I've seen this product often referred to by veterans of this Board. So, I picked up the black 8000 model for $36 (for 2). The model number is related to the load rating (2k lbs per ramp). FYI, there is a silver, higher load model.
Pros:
Extremely light (strangely so), safe blunt edges, convenient hand holds, grippy against ground surface, easy to clean. Made in the USA by a company called Blitz. Unlike other ramps I've used, these treat the surface rested upon much kinder.
Short enough to place in the trunk pointed length-wise towards the engine. Tall enough to work under the car while lying on a ground/mat, but not tall enough to use any cushy rolling conveniences. Wide enough for stock front/rear tires.
As is well documented on the Board, my car (with stock suspension) would be unable to mount the front w/o contacting undercarriage. I've enclosed visuals of the simple workaround other's have recommended: drive onto a board (1.5 inch tall is pictured) then onto the ramp to avoid any contact on the way up or down.
I've contemplated other one-trick tools like Mityvac evacuators and Porter-Cable orbitals, but Rhinos will pay dividends in both maintenance and inspection. I was under there with a flashlight just looking around for curiosity's sake.
From deciding you want to put the front- or back-end up in the air an additional 7 inches, to having it be so, takes about a minute.
Cons:
1) Ramping process only expends about as much energy as fetching the paper at the end of the driveway. 2) Super picky folk won't like the residual oil left behind when draining an inclined pan (though you could compensate by working on a slope -- but that comes with scary mental images).
The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to chowdah For This Useful Post:
In my quest to do everything in extreme excess, I recently bought a set of four ESCO jackstands from Steve D. @ The Ultimate Garage.
Yes, they are excessive. Yes, I like the sense of confidence that gives me. No, I will never have to buy another set of jackstands due to these ones becoming unsafe. At 23 years old, I feel like it was a worthwhile investment...
Not entirely relevant to Rhino Ramps, but it's on the subject of lifting and supporting a vehicle. Between jacking and supporting the car on these jackstands I almost don't see any need for Rhino Ramps -- these are so convenient to use with their large rubber top pads.
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Ben
2000 Estoril Blue M Coupe [Garage Queen]
2000 Biarritz Blue 528i Touring [Hauler]
1991 Alpine White 318i Sedan [Daily Driver]
1989 Alpine White S50 325i [Fun Machine]
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD [Tow Vehicle]
In my quest to do everything in extreme excess, I recently bought a set of four ESCO jackstands from Steve D. @ The Ultimate Garage.
Hell yeah, isn't that the only way?
I agree with the flat-top stands, I actually have a set of the AC Hydraulic flat top stands that these are similar too. I love 'em. I haven't found a better way to get the M5 up in the air.
I have an approach that works for me. Drive two wheels up on the curb ... right side or left side. (I live at the end of a cul-de-sac.) Scoot (it is a little difficult), but I am not a heavy weight around the waist (beer belly, yes), under the car and sleep ... I mean get to work. Well, you get my point. I have a hydraulic floor jack and proper jack stands as well.
I have another technique for draining oil, but the curb allows me to change fuel filters, etc. on my other BMWs (and will on my M5, when I do change it).
In the face of adversity, a little creativity helps.
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
I have the Rhinos also and they work great for me. Recently used them to install my custom CAI and replace my O2 sensors. Picked 'em up at Auto Zone. +1 for Rhinos!!!
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-Julian
Last edited by julesandtrish; 11th April 2008 at 04:02.
I do that trick with my beater van, and have done it with the M5 on several occasions.. both to just check things out, and once I did it to get to the access panel underneath the engine (I'd dropped a screwdriver down there..)
chowdah -
those ramps look like a good buy, I'll have to check my Ace and see if I can find some. Thanks for the write-up and pics.
In my quest to do everything in extreme excess, I recently bought a set of four ESCO jackstands from Steve D. @ The Ultimate Garage.
Yes, they are excessive. Yes, I like the sense of confidence that gives me. No, I will never have to buy another set of jackstands due to these ones becoming unsafe. At 23 years old, I feel like it was a worthwhile investment...
Not entirely relevant to Rhino Ramps, but it's on the subject of lifting and supporting a vehicle. Between jacking and supporting the car on these jackstands I almost don't see any need for Rhino Ramps -- these are so convenient to use with their large rubber top pads.
While I understand your point in having those particular jackstands, that is completely different than just driving your can onto ramps. See, in order to use your jackstands you first need to jack up the car, then find a spot to put your stands since you have already used the body lifting area for the jack, then after that you still have to do the other side! Why not just drive up a ramp and be done. Lets not forget the ramps are a much cheaper alternative, until you need to remove your wheels...
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2000 Avus Blue M5 - SOLD
The Mod List:
Dinan Exhaust - Dinan Rear Sway - Eibach Coilovers - 19" Vs-XX Work Wheels - AE Headlight Upgrade - Predator Angel Eyes - E60 Short Shifter - DICE Ipod System - Sink Drain Mod - Custom Rear Diffuser
While I understand your point in having those particular jackstands, that is completely different than just driving your can onto ramps. See, in order to use your jackstands you first need to jack up the car, then find a spot to put your stands since you have already used the body lifting area for the jack, then after that you still have to do the other side! Why not just drive up a ramp and be done. Lets not forget the ramps are a much cheaper alternative, until you need to remove your wheels...
With a floor jack it ain't that tough ... every home garage ought to have one. Much easier to use than a sizzors type jack. And, they aren't terribly expensive. And, if you don't have any money left over for stands, use blocks of 2x4s, 2x6s, or 2x10s under a wheel.
But, it comes down to personal preference. Personally, I wouldn't spend a dime on ranps ... I used to have a set of ramps I made out of wood about 50 years ago (but, it did take a little care getting up on them).
(Ben is NO dummy, by the way!)
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
Hell yeah, isn't that the only way?
. Lets not forget the ramps are a much cheaper alternative, until you need to remove your wheels...
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