How To Keep Your Curb Ramps From Moving

December 8, 2021

It can be annoying when your curb ramps slide around instead of staying put. A curb ramp that’s not in place will create another bump to cross instead of smoothing out the entry to the driveway. Also, you would have to get out of your car and readjust the curb ramps every time you need to use them.

You may be tempted to bolt your curb ramp into the concrete curb, but it’s a terrible idea. The good news is that there are much more effective ways to make sure that your curb ramps stay put.

1. Clean Under Your Ramps Every Several Months

Clean under ramps

Did you know that dirt and debris can cause your curb ramps to move around? It’s common for dirt and sand to accumulate under curb ramps over time. This reduces the traction between the ramps and the curb. It’s because:

  • When combined with water, dirt and debris can turn into sludge. This acts as a lubricant.
  • Some types of debris, such as sand or gravel, can act as ball bearings. They’ll help your curb ramps slide around instead of staying put.

To prevent this from happening, clean under your curb ramps every few months or so. BRIDJIT curb ramps are pretty easy to hose down. It’s because they’re made of recycled rubber. You can find instructions here.

2. Bolt Together Your Curb Ramps

Bolt ramp sections

The more your curb ramps weigh, the less likely they’ll move around. One way to do this is by bolting your curb ramps together. Just use metal nuts and bolts to attach the ramps to each other.

The combined weight will help prevent your curb ramps from sliding around. BRIDJIT curb ramps are designed to be bolted together. When bolted together, a set of BRIDJIT curb ramp weighs at least 153 pounds. This really helps with ensuring that your curb ramps stay put.

Every BRIDJIT curb ramp set comes with ½” x 7.5” galvanized bolts. These bolts are pre-inserted in the center sections. You’ll also get a set of detailed instructions on how to bolt these ramp sections together.

3. Pull In And Out The Same Way Each Time

Driveway ramp

This one is easy if you have space on your street and practice it as a habit. Don’t enter the driveway at an angle. If you can swing out in the street and enter with both tires impacting the ramps at the same time, the ramps will stay put.

4. Create An Anchor

While BRIDJIT curb ramps tend to stay put better than other brands, some BRIDJIT curb ramp owners have had success for a more permanent solution. They have created an anchor of sorts. If you are fortunate to have a control joint in the right place in your curb, you may want to try this method:

  • After completing your BRIDJIT curb ramp setup, match the position of the ramp’s bolted connections to the joint. 
  • Measure to be sure you are placing it slightly above where the top connection bolt will rest, then insert a 3 ½ in outside-diameter galvanized washer* down through the rubber joint and into the concrete joint. Pound the washer into the joint until it is flush with the rubber seam.
  • Make sure you are placing the second washer slightly below where the ramp’s bottom connection bolt will rest, then insert the second 3 ½ in outside-diameter washer down through the rubber joint and into the concrete joint. Pound the washer into the joint until it is flush with the rubber seam.

This creates a sheer point that keeps the entire ramp in place and still allows you to pull the top of the ramp out into the street for cleaning. Remember, this setup only works if you have a control joint in the right place with enough opening in the joint for the washer to be inserted, but it is amazing how many times this actually works.

*This 3 ½-inch size washer cannot be purchased at the go-to hardware stores. You will need to Google “fasteners” to find them here. If you have all the right components, this method will help keep your ramps from moving.