Community Forums

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 03:00 PM

Figure I'll ask here given someone may have gone this route.

I need to lift the front of the RV (see sig) to install front airbags. The storage lot I'm in is a gravel lot. A layer of gravel with dirt underneath. Was planning on using a bottle jack at min 5 ton rated. I also have a pair of 6 ton jack stands.

Thoughts?

code2e · 08-26-2022, 03:22 PM

I retired from being a professional mechanic for 50 years. Be sure to set parking brake and chock rear tires before jacking front.

A bottle jack on anything other than a solid surface has a lot of risk of tipping. Especially once one side is on a stand and you jack up the other side. The nature of a bottle jack requires you to be under the coach while jacking and lowering. A slip could be fatal or at least life changing.

Is there any option to rent or borrow a floor jack? Much safer. Operated from outside the coach. Wider stance on ground, less likely to tip. A sheet of plywood makes floor jacks roll easier than gravel.

If the bottle jack is only option, could you use a 1 inch plywood base under it to stabilize? Jack it only enough to place 1 stand at lowest level, then other side to lowest + 1 click. Then back to 1st and go up no more than 2 clicks and so on. Idea being neither side is off level any more than required at any time.

Be safe.

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 03:40 PM

Would also use a piece of Oak under the bottle jack (1 inch thick). Need to lift ideally the front center support (both wheels). But lifting one wheel at a time might suffice.

Lifting this:(upside down have no idea why LOL!)

code2e · 08-26-2022, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972VWbus

Would also use a piece of Oak under the bottle jack (1 inch thick). Need to lift ideally the front center support (both wheels). But lifting one wheel at a time might suffice.

Lifting this:(upside down have no idea why LOL!)

Lifting the whole front end with a bottle jack would raise the hazard to a new level. I would not attempt that. Notice the body overhang to get to where the jack needs to be. Your entire upper body would be under there at risk till both stands are set.

A bottle jack has a small amount of flat surface area under it, but only the ram point on top. It just doesn't take much to slip or tip. Floor jacks spread the load over much bigger areas. Rental cost can't be much.

Tell you a method I have used for years. When I need a piece of equipment Only occasionally, I hit Craigslist. I buy it right. Use it at my leisure and sell it for more than I paid for it. It works. Give it a thought.

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by code2e

Lifting the whole front end with a bottle jack would raise the hazard to a new level. I would not attempt that. Notice the body overhang to get to where the jack needs to be. Your entire upper body would be under there at risk till both stands are set.

A bottle jack has a small amount of flat surface area under it, but only the ram point on top. It just doesn't take much to slip or tip. Floor jacks spread the load over much bigger areas. Rental cost can't be much.

Tell you a method I have used for years. When I need a piece of equipment Only occasionally, I hit Craigslist. I buy it right. Use it at my leisure and sell it for more than I paid for it. It works. Give it a thought.

Yeah just what I was thinking. Now 1 wheel at a time with this...

Where to place it? Behind control arm on frame? Only need to get high enough for wheel off ground to extend the spring.

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-62...s%2C172&sr=8-4

dbircky · 08-26-2022, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972VWbus

Lifting this:(upside down have no idea why LOL!)

Looks easy to replace the airbags if you keep it in that position. (I struggle with posting pictures too)

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbircky

Looks easy to replace the airbags if you keep it in that position. (I struggle with posting pictures too)

That would be the absolutely perfect position. LOL!

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 04:35 PM

I pulled the plug and purchased the 'All in one' Powerbuilt 3 ton

Will get a 1 inch thick piece of oak to go under it (12x12).

Ideal spot for lifting 1 wheel up? (Behind control arm on frame?)

code2e · 08-26-2022, 04:40 PM

[QUOTE=1972VWbus;6289065]Yeah just what I was thinking. Now 1 wheel at a time with this...

Where to place it? Behind control arm on frame? Only need to get high enough for wheel off ground to extend the spring.

I assume the Amazon link is just an idea? I see it is only 3 ton and you mentioned a 5 ton jack.

I am assuming your coach is independent suspension with coil springs and you are replacing the air bag in the spring?

You want to avoid jacking on the lower control arm with a bottle jack. It will lever under weight and may tip the jack. Do jack on a frame location that will allow you to position jack stand once up. Your bottle jack will only have so much travel, so block it up solidly bearing in mind the wheel will drop a ways before it lifts off ground. Defiantly just do one side at a time.

code2e · 08-26-2022, 04:45 PM

Your last post came in while I was still typing.

The combo stand with jack will make placement easier. 3 tons is a little light, I'd be more comfy with 5 tons, but thats me. You might look at your weight label and see the front axle weight, be sure you are under 1/2 of it.

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 05:38 PM

[QUOTE=code2e;6289099]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972VWbus

Yeah just what I was thinking. Now 1 wheel at a time with this...

Where to place it? Behind control arm on frame? Only need to get high enough for wheel off ground to extend the spring.

I assume the Amazon link is just an idea? I see it is only 3 ton and you mentioned a 5 ton jack.

I am assuming your coach is independent suspension with coil springs and you are replacing the air bag in the spring?

You want to avoid jacking on the lower control arm with a bottle jack. It will lever under weight and may tip the jack. Do jack on a frame location that will allow you to position jack stand once up. Your bottle jack will only have so much travel, so block it up solidly bearing in mind the wheel will drop a ways before it lifts off ground. Defiantly just do one side at a time.

Yep, independent front with airbag in each coil spring. I anted to avoid the control for just that reason. Was looking at the frame just downstream of it towards rear. The lift height on jack is 21 inches (not that I need to go that high)

These two spots...

code2e · 08-26-2022, 06:04 PM

[QUOTE=1972VWbus;6289168]

Quote:

Originally Posted by code2e

Yep, independent front with airbag in each coil spring. I anted to avoid the control for just that reason. Was looking at the frame just downstream of it towards rear. The lift height on jack is 21 inches (not that I need to go that high)

These two spots...

You will be amazed how high you need to lift to get the tire off the ground. There is a lot of suspension travel and some of your lifting will actually be lifting behind you too.

Set your jack solid on your wood base so the ram is a nearly touching the frame as possible. Have ram centered side to side and pushing where the frame is as parallel to the ground as possible. Don't forget the park brake and wheel chocks. Try to stay out from under while jacking. Remember to use the stand pin once up. Don't rely on the bottle jack alone. If you run out of travel, you could let air out of tire as long as you have a way to air it up.

1972VWbus · 08-26-2022, 06:36 PM

[QUOTE=code2e;6289187]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972VWbus

You will be amazed how high you need to lift to get the tire off the ground. There is a lot of suspension travel and some of your lifting will actually be lifting behind you too.

Set your jack solid on your wood base so the ram is a nearly touching the frame as possible. Have ram centered side to side and pushing where the frame is as parallel to the ground as possible. Don't forget the park brake and wheel chocks. Try to stay out from under while jacking. Remember to use the stand pin once up. Don't rely on the bottle jack alone. If you run out of travel, you could let air out of tire as long as you have a way to air it up.

The nice thing with the 'All i one' Powerlift was the jack stand is built in locks as it goes up. LIFTS AND HOLDS YOUR VEHICLE: A built-in ratcheting safety bar ensures the jack stand stays locked in the raised position.

Product dimensions:

LxWxH
9.75 x 9.75 x 12.25 inches

EyezOpen · 08-26-2022, 07:41 PM

Ive always used a 8ton bottle jack to lift it up. From there i sectioned a few 8x10 railroad ties into 24" lengths and brace up accordingly..Ive seen to much carnage being raised in a shop and being from a farming community..Railroad ties do not collapse.

Aside from that grease the seats your springs set into heavily, it will save you time and frustration clocking them into the proper position...Removing the lower grease zerks prevents possible carnage at the same time..