6 Best Affordable Ramps for Manufactured Homes That Enhance Freedom and Mobility

That single step up to the front door never used to be a problem. Now, it’s a conscious calculation when carrying groceries, a minor trip hazard for visiting friends, and a potential barrier for a future that might include a walker or wheelchair. Planning for long-term independence in your manufactured home isn’t about expecting the worst; it’s about designing for the best possible future. Adding a ramp is one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, ways to ensure your home remains a place of comfort and accessibility for everyone, for years to come.

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Assessing Your Entryway for the Right Ramp Fit

Before you can choose the right ramp, you need to understand the unique geometry of your entryway. The most critical measurement is the "rise"—the vertical distance from the ground to the surface of your doorway threshold. This single number dictates the necessary length of your ramp for safe use.

The gold standard for ramp slope, recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a 1:12 ratio. This means for every one inch of vertical rise, you need twelve inches (one foot) of ramp length. A 24-inch rise, common for manufactured homes, would require a 24-foot ramp. While private residences aren’t bound by ADA rules, this ratio is the benchmark for safety, especially for unassisted wheelchair or scooter use.

Next, measure your available "run," which is the horizontal space you have to accommodate the ramp’s length. Do you have a long, straight walkway, or will the ramp need to make a turn? You must also account for a level landing area at both the top and bottom of the ramp—ideally a 5-foot by 5-foot clear space. This ensures you can safely open the door or transition from the ramp to the ground without feeling precarious.

EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE Ramp for Portable Access

Sometimes, a permanent installation is more than you need. You might be looking for a solution for a visiting relative, or perhaps you just want an easier way to navigate the two steps from your back door to the patio. This is where a portable ramp, like the EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE, truly shines.

These ramps are typically made of lightweight, durable aluminum and fold in half lengthwise, much like a suitcase. This design makes them easy to carry, set up in seconds, and store away in a closet or garage when not in use. They are an excellent, affordable solution for very low rises, generally from two to six inches.

However, it’s important to recognize their limitations. SUITCASE ramps are not intended as primary, all-weather entry ramps for higher thresholds. Their shorter lengths create a steeper slope, making them better suited for situations where a person is providing assistance. Think of them as a versatile tool for specific, temporary obstacles rather than a permanent home modification.

PVI OnTrac Modular Ramp for Custom Lengths

Manufactured homes often sit higher off the ground, making a simple, short ramp impractical and unsafe. For these situations, a modular ramp system offers a semi-permanent solution that balances customization with straightforward installation. The PVI OnTrac system is a prime example of this approach.

Modular ramps are composed of interlocking sections of varying lengths, allowing you to create a ramp perfectly tailored to your home’s rise and run. Constructed from aluminum, they are weather-resistant and require virtually no maintenance—no painting, no sealing, and no rust. This "set it and forget it" quality is a major advantage over wood, which can warp, rot, and become slippery over time.

Most modular systems also integrate handrails, a critical safety feature for anyone feeling unsteady on their feet. While the initial investment is higher than a portable ramp, the long-term safety, durability, and custom fit provide significant value. They can often be professionally installed in a single day and can be removed or reconfigured if you ever move.

Roll-A-Ramp System for Versatile Setups

For those who value maximum flexibility, the Roll-A-Ramp system presents a uniquely adaptable design. Unlike solid or folding ramps, this system is constructed from interlocking aluminum slats that allow it to literally roll up like a sleeping bag. This makes it surprisingly portable, even in longer lengths.

The true innovation lies in its adjustability. You can add or remove links to change the ramp’s length on the fly, a feature unmatched by other designs. This means a single ramp could be used for the front steps one day and reconfigured for a shorter rise at a side door the next. It can be deployed as a portable ramp or secured for a more permanent installation.

This versatility comes at a higher price point, but it’s an investment in a tool that can adapt with your needs over time. If you anticipate moving, have multiple areas with different accessibility needs, or simply want a single solution that can do it all, the Roll-A-Ramp is a compelling option that prevents you from having to buy multiple ramps for different scenarios.

Silver Spring Solid Ramp for Simple Thresholds

Not every accessibility challenge involves a full flight of stairs. Often, the most persistent daily annoyances are the small ones, like the raised threshold of a sliding glass door or a single garage step. For these minor but meaningful barriers, a simple, one-piece solid ramp is an elegant and highly affordable solution.

The Silver Spring Solid Ramp is a perfect illustration of this category. It’s a single piece of aluminum with a non-slip surface, designed to be placed over a threshold or a single step. There are no moving parts, no assembly required, and it can be easily moved if needed. It immediately eliminates a common trip hazard and makes it effortless to roll a small cart, walker, or wheelchair over the bump.

These ramps are specifically for very low rises, typically under six inches. Using one for a higher step would create a dangerously steep incline. But for their intended purpose, they are an incredibly effective tool for improving the flow and safety of your home with minimal cost and zero hassle.

Titan Ramps Multi-Fold for Easy Storage

What if you need the length of a semi-permanent ramp but the storability of a portable one? The multi-fold ramp design, offered by brands like Titan Ramps, bridges this gap. These ramps are longer than typical suitcase models—often available in 6, 8, or 10-foot lengths—but fold into a much more compact shape for storage.

Instead of just folding in half once, a multi-fold ramp folds multiple times, like an accordion. This allows a 10-foot ramp to be stored in a space roughly 3 feet long. This is an ideal solution for someone who needs a longer ramp to safely navigate 3-4 steps but doesn’t want it permanently in place. It can be set up for guests and then stored neatly in a shed or garage.

This design provides a practical middle ground. It offers a safer, more gradual slope than a short suitcase ramp without the commitment and cost of a full modular system. It’s a strategic choice for homeowners who need a substantial ramp on an occasional basis.

Prairie View Bariatric Ramp for Heavy-Duty Use

When planning for accessibility, it’s crucial to consider capacity. Standard ramps are typically rated for 600 pounds, which is sufficient for many users. However, if you or a loved one uses a heavy-duty power scooter or bariatric wheelchair, or if you anticipate multiple people or heavy equipment using the ramp, upgrading to a bariatric model is a non-negotiable safety measure.

Ramps like those from Prairie View Industries are engineered with wider platforms and reinforced construction to support weights of 800 pounds or more. This isn’t just about meeting a minimum requirement; it’s about ensuring structural integrity and stability under real-world conditions. A heavy-duty ramp provides peace of mind, eliminating any concern about flexing or failure.

Choosing a bariatric ramp is a forward-thinking decision. It ensures your home is prepared for any mobility device you or a visitor might use in the future. The modest additional cost is a small price for the robust safety and long-term durability it provides.

Securing Your Ramp for All-Weather Safety

Purchasing the right ramp is only half the battle; ensuring it is safe in all conditions is just as important. A ramp that is not properly secured can shift during use, creating a dangerous gap at the top or bottom. Most ramps come with pins or screws to anchor the top edge to the threshold, a simple step that is absolutely essential for stability.

The surface of the ramp is your primary point of contact, so it must provide excellent traction. Look for ramps with a built-in, textured, non-slip surface. This is especially critical in regions with rain, snow, or ice. A smooth aluminum surface can become incredibly slick when wet, transforming a helpful tool into a significant hazard.

Finally, consider the value of handrails. Even if you don’t use a wheelchair, handrails provide crucial support for anyone walking up or down the slope, especially when carrying items or during inclement weather. For longer, modular ramps, they are a standard feature, but for shorter ramps, they are often an optional add-on worth the investment. Regularly sweeping your ramp clear of leaves, snow, and debris is a simple maintenance habit that pays huge dividends in safety.

Choosing a ramp is a proactive step toward creating a home that supports your independence indefinitely. It’s not an admission of limitation but a declaration of intent—to live comfortably, safely, and freely in the space you love. By carefully assessing your needs and exploring these often-overlooked options, you can find an affordable, functional, and even stylish solution that makes your home more welcoming for everyone.