in combination.
If I had only one, it'd be those combo ones. We rarely use the drive-on ramps as much - mostly only in combination.
Likely don't need to worry about the GVWR of those ramps!
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