When you hear “Ram manufacturing lift,” it’s easy for your mind to jump to a big, burly truck getting an aftermarket suspension upgrade. But here’s the thing: that phrase actually points to two very different worlds of lifting. If you’re looking for a quick guide, the first step is to figure out if you’re talking about accessibility solutions for homes and businesses or modifications for Ram pickup trucks. Believe it or not, there’s a Canadian company called RAM Elevators & Lifts formerly RAM Manufacturing that’s been making vertical platform lifts and home elevators for decades. Their “Trus-T-Lift” product line is well-known in the accessibility space.

However, if you’ve heard some buzz or seen warnings online, you’re not wrong to be cautious. While RAM Elevators & Lifts is a legitimate manufacturer, some users, like those in a widely circulated YouTube video, have reported significant reliability issues with specific models, particularly the “Trust-Ram 750,” even going as far as to warn potential buyers to avoid it due to malfunctions and safety concerns. This highlights a crucial point: even with established brands, individual product experiences can vary, and thorough research is always a must. We’ll explore legitimate and reliable alternatives for both accessibility and truck lifting, ensuring you get safe and effective solutions for your needs. Whether you’re enhancing mobility in your home with a wheelchair lift or boosting your truck’s stance with a suspension lift kit, there are plenty of proven options out there.

Let’s clear up some potential confusion right from the start. When people specifically search for “RAM Manufacturing Lift,” they are most often referring to the products made by RAM Elevators & Lifts, a Canadian company with a history dating back to 1987. This isn’t a scam product in the sense of being entirely fake or non-existent. They are a real company that designs and builds accessibility solutions. They’re recognized by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, for example, indicating a commitment to business standards.

What kind of lifts do they make? Their specialty is vertical platform lifts VPLs and residential and commercial elevators. These lifts are designed to help individuals with limited mobility navigate different levels in homes or public spaces, offering an alternative to stairs or ramps. Think of them as compact, often shaftless, elevators or open-platform devices that transport a person, sometimes in a wheelchair or with a scooter, vertically over a short distance, like to a porch or between floors.

One of their key product lines is the Trus-T-Lift. This particular lift is known for using an ACME screw drive system rather than hydraulics, which RAM claims leads to improved reliability and competitive pricing, especially for applications where a traditional ramp might be too long or impractical. They boast features like weather resistance for outdoor installations and a 750lb lifting capacity for some models.

The Caveat: Buyer Beware

Now, here’s where the “scam” concern might come in. While the company itself is legitimate and aims to provide accessibility, there have been documented instances of severe dissatisfaction from customers regarding the performance and reliability of the Trus-T-Lift. One user, in a YouTube video titled “Trust-Ram 750 Malfunction – DO NOT BUY THIS LIFT!!!”, explicitly details multiple malfunctions, including the lift stranding a paraplegic user, blowing fuses, and making grinding noises, despite professional installation and visits from the manufacturer’s engineer. This kind of feedback is serious and should prompt any potential buyer to exercise extreme caution. It suggests that while the concept might be good, the execution or specific models might have significant flaws.

When you’re looking at something as critical as an accessibility lift, reliability and safety are paramount. A product that repeatedly fails or strands a user, especially someone with mobility challenges, is not just an inconvenience—it’s a major safety hazard and a source of immense stress. This is why it’s incredibly important to look beyond just the manufacturer’s claims and delve into user reviews and real-world experiences. For accessible living, exploring reliable residential platform lifts is crucial.

Legitimate Alternatives for Home Accessibility Lifts

Given the importance of reliability for accessibility devices, it’s wise to consider well-regarded alternatives if you’re in the market for a home or commercial lift. There are many reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality, dependable solutions.

Vertical Platform Lifts VPLs

VPLs, sometimes called wheelchair lifts or porch lifts, are excellent for overcoming short rises, like a few steps to a porch, or for connecting two floors in a compact space. They’re generally more affordable and less intrusive than full home elevators.

• Bruno Independent Living Aids: This veteran-founded, family-owned company, established in 1984, is a big name in accessibility. They make stair lifts, scooter lifts, platform lifts, and even home elevators. Their platform lifts are known for being robust and reliable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You can often find a local Bruno dealer for sales and service.
• Stiltz Lifts: Stiltz offers innovative, compact home elevators and wheelchair lifts that are designed to fit into existing homes with minimal structural impact. Their Duo Home Elevator can carry two people, while the Trio Wheelchair Elevator is spacious enough for a wheelchair and up to three people. They emphasize ease of installation and a sleek design, providing an attractive alternative to traditional stair lifts or more complex elevators.
• Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators PVE: PVE offers a unique, air-driven residential elevator system that doesn’t require a traditional machine room or pit. These elevators are known for their modern design and energy efficiency, and they come in various sizes, including wheelchair-accessible options. They’re often seen as a good fit for retrofits or new construction projects where a minimal footprint is desired.
• Savaria: Savaria is another leading global manufacturer of accessibility products, including a wide range of vertical platform lifts and home elevators. They focus on safety, comfort, and aesthetic integration into various home designs.

When choosing a VPL, look for models that comply with safety standards like ASME A18.1 and CSA B613 in Canada, which ensure the lift meets stringent safety requirements. It’s also smart to check for features like emergency stop buttons, battery backups for power outages, and durable, weather-resistant construction if it’s for outdoor use. For a great selection, you can explore home accessibility lifts on Amazon.

Stair Lifts

If the main challenge is navigating a staircase and a full platform isn’t needed, a stair lift can be a more compact and cost-effective solution. Companies like Bruno are also well-regarded in this category, offering options for straight, curved, indoor, and outdoor staircases.

Compact Home Elevators

For multi-story homes where a VPL might not offer enough travel distance, but a full traditional elevator is too invasive or expensive, compact home elevators provide a middle ground. Many of the manufacturers mentioned above, including Bruno and Stiltz, offer these types of solutions. They often boast features like quiet operation, seamless integration into home decor, and various customization options. Companies like Cambridge Elevating also specialize in shaftless residential elevators, ideal for existing homes without major renovations.

Lifting Your RAM Truck: Factory, Dealer, and Aftermarket Options

Now, let’s pivot to the other common interpretation of “Ram lift”—modifying your Ram pickup truck. If you’re dreaming of a more aggressive stance, better ground clearance, or the ability to fit larger tires on your Ram 1500 or 2500, you’re looking at lift kits. It’s a popular modification, and there are a few ways to go about it.

What About a “Ram Factory Lift Kit” or “Ram Factory Lifted Trucks”?

This is where things can get a little tricky. Generally speaking, Ram doesn’t offer “factory-installed lift kits” in the same way an aftermarket company does. What often gets labeled as “factory lifted” are specific trim levels or special editions that come with a higher-than-standard suspension or larger tires directly from the factory. For instance, models like the Ram Rebel or the performance-oriented Ram TRX come with enhanced off-road suspension that provides a more commanding stance and increased ground clearance compared to a standard Ram 1500. These vehicles are engineered from the ground up to handle their factory setup, and their warranties are typically unaffected.

If you’re buying a new truck and the dealer mentions a “factory lift kit,” clarify what they mean. Often, they’re referring to a dealer-installed lift kit. This is an aftermarket kit that the dealership installs before sale. The main benefit here might be that the cost can be rolled into your truck financing. However, be cautious about warranty implications. While some dealerships might offer to cover the lift under their own warranty or maintain the factory warranty, others might not. It’s crucial to get any warranty agreements in writing before you commit.

Aftermarket Lift Kits: The Most Common Path

For most Ram truck owners, the aftermarket is where you’ll find the widest variety of lift solutions. This is where you can truly customize your truck’s height and performance. Aftermarket kits generally fall into two main categories:

1. Leveling Kits: These are typically designed to raise the front of your Ram truck to match the height of the rear, eliminating the factory “rake” where the front sits slightly lower than the back. They usually provide a modest lift, often between 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

   • Pros: More affordable, easier to install, maintains a good factory ride quality, and allows for slightly larger tires often up to 33 inches on a Ram 1500.
   • Cons: Limited lift height, primarily aesthetic or for minor tire clearance, doesn’t significantly improve off-road capability in the same way a full suspension lift does.
   • You can find various Ram 1500 leveling kits or Ram 2500 leveling kits online.

2. Full Suspension Lift Kits: These kits replace or modify multiple suspension components—like coil springs, control arms, shocks, and sometimes even steering components—to provide a more substantial lift, typically from 3 inches all the way up to 6 inches or more.

   • Pros: Achieves a much more aggressive look, significantly increases ground clearance, allows for much larger tires often 35 inches or more on a Ram 1500, and can drastically improve off-road performance when combined with quality components.
   • Cons: More expensive, more complex to install often requiring cutting and welding, can impact ride quality though many high-quality kits aim to minimize this, and definitely has warranty implications. You’ll also likely see a decrease in fuel economy.
   • Popular brands known for quality aftermarket kits include Rough Country, ReadyLift, Bilstein, Fox, and Icon. When choosing, it’s vital to research brands and read reviews. You’ll want to explore options like Ram 1500 lift kits or Ram 2500 lift kits.

Key Considerations for Truck Lifts:

• Tire and Wheel Size: Always factor in the new tires and wheels you plan to use. A lift kit’s primary purpose is often to accommodate larger tires, so ensure the kit you choose provides adequate clearance.
• Ride Quality: While some aftermarket kits are designed to maintain a near-factory ride, others can make your truck feel stiffer or handle differently. Reading reviews about ride quality is super important.
• Warranty: This is a big one. Modifying your truck’s suspension can potentially void parts of your factory warranty, particularly those related to drivetrain and suspension components. Always check with your dealership and be clear about what modifications might affect your coverage.
• Alignment: After any lift or leveling kit installation, a professional alignment is non-negotiable to ensure proper steering and tire wear.

Hydraulic Lifting Capacity and Equipment for Vehicles

Beyond permanent lift kits, if you’re working on your Ram truck for maintenance, repairs, or tire changes, you’ll need reliable hydraulic lifting equipment. Getting the right jack is essential for safety and efficiency.

Types of Hydraulic Jacks

• Floor Jacks Trolley Jacks: These are common in garages and shops. They typically have a long handle and wheels, allowing you to roll them under a vehicle and lift it with ease.

  • Capacity: For a Ram 1500, a 3-ton capacity floor jack is generally sufficient, but for heavier Ram 2500/3500 trucks, a 3.5-ton or even 6-ton capacity is a safer bet.
  • Lift Height: Look for a jack with a good maximum lift height, especially if your truck is already lifted. Some go up to 22 inches or more, which is crucial for getting a lifted truck off the ground.
  • Features: Quick-lift mechanisms, padded handles, and universal joint release systems for controlled lowering are great features.
  • Check out options like the BLACKHAWK B6350 Fast Lift Service Jack or the Pro-Lift G-737 Lift Garage Jack.

• Bottle Jacks: These are compact, powerful jacks that use a vertical ram to lift heavy loads. They’re great for situations where space is limited but you need serious lifting power.

  • Capacity: Bottle jacks come in various capacities, often from 4-ton up to 12-ton or even higher. A 6-ton bottle jack is a good all-around choice for many trucks, while 8-ton or higher models are ideal for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and construction machinery.
  • Portability: Many are designed to be portable, making them excellent for keeping in your truck for roadside emergencies or off-road use.
  • The Powerbuilt 3-Ton Bottle Jack is a good example for portability.

• Hi-Lift Jacks Farm Jacks: These rugged, mechanical jacks are indispensable for off-road recovery and lifting vehicles in uneven terrain where traditional hydraulic jacks might struggle. They can offer extremely high lift ranges, sometimes up to 48 inches.

  • Use Cases: Perfect for lifting a truck out of mud, changing tires on rough ground, or even as a winch alternative.
  • Safety: They require careful operation and proper technique, as they can be less stable than hydraulic jacks.
  • A classic is the Hi-Lift Jack HL484.

Hydraulic Ram Lifting Capacity

The term “hydraulic ram lifting capacity” refers to the maximum weight a hydraulic cylinder or jack can safely lift. This is a critical specification to consider. Always choose a jack or ram with a capacity that exceeds the weight you intend to lift. For example, a 3-ton 6,000 lbs jack is suitable for many passenger vehicles, but a heavy-duty truck might weigh 8,500 pounds or more, requiring a higher capacity. It’s always better to over-spec your lifting equipment for safety.

Look for reputable hydraulic ram manufacturers and suppliers when considering industrial or custom hydraulic lifting solutions.

Key Considerations Before Investing in Any Lift

Whether you’re looking at an accessibility lift or a truck modification, making an informed decision means looking at a few crucial factors beyond just the initial price tag.

Safety Standards and Certifications

For accessibility lifts, always ensure the product meets relevant safety standards and certifications in your region. In North America, this often includes ASME A18.1 for vertical platform and inclined stairway lifts and CSA B613 or B355 Canadian standards for accessibility lifts. These certifications mean the product has been tested and deemed safe for public use. For vehicle lifting equipment, look for certifications like ANSI/ASME.

Professional Installation

While some smaller leveling kits or floor jacks can be DIY projects, most significant lift kits for trucks and virtually all accessibility lifts require professional installation.

• Accessibility Lifts: RAM Elevators & Lifts, for example, works through a dealer network for installation and service, ensuring that trained technicians handle the setup. This is critical not just for functionality but for the safety of the user. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and serious accidents.
• Truck Lift Kits: A reputable shop specializing in truck modifications will ensure the kit is installed correctly, all components are properly torqued, and the alignment is spot-on. This prevents premature wear on tires and suspension parts and maintains safe handling characteristics.

Warranty Implications

We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating.

• Accessibility Lifts: Reputable manufacturers typically offer warranties on their products. For instance, the Trus-T-Lift may come with a manufacturer’s warranty, often supplemented by a service warranty from the installer. Understand what is covered and for how long. Given the reported issues with the Trus-T-Lift, a strong and clear warranty, along with responsive customer service, would be paramount.
• Truck Modifications: Installing an aftermarket lift kit on a new truck can affect your factory warranty. Some parts of the warranty related to the suspension and drivetrain might be voided. Always discuss this thoroughly with your dealership before making modifications and get any assurances in writing. There are also third-party warranties that might cover modified vehicles, but they often come with specific terms and conditions.

Maintenance and Longevity

Every lift system, whether for accessibility or a vehicle, requires ongoing maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Accessibility Lifts: Regular servicing by certified technicians is crucial. This can help prevent issues before they become serious and extend the life of the lift.
• Truck Lift Kits: Aftermarket suspension components, especially those used for off-roading, may require more frequent inspection and maintenance than stock parts. This includes checking bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers. Choosing quality components from the start can lead to better longevity and fewer headaches down the road.

Remember, investing in any lift is about more than just the initial purchase. it’s about long-term safety, reliability, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a “RAM Manufacturing Lift”?

A “RAM Manufacturing Lift” typically refers to the vertical platform lifts and home elevators produced by RAM Elevators & Lifts, a Canadian company. These lifts are designed to provide accessibility for individuals with limited mobility in residential and commercial settings, allowing them to move between different floor levels or over short rises like porches.

Are “Ram factory lift kits” for trucks a real thing?

Generally, no, not in the sense of a traditional aftermarket lift kit installed on the assembly line. What’s often called a “factory lift” usually refers to specific Ram truck trim levels like the Rebel or TRX that come with a higher stance and off-road-tuned suspension from the factory. Dealerships might also offer “dealer-installed” lift kits, which are aftermarket kits installed by the dealer, but these are not truly factory-produced lift kits.

Is the RAM Trus-T-Lift a reliable product?

While RAM Elevators & Lifts is a legitimate company, some users have reported significant reliability issues with specific models of their Trus-T-Lift, including malfunctions and safety concerns. It’s crucial for potential buyers to conduct thorough research, read recent reviews, and understand the warranty and service options before making a purchase.

What are good alternatives for home accessibility lifts if I’m concerned about the RAM Trus-T-Lift?

Several reputable manufacturers offer reliable home accessibility solutions. Some top alternatives include vertical platform lifts and home elevators from companies like Bruno Independent Living Aids, Stiltz Lifts, Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators PVE, and Savaria. These brands are known for quality, safety, and a range of options to fit different needs and home configurations.

What kind of lift kit should I get for my Ram 1500 or 2500 truck?

The best lift kit depends on your goals. For a modest increase in height to level the truck and fit slightly larger tires, a leveling kit 1.5-2.5 inches is a good choice. If you want a more aggressive look, significant ground clearance, and the ability to fit much larger tires, a full suspension lift kit 3-6+ inches is needed. Research reputable aftermarket brands like Rough Country, ReadyLift, Bilstein, Fox, and Icon, and always consider professional installation and warranty implications. Black wood house

What kind of hydraulic jack do I need for a lifted Ram truck?

For a lifted Ram truck, you’ll need a hydraulic jack with sufficient capacity and lift height. A 3.5-ton to 6-ton capacity floor jack is generally recommended for garage use, with enough maximum lift height often 20-22 inches or more to get the wheels off the ground. For off-road recovery or extremely high lifts, a Hi-Lift jack is invaluable. For portability, a sturdy bottle jack with at least a 6-ton capacity is a good option to keep in your truck.

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