Building a ramp for an RV is a lot easier than it first appears. They can be built using many materials, some of which you’ve likely seen before. I even used recycled wood from old pallets, to make my ramps with. I recommend these ramps mainly because they are sturdy, extremely low cost and easy to build! I love making these ramps out of pallets, because doing so gives me the ability to freely decorate the ramps as I see fit.
Rv ramps are helpful devices invented to help vehicles easily climb elevated land. An rv ramp is a lot like the ones used to access bus loading platforms, except much smaller with custom dimensions that are compatible with your vehicle.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Plywood | Material Selection
|
| Cut Plywood Strips | Dimensions
|
| Nailing Strips Together | Formation
|
| Ramp Design | Functionality
|
| Weight Consideration | Hazards of Heavy Material
|
| Rubber Matting Material | Alternative Material
|
how to make a curb ramp for rv
🛠️ What This Is About
A portable DIY curb ramp lets you smoothly drive your RV (or car/trailer) over a standard curb without scraping bottoms or stressing tires.
đź“Ź Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure Curb Height
- Use a tape measure or level to find the curb drop (typically 4–6 inches).
- This determines how thick (how many stacked boards) your ramp needs to be.
- Build the Frame/Base
- Use sturdy 2Ă—6 or 2Ă—8 boards cut to curb width (wide enough for RV tires).
- Stack boards to reach your target height and secure them—screws work, but some builders use rebar or plywood to prevent spreading.
- Add Top Decking
- Cover with Âľ” plywood or a smoother surface to avoid tire damage and give a uniform ramp surface.
- Attach decking securely and bevel the front edge slightly for smooth transitions.
- Secure the Stack
- Screw layers together firmly. Consider countersunk lag screws or rebar pins to prevent sliding.
- Test & Adjust
- Position at the curb, drive over slowly at an angle to test.
- Add or remove boards as necessary to achieve a smooth roll-over .
đź’¬ Real DIY Builder Advice
From iRV2 forums:
“Just get some 2×8 planks, and cut and stack them to make a ramp at the curb.”
“Make two steps with 2Ă—6 on bottom and screw a piece of 2Ă—4 on top… You’ll have a 4.5″ ramp.”
On gravel parking pads:
“Screw a stack of long 2×12 pressure‑treated boards together… just long enough there isn’t any chance the trailer rolls off.”
🧰 Materials & Tools Needed
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| 2Ă—6, 2Ă—8, or 2Ă—12 boards | Ramp structure & height |
| ¾″ plywood | Smooth top surface for tires |
| Screws or lag bolts | Fastening layers securely |
| Drill & saw | Cut and assemble frame |
| Optional rebar/pins | Prevents board separation |
| Sandpaper/paint | Smooth edges and protect wood moisture |
âś… Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable & portable—use scrap wood, store easily.
- Custom-fit—perfect for your exact curb height and RV width.
Cons
- Big and bulky—needs storage space when not in use.
- Durability depends on the quality of lumber and fastening methods.
đź’ˇ Expert Tips
- Use angled cuts or beveled plywood edge to avoid harsh front edge.
- Drive slowly and at an angle to reduce stress on the ramp and tires.
- Pressure-treated wood is fine for outdoor build—but sand and coat edges to avoid splinters .
đź‘· Who Should Build It
- RV owners needing a simple solution to curb access
- DIYers with basic carpentry skills
- Anyone wanting a reusable, low-cost ramp for occasional use
Homemade Rv Ramps
If you’re planning a trip in your RV, it’s important to make sure that you won’t have any trouble getting into or out of the campsites. You don’t want to be stuck outside with nowhere to park your rig.
There are several ways to build your own RV ramps. Many people use wood, but concrete is also an excellent option. You can also use steel or aluminum for the surface of the ramp itself, and then place concrete on top of it for additional support and durability.
The best type of ramp depends on where you’re going and what kind of terrain you’ll be driving over. If you’ll be staying near major cities and driving on paved roads most of the time, then it’s probably best to go with a wooden or concrete ramp with metal rails along the side for added stability.
If you’re headed off into more rural areas where there may not be paved roads, then aluminum might be better because it’s lighter weight and easier to carry around than other materials. However, remember that aluminum can become corroded if left outside for too long in damp conditions so you’ll want to keep it covered up when not in use if possible.
Ramps that you can use to drive your RV up are necessary if you want to park in places that don’t have level ground. You can build your own curb ramp using a few simple tools and supplies.
Curb ramps are a necessity when parking in areas with street curbs and no level ground. They allow you to drive over obstacles like curbs or other barriers without damaging your vehicle. The easiest way to make a curb ramp is with wood; however, you can also use metal if you want something more durable.
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Measure out the length and width of your curb ramp in inches or centimeters, whichever measurement is easier for you. Allow room for the thickness of the wood pieces, but keep them thin enough so they’re easy to cut with a saw or jigsaw (1/4 inch thick). Cut your wood into two pieces for each side of the ramp, which should measure about 8 feet long by 30 inches wide.
Step 2: Attach the Wood Pieces Together
Place one piece of wood on top of another so their edges line up perfectly. With both pieces facing down, screw them together at every four inches along each edge with two screws per