Curb ramps are an excellent solution for vehicles with low ride heights and houses with tall curbs. Nowadays, curb ramps come in all shapes and sizes from low-profile 6,000-pound-rated plastic to industrial-grade 40,000-pound-rated rubber with triangular-shaped treads, grooves, and water channels. Deciding which one to use depends on your situation, but we’re here to guide you through the selection process and offer up our top recommendations to make your life easier. So keep reading to learn more about the best curb ramps, features, top brands, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Best Overall
RhinoGear 11912ABMI Curb Ramp
Best Value
Pyle Heavy-Duty Plastic Threshold Ramp
Honorable Mention
Bridjit Curb Ramp
Best Curb Ramp Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
RhinoGear 11912ABMI Curb Ramp
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Best Value
Electriduct Heavy Duty Rubber Curb Ramp
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Best Premium
Bridjit Curb Ramp
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Best Portable
Pyle Heavy-Duty Plastic Threshold Ramp
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Honorable Mention
Street Solutions Portable Threshold Ramp
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Honorable Mention
Guardian KR36R Rubber Curb Ramp
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How We Selected The Products
For this guide, we evaluated more than 20 curb ramps, gauging them based on several criteria. These criteria include the type of material, load capacity, angle, construction, surface, and auxiliary features such as pre-drilled holes for permanent mounting and bright yellow colors for improved visibility, especially at night.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing yet on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
What to Consider When Buying Curb Ramps
Here are some of the more important criteria to consider when buying curb ramps.
Material
Our preferred materials for curb ramps include industrial-grade steel and rubber, followed by plastic. The first two usually offer heavier load capacities. Plus, rubber is well known for its noise insulation and shock absorption.
Load Capacity
Along with the material, load capacity is the most important criterion for determining the correct curb ramp to use. Some curb ramps are rated as high as 60,000 pounds. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to get your vehicle weight and adjust for gross (fuel, cargo, and people), then refer to the curb ramps load rating (in pounds). Aim for a curb ramp rated at least double your vehicle’s gross weight.
Incline Angle
Look for your curb ramp to have the proper approach angle. Many curb ramps come in the 17-degree incline range, creating a smooth transition. Note that some curbs are taller than others. It is a good idea to measure curb height before purchasing your next curb ramp.
Construction
Look for curb ramps to have drain channels underneath allowing passage of water during heavy torrential rainfall. The water channel should be at least 2 inches wide. Do not forget a non-skid base to prevent accidental slippage.
Surface
The better curb ramps use a textured surface, consisting of a mix of tread and grooves to allow tires to better clamp on, especially during wet weather. These are most common on industrial-grade rubber.
Permanent Installation
Some curb ramps come with preformed holes, allowing them to be permanently installed in or near areas where they are expected to be used regularly, such as homes and construction sites.
Auxiliary Features
Some auxiliary features that come to mind when assessing curb ramps include reflective safety colors (bright yellow) for improved visibility, pre-drilled holes for permanent installation, and built-in handles for easy transport. Built-in handles are especially useful when carrying your curb ramp from place to place.
FAQs
Q: What materials are curb ramps usually made of?
Curb ramps are usually made using industrial-grade rubber, aluminum, and polyethylene plastic. Rubber ramps are the most durable, accommodating anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 pounds. Aluminum ramps are a lighter-weight option and can hold the same load. Polyethylene plastic ramps are the lightest and lighter duty of the tree and are usually good for no more than 6000 pounds, which may not be enough for some full-size vehicles.
Q: Why do curb ramps smell like rubber?
Yes, one of the most common gripes with rubber curb ramps is an initial overpowering smell upon unboxing. Luckily, the smell settles out over time. Avoid having it indoors for the time being. Curb ramps can also help people lift wheelchairs, carts, and strollers.
Q: What is the best curb ramp?
In our opinion, the best curb ramps adhere to your vehicle and personal requirements. Factor in load capacity, construction, and auxiliary features such as integrated drainage channels (for heavy rainfall areas) to determine which curb ramp is right for you.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best curb ramp, our choice is the RhinoGear 11912ABMI Curb Ramp. It’s a beast with a 16,000-pound capacity, heavy-duty rubber construction, polymer internal support system for added heft, and a generous 17-degree incline. Its treaded design also offers excellent traction in all weather conditions. Coming in second is the Bridjit Curb Ramp with its ingenious, modular construction and three-piece set that offers 12 feet of coverage with an optional center section to expand it further if needed.
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Founded as the /DRIVE YouTube channel before growing into a full-fledged online publication in 2015, The Drive brings you the best of what’s new in the world of speed, from gear reviews to the latest industry coverage—all from a veteran team of writers and editors with many decades of combined hands-on experience. Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.