Leveling ramps

[Beardy]

Probably a silly newby question, but is there ever a need to use two leveling ramps on a single axle caravan?

I bought my caravan a few weeks ago, private sale with lots of extras including two leveling ramps. I've noticed that most (but not all) ramps are sold in pairs so is that the reason the previous owner bought two, or is there something I don't know about?

 

[Mr Plodd]

In a word no, because you will only need one to level side to side. Fore and aft levelling is done by pivoting the caravan on its axle and using the steadies once level.
They are sold in pairs because motorhomes have 4 wheels so two will be needed to level either side to side or fore and aft

 

[Beardy]

In a word no, because you will only need one to level side to side. Fore and aft levelling is done by pivoting the caravan on its axle and using the steadies once level.
They are sold in pairs because motorhomes have 4 wheels so two will be needed to level either side to side or fore and aft

That's what I thought. Another kilo I can cut from my payload by sticking one in the garage.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

That's all fine in theory but I've had several occasions where I've had to stack 2 ramps on top of each other to get the van level.
1 such occasion was actually at 1 of the CAMC National Rallies.

 

[Mr Plodd]

There will  always be the odd exception to almost everything

 

[otherclive]

My ramps were designed such that two could be used on one side if required. They effectively locked together. But only used the feature once on a Cumbrian CL. But I did carry two as the one not being used to level came in handy at times to support the nose wheel.

 

[RogerL]

In a word no, because you will only need one to level side to side. Fore and aft levelling is done by pivoting the caravan on its axle and using the steadies once level.
They are sold in pairs because motorhomes have 4 wheels so two will be needed to level either side to side or fore and aft

In a word - yes - some sites slope so much from front to back that both wheels need to be on ramps to allow the caravan to be levelled - in addition sometimes one ramp isn't enough so by using the second behind it but on blocks, it's possible to get that wheel higher.

 

[Beardy]

That's all fine in theory but I've had several occasions where I've had to stack 2 ramps on top of each other to get the van level.
1 such occasion was actually at 1 of the CAMC National Rallies.

I'll have to check whether that's possible with mine. Not sure what make they are but each has a wheel chock that locks on the ramp on a sort of 'shark tooth'. I think they are flat on the bottom but need to have a closer look.

 

[otherclive]

I'll have to check whether that's possible with mine. Not sure what make they are but each has a wheel chock that locks on the ramp on a sort of 'shark tooth'. I think they are flat on the bottom but need to have a closer look.

Sounds a bit like the ones I used.

 

[Woodentop]

It depends if your single ramp has a chock as well. If it doesn't then you roll the van up one ramp more than needed, put the second ramp thin end under the wheel on the existing ramp and allow the van to roll to sit on both.

Now here is a question: do you put the ramp in front of the wheel or behind it when using one ramp (with chock) for levelling?

 

[Hutch]

I tend to push the van up the ramp, so behind the wheel. Then chock it and apply the handbrake. Make sure all is secure and unhook the car. And never mind the Alko wheel lock.

 

[otherclive]

Same as Hutch.

 

[Jaydug]

t is there ever a need to use two leveling ramps on a single axle caravan?

One of my favourite CLs in Cornwall requires two ramps on the one-wheel The gradient of the site is such that the n/s requires lifting at least 80mm, so two ramps together.



.

 

[RogerL]

It depends if your single ramp has a chock as well. If it doesn't then you roll the van up one ramp more than needed, put the second ramp thin end under the wheel on the existing ramp and allow the van to roll to sit on both.

Now here is a question: do you put the ramp in front of the wheel or behind it when using one ramp (with chock) for levelling?

I reverse the caravan up the ramp - that way the handbrake holds instantly - if you go forwards up the ramp there's a possibility that the handbrake will allow it to roll back a bit because of the automatic reversing mechanism.

 

[Jcloughie]

I reverse the caravan up the ramp - that way the handbrake holds instantly - if you go forwards up the ramp there's a possibility that the handbrake will allow it to roll back a bit because of the automatic reversing mechanism.

As did I. I think most pull the van up the ramp. It may be a bit easier, but will never work as well.

John

 

[ProfJohnL]

When using ramps, you should always use decent chocks, and not rely on the hand brake, so it makes little difference whether you pull or push the caravan up the ramp.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

I always reverse up the ramp simply because otherwise the motor movers get in the way.

 

[Dustydog]

I haven’t seen ramps which sit on top of each other. Certainly my Milenco ones are not stackable.
Thus I always carry some timber boards for our TA. 48”x4”x1”.

 

[Buckman]

We initially use the yellow Milenco ramps before getting the
Lock n Level system. We had chocks so did not matter whether we pulled the caravan or reversed it up the ramp

 

[Jcloughie]

When using ramps, you should always use decent chocks, and not rely on the hand brake, so it makes little difference whether you pull or push the caravan up the ramp.

Of course, use chocks for safety. But why would you not want the added security of the van brakes?

I think it's a no-brainer.

John

 

[Mandarin]

Reverse up the ramp every time to keep clear of the motor movers, chocked and brakes on.

Can't see how two ramps can be safely used to make the wheel higher so we only carry one and a length of decking which the ramp can sit of it necessary for extra height.

Right now the wheel's at the very top of the ramp to get level, just as well as I forgot the plank.

On a side note, 90% of the time its the offside wheel that has to be raised, does anyone else notice that?

 

[Beachball]

Same as Mr Grumpy

 

[otherclive]

Reverse up the ramp every time to keep clear of the motor movers, chocked and brakes on.

Can't see how two ramps can be safely used to make the wheel higher so we only carry one and a length of decking which the ramp can sit of it necessary for extra height.

Right now the wheel's at the very top of the ramp to get level, just as well as I forgot the plank.

On a side note, 90% of the time its the offside wheel that has to be raised, does anyone else notice that?

See Jaydugs post #13 which has a picture of using two ramps together.

 

[Mandarin]

See Jaydugs post #13 which has a picture of using two ramps together.

Thanks, the closeup is a bit blured, but zooming in I see the principle, which seems to give another inch or so of height, much the same as adding the plank I mentioned.

Both systems seem to work.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks, the closeup is a bit blured, but zooming in I see the principle, which seems to give another inch or so of height, much the same as adding the plank I mentioned.

Both systems seem to work.

Yes when I used two ramps the rear one was only just pushed under the back end of the front one to give that final bit of height.