What Size Car Ramps Do You Need? Width, Length, Lift and Capacity

Start with weight capacity

Weight rating is the first number to check. Ramp capacity is listed per pair, in pounds of gross vehicle weight (GVW). Compare it with your vehicle's gross weight, not just its curb weight, because passengers, cargo and fluids add to the load.

You can find your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual. Pick a pair rated above that number. A higher rating gives you a margin, and it costs you nothing in use.

On our best car ramps page, ratings run from 4,400 lb to 20,000 lb across 18 products, so the gap between models is large. A small sedan and a three-quarter-ton pickup do not belong on the same pair.

Match the width to your tires

Your tires should sit fully inside the width of the ramp, with a little room to spare on each side. Wide performance tires and truck tires need more width than narrow economy tires. Measure your tread width, then add a margin of an inch or two.

Among the products on our spec sheet, widths run from 8.5 in to 13 in. The Florety ramps are 8.5 in wide, the ROBLOCK low profile ramps are 10 in, the Ironton set is 12 in, the TOWKING stackable ramps are 12.9 in and the Garvee steel ramps are 13 in.

If your car has wide aftermarket tires, lean toward the wider end. A tire that hangs over the edge of a ramp can slip off or put uneven load on the ramp.

Pick a length that gives a gentle slope

Ramp length and lift height work together. The same lift on a shorter ramp means a steeper climb. A steep ramp can scrape a low front bumper or air dam before the tire reaches the top.

Longer ramps give a gentler slope, but they take more floor space and are harder to store. Shorter ramps are easier to carry and leave more room around the jack and tools, though they suit cars with enough ground clearance.

The listed approach angle is the clearest guide. The TOWKING and ROBLOCK ramps both list a 17 degree incline. The extendable ramp on our best car ramps page lists a 9.5 degree approach angle at 52 in long with 6.5 in of lift, which is a much gentler climb.

Size table: real examples from our spec sheet

The table below shows how the numbers vary across five popular models. Use it as a reference for what each size range looks like.

How much lift do you need?

Lift height sets your working room. Across the models that list it, lift runs from 2.44 in to 8 in. More lift gives you more space for oil changes and inspections, but it needs a longer ramp to keep the slope gentle.

Think about what you plan to do. For quick tasks, a modest lift is enough. For oil changes where you want to slide under comfortably, a taller lift helps.

• Low sports cars: look for a lift around 2.6 in and a short, gentle incline, like the ROBLOCK ramps.
• Everyday sedans and crossovers: a lift in the 5 to 8 in range gives good working room, such as the Florety at 5.5 in or the TOWKING at 7.3 in.
• Oil changes and underbody checks: more lift helps, so the Garvee at 8 in is the tallest on our page.

What size ramps do you need for a truck or SUV?

Trucks and full-size SUVs are heavier and have wider tires, so start with weight rating and width. Check the gross vehicle weight rating on the door jamb, then choose a pair rated well above it.

The Ironton set is rated at 12,000 lb per pair and its listing says it covers cars, trucks, SUVs and vans, including 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks. The TOWKING ramps are rated at 16,000 lb per pair. Trucks usually have enough ground clearance to handle a steeper slope, so you can use a taller ramp more easily.

Also check the tire size and the number of axles. Ramps lift only the axle you drive onto them, so you will still need to chock the wheels that stay on the ground.

For a full comparison, see our best ramps for car page, which puts more models side by side.

Safety notes before you drive up

Ramps hold weight well, but only when used correctly. Work on a flat, level, solid surface such as concrete. Never use ramps on a slope, soft dirt or loose gravel.

Rubber feet and a textured surface help stop sliding, especially on smooth concrete. Not every product lists rubber feet, so check the spec row.

Inspect plastic ramps for cracks or warping before each use, and do not use a damaged ramp.

• Drive up slowly and straight, ideally with a spotter, and stop when the tire reaches the stop at the top.
• Set the parking brake, put the car in park or in gear, and chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
• Do not rely on ramps alone for work that could shift the car. Add jack stands where the job calls for it.
• Never get under a car that is on a jack alone.
• Wear safety glasses when working under a vehicle, since dirt and fluids can drop.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need one pair or one ramp?

Most work needs a pair so both wheels on one axle rise together. Single-ramp sets exist, such as a 24 by 8.5 in ramp with 5.5 in of lift, but they suit specific uses like leveling or one-wheel access.

Can I use ramps on a driveway with a slope?

It is best to avoid it. Ramps work safely on a flat, level, firm surface. A slope can make the car roll or the ramps slide.

Should ramps be wider than my tires?

Yes. Your tire should sit fully inside the ramp's width with a little room on each side.

Are lighter ramps less safe?

Not necessarily. Weight depends on material. Plastic ramps like the 5.3 lb ROBLOCK pair can be rated at 20,000 lb per pair, while a steel pair is heavier. Always go by the rated capacity and condition.