THE DANGER OF DRIVE-UP RAMPS

[cadillacmike68]

I've always wondered if you just use 4 jackstands to hold all 4 wheels off the floor, what would happen if you or an object fell heavily against the car.  Could the 4 jackstands incline to the point where the car would fall over?

I never use a bumper jack.  Not only do I feel it can damage the bumper, but it may be dangerous.  To change tires on the road (only happened twice in 35 years) I carry a scissors jack in the trunk.) 

I have 2 floor jacks in my garage, one being a heavy duty / quick lift bought at Northern Tool.  I also have a scissors jack I use to support the motor under the oil pan when removing the transmission.  And a small bottle jack for whatever....

What Scot said. I don't think even a tree falling on it would do anything to the the vehicle remaining on the stands. And I did happen to see what a tree falling on 2 cars would do last summer. Not my cars, thank the Lord.

[TJ Hopland]

How big of a jack stand we talking about here?  And what sort of quality?  Most of the typical 2-3 ton ones you would likely buy in the last 20 or so years seem to barely be strong enough with a well centered load and don't do well at all with side loads. 

[Matt CLC#18621]

I bought a pair of ramps at the old R&S Strauss in New Jersey ~ 15 years ago with plans to "change the oil" on my former 85 Biarritz but never used them until last year when I drove my son's 99 Mustang convertible up the ramps.

I put the emergency brake on, blocks behind the rear wheels, walked ~ 100 feet to the garage, started walking back towards the Mustang with supplies when both ramps tucked under and collapsed.

I had horrible visions of what would have happened to me and to my Family and shortly thereafter I had the oil changed at Firestone, which was worth the entire $21.95 plus tax and disposal fee that is never disclosed until the invoice is printed lol.

Hence, I have not changed the oil on any of my many Cadillacs, Lincolns, etc. after I sold my 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo custom convertible (manual top).

Stay safe,

Matt CLC #18621

[chrisntam]

this is what I'm currently using, obviously you can't use this if the wheels need removal.

[signart]

I use a pair of 8" rims under front tires. It's not falling, and it's not rolling.

[cadillacmike68]

I use a pair of 8" rims under front tires. It's not falling, and it's not rolling

You know I have some 15x7s up in the attic. Never thought of using them as jackstands.

I use Craftsman 3 or 4 ton stands. I have a set of 4 that I bought probably 20+ years ago and two collapsible wedges. Never had a problem with them and I often use them on the inclined driveway. This was when Craftsmen meant Quality. My floor jack is an old Craftsman as well. I'm pretty sure they are all US made.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Here's an interesting alternative for those that do not
feel safe using drive on ramps.  You do need a good floor
jack to go along with these:

https://www.intheditch.com/FW2_ITD1132.php

Mike