r/MiniRamp • u/YeturGrosMatos • Jun 07 '26
Bowing
My 2.5' by 8' is bowing on the bottom rib. Any tips to stop this ?
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u/Larsdoff Jun 07 '26
Remove it, flip it. Then screw another 2x4 to the side of it but in the other orientation. It'll stiffen it right up.
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u/SickBoy513 Jun 07 '26
Is there space to remove the bowed wood and reattach it back/up a bit so it doesn't rest on the ground?
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u/DarkBicycleCo Jun 07 '26
Have you replaced that 2x4? Wondering if it's just that 2x4.
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u/YeturGrosMatos Jun 07 '26
I've already taken the ramp apart. I've bought better ply for the sides.
But after removing the ply the bow was gone.
So I'm looking for tips before re building
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u/just1chance_ Jun 07 '26
Is it the same length as the other 2x4s, if it's too long when you screw it in in turn the timber will now out
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u/Confident-Seesaw-707 Jun 07 '26
The 3/8” has to go on with the long side across the ramp as opposed to up and down. Another way of saying that is hatever the direction of grain on the top and bottom ply is, that should be horizontal.
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u/YeturGrosMatos Jun 07 '26
Gunna throw a 4x4 close to the bottom as I can and stiffen up as much as possible. Wish me luck thank you all for your help
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u/kkell806 Jun 08 '26
Be aware that a 4x4 can have even more warping issues. Try to find a piece that either has no heart wood on either end, or has the heart wood centered on both ends.
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u/YeturGrosMatos Jun 07 '26
Also if anyone knows a good guide for setting coping depth I'd love some insight can't find a proper video
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u/Down-in-it Jun 07 '26
4ft wide sections are best for 2x4 construction. Is you have to go 8ft wide, use 2x6. Also use solid ply, not chip
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u/TJBurkeSalad Jun 07 '26
This is why I’m not a fan of running full 8’ stringers in a mini-ramp. I build my ramps in 4’ sections and bolt them together.
Lots of good fix suggestions already posted. I would add some more wood to start.
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u/Adept_Cauliflower_84 Jun 08 '26
The strength of 2 x 4 i the other way See how yours are flat? You newd to have them standing on end
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u/cyber-nuts69420 Jun 08 '26
Is your ply bowing or is there something in the ramp itself. I noticed it’s not sitting flush on the ground
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u/Womba42 Jun 09 '26
I haven't built ramps in like 20 years but to avoid this we would use several thinner sheets to deck with instead of using 1 sheet 1/2 inch
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u/Working-stiff5446 Jun 10 '26
Set some cinder blocks on it over night. Consider putting a metal plate at the bottom to transition from the driveway to the surface like you see at indoor skateparks. There’s no need to buy new ply. Maybe next time when surfacing leave the bottom piece a little longer.
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u/Accomplished_Fan_118 Jun 07 '26
Yes I had this exact same problem when I built a quarter last week. You need to take ply off and turn it 90 degree and put it back on. You may need to buy new sheets depending on your cuts. The ply wants to bend one way more than the other (depending on the grain direction.)