Community Forums

ColoradoBnd · 10-09-2017, 05:47 PM

Maybe a dumb question, but I am very safety conscious and couldn't find an answer with a search. If I want to work under the coach, I assume that it is foolish to do so on a hydraulic leveling system??? I assume properly sized jack stands under the axles???

Spk64 · 10-09-2017, 05:54 PM

Jack stands and ramps are great. Ramps get the axle elevated. Jack stands for safety. I will put down jacks but do not depend on them.

drdarrin · 10-09-2017, 06:37 PM

You already know the answer. Use stands.

ColoradoBnd · 10-09-2017, 07:02 PM

Yes, I do. Now I just need to determine how to do that on a gravel field. Thanks for verifying.

twinboat · 10-09-2017, 07:15 PM

Back in my construction equipment repair career, we used wood cribbing out in the field. It's heavy but very stable.

ThePowells · 10-09-2017, 07:30 PM

Before you start, a quick visual lesson. Pick a spot on the body at all four wheels. Then raise the coach and as soon as the wheels no longer touch the ground, measure again.
Lets use the example of 6 inches difference. You raise the coach enough where you have four inches of room to slide under the body skirt, and you put the stands under the axles. If you have a failure, the coach will come down the space between the axle and the stand, and then an additional 4-6 inches when the coach weight compresses the suspension system.

JJH3rd · 10-09-2017, 10:30 PM

I was doing an emergency starter replacement and made contact between the positive terminal on the started and chassis ground, blew out a fuse and the hydraulic jacks retracted and the MH settled on its wheels. I was lucky and not under anything that might have crushed me. Never again. lesson learned.

Unplanned Tourist · 10-09-2017, 10:44 PM

Safest way to block your rig up is by putting the blocking between the ground and the frame rails.
Be safe.
Happy Glamping.

drdarrin · 10-09-2017, 11:27 PM

What he said!
On a gravel field, I'd use a piece of 1/2" plywood or thicker, twice the width of the stands for the base. Support the frame not the axles.

funjnt · 10-10-2017, 05:55 AM

Wow JJ that's what we all fear. You are lucky. Some of us with DPs have limited frame to use stands. Also with the weight of the coach you better have truck stands to handle it. When I am under my coach (our), well before I get under my coach (our), I drive up on 6x6 blocks. I also dumped the air in the suspension to see how low it would go and am safe this way.

I bought a few standard 6x6s. I cut them with a ramp on one end sort of. Then I used 8" timber lock lag bolts and bolted them side by side two at a time. The front I use two and the rear I use four. I also screwed handles the each pair so you can easily grab them and position them or pick them up. If on the road I don't carry these yet, I have regular 1x 6 I stack up and drive up on. This is the most stable in my view and nothing has to be jacked or fall. Even on a stand you can have movement or sinking.

Waiter21 · 10-10-2017, 06:32 AM

I raise mine up with the hydraulic leveler jacks, then slide a couple jack stands under it just in case.

monkey · 10-10-2017, 08:19 AM

Another thing I'd mention,,, is Level front to rear. If for some reason the parking brake does not hold, OR if all wheels are off the ground, you for Sure want things level !!! Use chocks when you can !!!
Had my 69 Dart Swinger 340 roll off the curb when I popped out the u joint. (in the 70's) Had the parking brake set, but being an auto,never used it, it didn't hold. Car brushed my chest... Lesson learned. Be Extra Safe under any vehicle !!!!
Monkey