Are ramps necessary for DIY hybrid oil change?

[sprubs]

They're Rhino Ramps (16,000 lbs version). I got them on sale at my local Canadian Tire, but they seem to be available on Amazon and at Walmart.

Have rhino ramps always had this rating? I have some but I don't know if the stickers are still on them or what the rating is.

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[cyberdog]

I drive my step-daughter's Escape, which sits a tad lower, onto the curb between the neighbor & our driveways, using the driveway apron as a ramp. Vehicle ends up level, and the road crown gives plenty of space to unzip all the fasteners.

I'll do the same with the Maverick, or pull out a set of ramps....probably the easy to move resin units, as my ages old metal ones that could easily support the front of a tractor trailer weigh in at at least 30 lbs each.

As for a filter tip, use a red solo cup over the filter when unscrewing it, once you brake it free. The cup will catch all the dribbling oil, for a much cleaner job, as opposed to having it end up over everything.

 

[sprubs]

Good eye! Yes, cross-climate 2's. Love them so far, but haven't had to battle any snow YET.

I've heard a lot of good things about those.

 

[sprubs]

I'm with Colin. I realized 4 years ago that it was not worth my time and energy changing my own oil. That said, the decision was made for me when I left my 2-car-garage-and- equipment condo for this apartment and no garage. And now, PARTICULARLY seeing what is involved in changing the oil on my 2.5 Maverick, I won't miss it. (Torx screws? God help us! No wonder Ford wants an arm and a leg to change the oil.) FWIW.

I do my own because it seems like a time saver. I can do the change whenever I have a chance.
While the oil drains I'm at home so I can go do something else at this time. Plus I know the work was done right.

That said, no hate if someone doesn't want to deal with this stuff. I just happen to not mind doing the job.

 

[Optimus]

I can’t imagine trying to change the oil without ramps. Blocks of wood as suggested would work too. A person’s “round-ness” would come into play how well they fit under there vs. how much clearance they want.

But it boils down to getting access to the torx screws to get the belly pan off. The rear-most ones would be pretty tough without at least a few extra inches of clearance for me. A battery operated drill makes quick work of getting the fasteners off.

An FYI on Rhino Ramps. I was all set to buy them a couple years ago off Amazon, as they looked great and won’t rust, when I noticed negative user reviews of the ramps cracking and falling apart at the large gaps they have in them. Vehicles were reported to collapse. More current reviews (look for the 1-star) seem to show it is still an ongoing problem. Not trying to be a downer On the brand, but as with anything, there could be some (unexpected) safety concerns.

 

[huunvubu]

Thanks. What is the code?

In the post you quoted:

I bought the Rhino Gear RhinoRamp 11909 for $52.79 at Advance Auto Parts using the 20% off BFCM code good through today 11/27/2023.

I specified "BFCM" was the code. That code was specified to be good through 11/27/2023

 

[colinl]

Not trying to be a downer On the brand, but as with anything, there could be some (unexpected) safety concerns.

That's good info to share for sure. There are probably people here who have used them without issue, and maybe some that actually have seen the cracking. It's always better to be informed!

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Doing it yourself takes away worry someone lost fasteners or torqued the plug down stupid tight.

Yeah, but it doesn't take away the worry that I would do that. LOL

 

[colinl]

Yeah, but it doesn't take away the worry that I would do that. LOL

or the hassle of futzing with them! I have ramps, jackstands and all the tools, and I would have at least an hour invested in an oil change because I can't store more than one change locally, so I have to take the drain pan to walmart etc shortly after.

the works includes tire rotation and since I don't have a lift, that's a fun endeavor that requires 4 jackstands to do it properly in a single step. $79.99 yes please, I'll be on a MTB ride or doing yard work instead.

 

[RichardCranium]

I have the 12,000 lb rhino ramps from Walmart. I drive up on them and then throw some jack stands under for good measure. I also inspect the ramps before use. I have only used them on my Prius so far, with no issues. I also read the reviews, which is why I put jack stands under. I think some people read the 12,000 gvw rating of the ramps and think they are good for 12,000 lb each. The trick with resin ramps is to make sure you are centered on them because that is where the real strength is at.

 

[TheSEARCH]

I did my first oil change on my Hybrid with floor jack and jack stands. I will for next year make my own ramps out of wood.

I don't trust ANY of those plastic ones or thin metal ramps they sell. I have seen thick steel ones but are well over 300 bucks. My last vehicle a 2020 ecosport I just used the jack with stands BUT no plastic shield on that so was easy. With all the plastic shields screws you have to get under the car more hence wanting it up higher in the air. I used to jack the ecosport only a little bit to reach drain plug and filter was in front. BUT plastic shield screws are way back so need more height .

Wood will work its cheap and wont crush. I think way safer BUT heavy.

 

[Kagiso]

In the post you quoted:



I specified "BFCM" was the code. That code was specified to be good through 11/27/2023

Thanks. Advance Auto provides the BFCM (I had to Google the acronym: ) code: NOV5. Good deal

 

[FamousAmos]

I do my own because it seems like a time saver. I can do the change whenever I have a chance.
While the oil drains I'm at home so I can go do something else at this time. Plus I know the work was done right.

That said, no hate if someone doesn't want to deal with this stuff. I just happen to not mind doing the job.

I changed my own oil for 55 years, and LOVED it. The last 5 of those years, I used the Griot's Oil Extractor that my brother-in-law bought me for Christmas. That made it a lot easier and cleaner, but still had to deal with the oil filter. For 10 years, on my Miata, I removed the cardboard undercarriage cover that was held on with ELEVEN screws (like the Maverick's Torx screws). Then, a fellow Miata owner told me that I could reach the oil filter by removing the arm that connected the engine block to the chassis. L:ive and learn. It was fun, but I surely don't miss it.

 

[BlueSpec1]

Have the Rhino plastic ramps I used with Ranger and cars. Will use them with the Maverick.
Out in the garage today and saw my wood risers I used when I had a 3500 and didn't trust it the plastic ramps.

 

[KDay]

Have rhino ramps always had this rating? I have some but I don't know if the stickers are still on them or what the rating is.

Not sure. The carboard thing that came with them had all the disclaimers about 16,000 really meaning 8,000... and then really only meaning 4,000ea... with a 100% safety margin... which really means 2000ea... if on level ground, on a full moon, low tide, etc.

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