How to Use a Ditch for a Ramp
The purpose of using a ditch for a car ramp is to perform repairs or maintenance from the underside of the vehicle. One of the main reasons for using a ditch as a ramp is to prevent from having to build a homemade ramp or buy a new ramp. The ditch must be the right width, length and height in order to safely park the vehicle on top of the ditch. As long as the vehicle is safely parked on top of the ditch, any repairs or maintenance can be done from underneath the vehicle.
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Instructions
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1
Inspect the ditch and the surrounding area and remove any debris. Pull the vehicle in front of the ditch so the rear wheels are facing the ditch
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2
Slowly back the vehicle down the ditch and up the other side of the ditch until the rear wheels are the same distance from the bottom of the ditch as the front wheels are. In other words, the rear wheels should be near the top of the ditch and the front wheels should be near the top on the other side of the ditch. If the ditch is too wide or to deep, use the 2-by-12 boards.
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3
Measure the distance from one front wheel to the other wheel with the measuring tape. Measure the distance from one rear wheel to the other rear wheel. Also measure the length from the front wheels to the rear wheels to ensure that the boards are long enough. Place the boards across the ditch in the exact width measurements as the front and rear wheels.
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4
Slowly pull the vehicle straight on the boards. Have a helper guide you across the boards until the vehicle is evenly and securely on top of the boards. Engage the parking brake so the vehicle does not roll. Turn the engine off
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Place the wheel chocks in front and behind all four wheels. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly to ensure it is sitting securely on top of the ditch or on top of the boards. Move the vehicle up and down sides of the ditch as needed until the proper height is attained.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure the boards are the same distance apart and evenly on top of each side of the ditch. This will make it safer for the vehicle to drive up on the boards and to sit securely on top of the boards.
Ensure the vehicle's parking brake is engaged and the wheel chocks are used. Failure to do so could result in the vehicle rolling off of the boards or the ditch.
Always use extreme caution when working under any vehicle that is using a ditch as a ramp.
