How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp for an SUV
- 1). Calculate the size, width and incline of your wheelchair ramp. Most SUV doors can support a ramp with a width of 30 inches. Inclines for power and manual wheelchairs are usually constructed at a 6:1 ration based on ramp length. Consult a wheelchair ramp construction guide for help calculating the size of your ramp.
- 2). Measure and cut your aluminum sheet with a metal blade saw to the length established by your calculations.
- 3). Cut your aluminum sheet into three equally-sized pieces using a saw with a metal blade.
- 4). Cut six thin pieces of aluminum to the length of one of your aluminum panels. These pieces will serve as side rails.
- 5). Bolt the aluminum panels onto each of the long sides of your aluminum pieces.
- 6). Join all three of the pieces to one another using metal hinges on the bottom side of the ramp. A hinge should be installed on the right and left side of each panel to guarantee stability. These hinges will allow your ramp to fold up for easy storage.
- 7). Drill two holes into the top portion of the ramp that will attach to the vehicle. These holes should be placed on each side of the panel, a few inches from the edges.
- 8). Remove the rear seats of your SUV. Most SUV seats can be easily removed by lifting a latch on the floor of the vehicle.
- 9). Install eye hooks into the floor of the SUV at the same distance of the holes you drilled on the top portion of the ramp.
- 10
Attach the ramp to the eye hooks.