What do you use to hold up your DP

[CLKimmel]

Hi everyone,
I have a, new to me, 40ft Beaver Monterey Laguna IV and I plan on doing as much of the maintenance and repairs as I can. First thing is what is the best way to support the coach when working underneath? I only have airbag leveling, so I don’t have hydraulic jacks. I was thinking of using the airbags to lift and then supporting with jack stands, but what size would I need?

Thanks for your input.

[shootist]

I use wood blocks between the frame and suspension , 4x6 6x6 4x4 and a few 2x4 . For under the tires i drive it up on 2x12s screwed together and screwed to my parking pads. If your ground is level you need at least 3 inches (2 boards high) to be able to get out from under it. The smaller pieces go at every area you have an airbag. I set them on end. No problems with splitting wood at all. I'll see if I have any photos.

[CountryB]

What you use depends on what work you're doing (wheels off the ground, etc.). For normal maintenance and inspections, I drive up on some home made ramps. That provides plenty of room to get under and work.

You always need to be aware of the "crush zones" i.e. places where you could get hurt if the air bags blew out while under there - but generally there is plenty of room to work even with the air bags deflated.

[69Stang]

I bought 12 ton jack stands to use. I'll lift with the jacks and place the jack stands under for safety.

I bought them at Northern Tool for $120. That was the best price I could find.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...6193_200756193

[Dav L]

Generally, jack stands under the frame and ontop of 2x12's if softer ground.

[windsorbill]

Ramps and jack stands mentioned are a great idea. Keep in mind when purchasing, jack stands are rated as a pair, not individually.

[RKins]

I crawl under mine safety any time I need to using ramps.

[CountryB]

Jack stands under the axle are necessary if your pulling tires off. They go under the axle, of course. It is difficult and expensive to get heavy duty jack stands tall enough to reach the frame - and even then there are not many places where you can set a jack stand on the ground and have a straight shot to the bottom of a frame rail (without something in the way).

If I'm not pulling a wheel off, I use the wood ramp method.

[zmotorsports]

I have four (4) 22-ton jackstands that I use when working under our coach. I do not have hydraulic leveling jacks (air only) but even when I had hydraulic levelers on previous coach I still used jackstands as I still don't recommend relying on levelers while crawling under a 15-25 ton coach.

I use a 30 ton air over hydraulic bottle jack to get the tires off the ground. IF I am just needing to gain space to get under the coach I raise the air suspension up as high as I can and then slip the 22-ton jackstands under it and release air to allow the weight of the coach to rest on the jackstands. Nothing worse than being under the coach and have it settle and scare the hell out of ya even knowing the jackstands are there.

[ArtJoyce]

I use 12 ton jack stands for the rear and 6 ton for the front. Or blocks of wood.

[Alpine36]

As others have stated, a good set of Jack stands, 10 ton ea or better, wood ramps and don't forget to chock those wheels. A decent creeper, coveralls and a cold beer for added bonus points.

[zmotorsports]

Originally Posted by Alpine36

As others have stated, a good set of Jack stands, 10 ton ea or better, wood ramps and don't forget to chock those wheels. A decent creeper, coveralls and a cold beer for added bonus points.

One thing I've noticed over the past couple of years is the addition of ibuprofen to your list.

[PABO05]

I deflate the air bags, never deploy the jacks.
Then I use creepers to access the complete under side of coach.
BEERS after completion

[MSHappyCampers]

Our coach has air leveling only. I raise it up to maximum height and put 12-tone jack stands under the area where I will be working, just in case the air drops!