Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 09-06-2013, 12:54 PM

I just bought a set of two 12-ton jack stands from Harbor Freight at what I consider a real bargain! They were on sale for 89.95 and I found a coupon on their website for an additional 25% off, bringing the price down to 67.49, they shipped them for 6.99, added 5.21 sales tax, for a grand total of 79.69!

The nearest Harbor Freight store is 75 miles from here, so they shipped them for less than the gas to go pick them up, not counting the time I saved.

When I have something to do under the MH I use the air bags to raise it up to maximum height, giving me plenty of room to work under there, but it makes me really nervous thinking those air bags could collapse and drop 33,000 lbs on me! I will feel much better with those jack stands protecting me!

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-06-2013, 01:11 PM

Thanks. You're smart to protect yourself. My gas chassis is high enough for me to do whatever needs to be done without worries

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Barlow46 · 09-06-2013, 03:43 PM

You might want to do some research and reading on those jacks in case they were made in China. Make sure the ANSI STANDARDS FOR JACK STANDS is met and take a close look at any welds. Also, those 12 ton jacks are rated at 6 tons each and only rate 12 tons when used in pairs. Not trying to slam the jacks you bought, just wanted to make sure you are safe when under that beast. Here is a thread I started back in 2011 about jacks. I got some good advice on jacks and their placement. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/safe...nds-86593.html

wa8yxm · 09-06-2013, 05:16 PM

Like cliff the tall man.. One of the things I like about my Intruder is that today. I had do do some crawling around under it..

I crawled with the wheels on the ground, JACKS UP (Jack had to be up for what I was doing by the way) and there was plenty of room.

With the thing full on the tires.. I don't much worry about jack failure. Cause there is no jack.

monkey · 09-06-2013, 05:29 PM

Sounds like a good deal Joe !! I'm shopping for a floor jack first,, then will put stands on my list. My little car stuff just doesn't cut it with a class A ...

Pigman1 · 09-07-2013, 07:25 AM

Jack stands are a smart move always. I know a lot of people depend on the air bags and then think they're safe when they put their jacks down, but I've seen how the electric jacks are put together with crimps and not even welded. Definitely a bad idea to be under there when not supported by jack stands.

MSHappyCampers · 09-07-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barlow46

You might want to do some research and reading on those jacks in case they were made in China. Make sure the ANSI STANDARDS FOR JACK STANDS is met and take a close look at any welds. Also, those 12 ton jacks are rated at 6 tons each and only rate 12 tons when used in pairs. Not trying to slam the jacks you bought, just wanted to make sure you are safe when under that beast. Here is a thread I started back in 2011 about jacks. I got some good advice on jacks and their placement. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/safe...nds-86593.html

You are right! I went to the manufacturers site and downloaded the manual for the jacks. They say that the jacks are rated at 24,000 lbs., EVENLY DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE TWO JACKS! Thanks for the heads-up!

Ed-Sommers · 09-07-2013, 09:30 AM

Quote "When I have something to do under the MH I use the air bags to raise it up to maximum height, giving me plenty of room to work under there, but it makes me really nervous thinking those air bags could collapse and drop 33,000 lbs on me! I will feel much better with those jack stands protecting me!

[/QUOTE]

One trick here is rather than use jack stands, just insert a short but hefty piece of wood between the axle, and the rubber (probably) stops on the body, and a sudden air loss calamity is easily avoided. I run the rig up on some planks prior to going underneath, then use that trick for piece of mind. Ed

MSHappyCampers · 09-07-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed-Sommers

Quote "When I have something to do under the MH I use the air bags to raise it up to maximum height, giving me plenty of room to work under there, but it makes me really nervous thinking those air bags could collapse and drop 33,000 lbs on me! I will feel much better with those jack stands protecting me!

One trick here is rather than use jack stands, just insert a short but hefty piece of wood between the axle, and the rubber (probably) stops on the body, and a sudden air loss calamity is easily avoided. I run the rig up on some planks prior to going underneath, then use that trick for piece of mind. Ed[/QUOTE]

Ed, if I'm understanding what you're saying it sounds like you are supporting all that weight on some body member, not the frame. I've been told that is not a good idea.

MSHappyCampers · 09-14-2013, 01:54 PM

Gave my new stands a trial run today! I needed to run some cable underneath the MH and used the stands. It was a good feeling to work under there without worrying about getting crushed!

worleybyrd · 09-15-2013, 07:13 PM

I was under mine looking at the gas tank ( gage was messing up ) and had it up on the jacks when my grand daughter went in the rv and hit the step slide tray ( the pice of wood that covers the steps when driving ) button and I heard the air and rolled out from under the rig so fast with a near heart attack to fine her in the rv and then realized what she did. Well jack stands are now in the garage and will NEVER get under there again with out them.

MSHappyCampers · 09-16-2013, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worleybyrd

I was under mine looking at the gas tank ( gage was messing up ) and had it up on the jacks when my grand daughter went in the rv and hit the step slide tray ( the pice of wood that covers the steps when driving ) button and I heard the air and rolled out from under the rig so fast with a near heart attack to fine her in the rv and then realized what she did. Well jack stands are now in the garage and will NEVER get under there again with out them.

VERY smart move!