Changing a Wheel

[Smith21]

I have looked about and can not find a jack in the van (Bailey Ranger 460/2 year 2004) should there be one?

Secondly can you use the corner legs to jack up the van to change the wheel if you get a flat tyre.

Kevin

PS I don't have a jack in the car either as it has no spare wheel.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Smith,
Most caravans are not sold with a jack. (some dealers may provide one as part of a sales incentive package)
The corner stedies are just that - steadies, They are not designed or strong enough to be used to jack the caravan up.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Kevin
You need to fit the Al-ko chassis stiffener brackets for use with a jack. DO NOT jack up the chassis without these stiffeners.
Personally I carry a trolley jack . You can buya lightweight 2 ton ones from Machine Mart, screwfix etc. £20-£25.

 

[Smith21]

Thanks for the replies, I think The AA man might be getting a shout if I get a flat LOL

Kevin

 

[waffler]

I would not rely on the AA if the flat is on the van, they don’t always work on vans. To be sure you need RAC or Greenflag through one of the clubs. In that way they will change van wheels. I have used a scissor jack on the axle. You hand book should tell you where to jack. As an aside does your car tyre repair system allow you to tow?

 

[Mel]

We bought a trolly jack which has only once been called into service (thank the Lord) but did a good enough job. Corner steadies should never be used to jack up the van. You should be able to hear the sound of air being sucked through teeth at the mere suggestion. Not entirely sure why-twists something fundemental I think; but I do know that using the steadies as jacks is VERY BAD.
mel

 

[Martin24]

Lady mel, my uncle has been doing it for years despite my protestations and severe air intake!!!! He's stopped now, having had to do some pretty major remedial work to the rear nearside floor!!! Nephew 1 Uncle 0, makes a change!!

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Hi Kevin
You need to fit the Al-ko chassis stiffener brackets for use with a jack.

Good Morning Your Worshipfulness
Do you know of a source to get the chassis brackets without a jack of any kind, please?

 

[malcolm1945]

did the wise thing and bought a spare for the s max spare and jack for caravan may never use them .don't fancy being stuck at night on a motorway waiting for help malc

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Kevin
You need to fit the Al-ko chassis stiffener brackets for use with a jack.

Good Morning Your Worshipfulness
Do you know of a source to get the chassis brackets without a jack of any kind, please?

Good morning Sir WC
You can buy the brackets direct from Al-ko
http://shop.al-ko.co.uk/products/replacement-jack-bracket-kit-800-kg.html
Are you sure they wont overload the new Lunar

Look forward to seeing you in October

 

[emmerson]

In today's traffic, I would call a rescue crew. Motorways are not a good place to be messing around with jacks!
However, as there may come a time when it is necessary, then do as been suggested and buy a small trolley jack. Always jack up on the axle, and ALWAYS have the van coupled to the car.You'll also need to buy a wheelbrace.And do a practice attempt at home.
But I repeat, I would not attempt a wheel change on a motorway.

 

[plotter]

I have the Alko side lift jack (only used at home for wheel removal in Winter) trolley jacks are ok so long as there is enough room to get them in place with a flat tyre.
I would never use the steadies, but as it has been raised (excuse the pun) would the same apply to 'heavy duty' corner steadies?

 

[otherclive]

I agree with the above comment about never changing a wheel on a motorway. I believe that where fatalities occur the deceased had only been stopped for around 30-40 minutes for whatever reason. Using the emergency phones (not mobile) is the quickest way to get the police or highways agency to help protect your vehicle while you sit beyond the barrier they will contact your recovery agency.

 

[emmerson]

I have the Alko side lift jack (only used at home for wheel removal in Winter) trolley jacks are ok so long as there is enough room to get them in place with a flat tyre.
I would never use the steadies, but as it has been raised (excuse the pun) would the same apply to 'heavy duty' corner steadies?

Hi again, sir Plotter. If the jack won't go under, pull the flat tyre up onto your levelling block, or even onto the spare wheel.
As to using the steadies, even heavy duty ones, there is always a risk of twisting the chassis frame, as there would be no support in the middle.
Call the breakdown boys, they are the experts.

 

[RayS]

If you fit Alko side brackets, make very sure they are fitted correctly with washers in the right places and the bolts torqued up correctly. Failure to fit the washer (by the dealer at time of sale) on a friend's van resulted in the bracket tearing off during the first lift, pulling the bolt head through the chassis hole.
I don't see the need to use such brackets with a trolley jack, particularly if you have a spreader plate to increase the size of the jack head.