Suggestions for Curb Ramps to Prevent Scraping When Entering/Leaving Driveway

MrHyde on 18/10/2022 - 10:13

Hi,

Would like some ideas and suggestions from the OzBargain community. I have a pretty steep sloping driveway that causes our car to scrape the bottom when we enter or leave. Most times, I try to enter at an angle and as slow as possible to minimize the scraping; but my partner is not so careful. Our car being a 20 year old car; we didn't really care too much. However, we are now getting a new car and I would really like to not scrape it.

I've checked with council and our driveway is built to code; so we cannot re-do it with a lower slope. So, I'm thinking of putting some curb ramps instead. A lot of the rubber ones that I see look unsuitable as I believe that anything I put will need to ensure free flowing water in the gutters. Are there any that people are using that they would recommend? Do they get stolen as they will be outside the house on the street and I can't really see us putting them in and out only when needed.

Thanks
MrHyde

Automotive

Comments

  • Ryanek on 18/10/2022 - 10:15
    +2

    Buy an SUV

    • Euphemistic on 18/10/2022 - 10:30

      Thread below this one at time of reading is ‘I bought a hilux’

    • Mokr on 18/10/2022 - 10:43
      -1

      Bugatti

  • George Washington on 18/10/2022 - 10:18

    bigger tyres might work higher profile tyres

    • Presence on 18/10/2022 - 10:36
      +1

      Lol you'd have to go many sizes bigger to make any real difference, which would almost certainly not physically fit, and even if it did, would completely ruin the gearing.

      • George Washington on 18/10/2022 - 15:03
        +1

        why did i get down voted. He said he scraps but can be minimized by going on an angle?

        So if he can increase Tyre profile size and he should be able to make it?

        • Presence on 18/10/2022 - 15:10
          +1

          The profile is irrelevant, only the diameter matters for clearance, and on any car other than a 4wd it's almost impossible to fit larger than stock.

          • George Washington on 18/10/2022 - 15:31
            +2

            @Presence: If you add tyres that are 1 inch, or 25mm bigger in diameter, the height of your vehicle goes up by 1/2″ or 12.5mm. This is important; your vehicle only goes up by the radius, not the diameters difference. Most people go for 1 or 2″ bigger tyres, giving you 12.5mm or 25mm of additional clearance

            • Presence on 18/10/2022 - 16:07

              @George Washington: Yes i know i am well versed in tyre sizes.

              Can you name any CARS where you can install tyres 50mm larger without serious issues though? Its not a feasible solution for OP.

              • George Washington on 18/10/2022 - 19:15
                +1

                @Presence: well i own a hilux adding 50mm of extra tyre isnt going to a big problem. Until OP tells us what car he owns then we can provide ideas

  • 7ekn00 on 18/10/2022 - 10:20

    Far easier to just get the new car with hydraulic option factory fitted ;)
    https://www.hotcars.com/11-modded-cars-with-bumpin-hydraulic…

  • Euphemistic on 18/10/2022 - 10:33
    +4

    There are a few options, but hard to recommend without seeing it. Biggest issue is water getting through/around but also depends on how much flow there is. My driveway gets none going past, just what comes down the drive. Some driveways will have water from the whole street.

    Steel plate ‘bridge’
    Steel Pipes in the dip
    Timber dynabolted down
    Rubber ramps dynabolted

    • MrHyde on 18/10/2022 - 10:52

      Thanks for the options. I've never seen water going past even with the rains we've had last few days in Melbourne. However, I would assume that there are certain council rules around what we can and cannot do.

  • Presence on 18/10/2022 - 10:37
    +2

    Lots of driveways in Melbournes west have flat steel plates dyna bolted over the channel part of the kerb. Ask your council if this is permitted.

    • MrHyde on 18/10/2022 - 10:52

      Thanks, I'll check with council if they'll allow that.

      Any suggestions on where I can buy these plates?

      • Presence on 18/10/2022 - 12:02

        I imagine any steel supplier. Google "steel plate for driveway" gives many results, but you didn't tell us your location.

      • mskeggs on 18/10/2022 - 13:22
        +1

        Look in your local industrial estate for something called metal fabrication and engineering.
        It will be cheaper than you expect.

  • oscargamer on 18/10/2022 - 10:38

    Length of 4x2 timber

    • iDroid on 18/10/2022 - 17:41
      +4

      Mate, you seen the price of that stuff lately? There's gotta be cheaper options out there.

      • oscargamer on 18/10/2022 - 17:59

        Yeh sorry - fair comment……

    • billdsl on 19/10/2022 - 09:38

      This is what i did, i just threw down a length of spare 4x2 i had laying around and did the job fine

      If someone flogs it just have a spare

      Its a start vs spending a stash of cash on the fit for purpose gear

      With COVID Tax you might get a length of 4x2 for $780 or so ;-)

  • mini2 on 18/10/2022 - 10:57

    https://www.rampchamp.com.au/products/heeve-driveway-rubber-…

    There's a little channel for stormwater to pass, don't know if your council will approve these to be installed.

    • jjjaar on 18/10/2022 - 13:31
      +2

      For $149, ask for forgiveness…

      For something like this, if it’s not allowed, Council will usually ask you to remove it before fining you.

  • GordonD on 18/10/2022 - 11:13

    Is the problem that the driveway slopes down, and the underside of the centre of the car (between the wheels) scrapes, or is it that the underside of the nose or tail of the car scrapes when the car is going up over the kerb itself?

    The latter is the easier to fix, with ramps.

    But how do you know your new car is going to scrape until you have it and try it? The springs on 20 year old cars go soft and sag. It may well be that the new car is different enough and high enough off the ground that you don't have a problem and don't need to do anything.

    • MrHyde on 18/10/2022 - 12:05

      The problem is the underside of the nose or tail scrape when entering or leaving. I'll have to check the clearance with the new car; and it may be fine - but would like to be prepared.

      • FoxJump on 18/10/2022 - 14:58
        +1

        keep in mind clearance varies with the weight in the car.
        so new car may be okay when empty, but scrape when packed with the kitchen sink, goats, bowling balls, and concrete shoes - in preparation for holidays.

  • Transient on 18/10/2022 - 11:55
    +1

    I've seen people use terracotta pipes or galvanised steel pipes depending on how much clearance they need. Pipes allow the stormwater to pass through. Cheap so no one bothers to steal.

  • Drpepper666 on 18/10/2022 - 14:33
    +4

    Mate I had this issue with me ranger wildtrak so that's why I keep the recovery boards with me, no issues anymore 👍

  • bhubb18 on 18/10/2022 - 15:23
    +3

    I drive a silly low car, and just angle it.
    Main thing is angle, and speed.
    The ramps can help, as sometimes you can't always swing it and make a nice angle

    • WT on 19/10/2022 - 10:57

      yep OP needs to teach wife how to enter at a square, as pull up next to it and turn in sharp so one wheel goes up first.

      You cant enter like its a servo entrance

      imo ramps dont help though

  • blitz on 18/10/2022 - 17:15
    +4

    Can you post a pic of the driveway? That would make it easier!

  • DarkOz on 19/10/2022 - 07:53
    +1

    Google "kerb plate" and you have all kinds of different options.

  • 2esc on 19/10/2022 - 08:56

    I'd be delving deeper into it being to code if your car isn't lowered it should not scrape did they actually make a onsite inspection or just checked their records?

    Sometimes paperwork doesnt match reality also did you want them to pay or are you prepared to pay for it.

    They may not be helpful it they have to pay thousands to fix this.

    If your prepared to get a contractor do the permits etc id be surprised if you cant do it.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 19/10/2022 - 11:22

    Lift it lad. Every vehicle can get a lift kit.

    The solution is so simple. Lift and send!

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