Community Forums

Jeff753 · 07-18-2014, 12:58 PM

Looking for ideas on what to use to support the coach while working on it. I like having access but don't want yo rely on the air bag.

Jeff

Skip426 · 07-18-2014, 01:25 PM

I carry ,16" long, pressure treated 8x8s ( 4 ) and treated 2x6s,(4). I manually run the jack in the corner where I want access, then stack the blocking; as required; and lower the jack to the point where the frame contacts the blocking. Maybe , not the safest , but keeps the DW happy while I'm under the coach.
I use this only to access areas of the undercarriage , where I already have clearance to get under with air bags deflated, and just require more wiggle room. I would not go under the baggage area, where I could be crushed, unless I was at home with my safety stands.

Jeff753 · 07-18-2014, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

I carry ,16" long, pressure treated 8x8s ( 4 ) and treated 2x6s,(4). I manually run the jack in the corner where I want access, then stack the blocking; as required; and lower the jack to the point where the frame contacts the blocking. Maybe , not the safest , but keeps the DW happy while I'm under the coach.
I use this only to access areas of the undercarriage , where I already have clearance to get under with air bags deflated, and just require more wiggle room. I would not go under the baggage area, where I could be crushed, unless I was at home with my safety stands.

What do you use for safety stand at home?

Jeff

Skip426 · 07-18-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff753

What do you use for safety stand at home?
Jeff

I have a pair of 8 ton rated stands. Too large ( heavy and hard to store ) to carry along.

Skip426 · 07-18-2014, 09:45 PM

I have on older slightly smaller version of these.

**CountryFit** · 07-18-2014, 11:12 PM

i made a set of this, feel very safe

- at home only.

dabrooks · 07-19-2014, 06:06 AM

I feel very safe using blocks properly placed for safety when under the coach. I am always afraid that jack stands can slip being metal on metal. I use oak 6x6s as my base and thinner boards as needed. I then let the weight back down on the boards.

ahicks · 07-19-2014, 07:59 AM

I'm with CountryFit. Assuming you aren't working over anything too soupy, it's hard for anything to slip or shift when the tires are sitting on it. 3-4 layers of 2x (of a suitable width) will generally lift ours high enough to do anything I'd ever consider doing.

MSHappyCampers · 07-19-2014, 08:36 AM

I bought a set of the 12-ton jack stands from Harbor Freight to use when I have to be under there. One caution, they are rated at 12 tons FOR THE PAIR! Sure gives me peace-of-mind though!

deandec · 07-19-2014, 09:33 AM

X2. 10 ton rear axle rating on our rig.

wa8yxm · 07-19-2014, 11:03 AM

When I am working under my intruder I normally park it on the tires, They give 300+ pounds of me room to move around no problem.

I also have some wooden "Stair Steps" I can use

The
Steps are
Put together like this

2x tread widte, one foot then two feet then 3 feet glued

Gives me an extra 4.5 inches

bigdog · 07-19-2014, 11:50 AM

My pad at home drops off right behind the rear jacks and I have a staked in 10' 4X4 for a rear curb. There are 2"X12"x24" wood pads on top of cement blocks for the rear jacks and if I'm under the coach I feel plenty safe when they're down. The front end of the pad also slopes forward from in front of the front wheels and I have plenty of room if I'm under there. If I'm going under the middle of the coach,I double two 2"x12"x16" under the front jacks and raise the front a bit and I have plenty of room..

Coma · 07-20-2014, 06:46 AM

The problem with tires support is the airbags can deflate. I have 12 ton jacks (rated each) for support of the frame rails for routine maintenance. If after you drive on blocks you dump the bags, I'd say you're safe. Another way is to block the H frame against the chassis. I have a local place that does my Air Dryer service. I supply the parts, park it over their pit and have my dryer serviced for $85.