leveling a twin axle

[Hazel_374324904]

just moved from a single axle to a twin. I was wondering if when leveling the van width ways do you need to support both wheels. I have both ramps and also two steel braces which the wheel sits into and then you wind up at the side is it necessary to fully support both wheels many thanks inadvance.

 

[John_374325111]

Hi Hazel

we have also recently moved from single axle to twin. On advice from other owners, I've found the best way to level is to use two ramps in a row. (Make sure they are the same distance apart as the wheels!)Drive right over the first one then level using both. When moving off site, drive gently off both the ramps.

Hope this makes sense!!

John

 

[Brum1]

Hi

Iv'e found that the 2 ramps method is difficult to place the ramps at propper distances and if you try to run off one ramp onto the other, the first ramp tips upwards and hits the van.

What many people use is merely a couple of lengths of timber of about 1" thick just long enough that both wheels sit on the timber. Either one or both lengths can be used as necessary and stored in the front locker if not used.

If the ground is level but very soft or muddy, the timber can be used to prevent the wheels from sinking.

Brum

 

[woodbush]

Agree completely with Brum. I carry 3 pieces of wood 1" x 3 feet long. I never have any problems levelling my TA unit.

 

[David_374301039]

Hi, How about putting one ramp in front of the front wheel and moving van forward up the ramp, then put the second ramp behind the rear wheel and move backwards,move the front ramp close to the front wheel and move forward and keep doing this until the van is level.This method is easy only if you have a mover fitted. Hope this helps.

Regards David (from Kent)

 

[JasonR_374341560]

We put the van in position and jack it up with airbag jack and place Fiamma chocks under the wheels.

Takes about 30 seconds, no planks to carry and no tricky reversing manoeuvres .

Tip passed to us from old hand caravanner's after we struggled with first T/A.

Easy Peasy, weight carried minimal.

 

[Robtel]

Jason,

Re airbag jack. I had read in another thread that you used one of these. Can I ask what your opinion of them is compared to other types of jacks? How exactly do you use them, e.g. can you control how high they lift the van, is there some form of valve to stop them deflating or must the car engine be running all the time, where do you position them under the van, is there a danger of puncture with rapid deflation and possible accident?Thanks

Robert

 

[JasonR_374341560]

Bags are constructed from reinforced heavy duty PVC and do not rapidly deflate if punctured. Draper supply two protection mats to protect the bag. Connect hose to the car exhaust to inflate; connection coupling is a valve that stops the bag deflating. You turn it slightly and the bag slowly deflates lowering the van or car to the ground.

At odd times when we've needed to use it on the caravan it's just placed under the chassis and an axle. We used it to lift the van when it sank into soft ground on a CL and you could not get a normal jack under it, or use safely.

MS search found this with photo's and instruction sheet download on the page

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=18521
Easylift are the number one airbag jack but prices are probably a little steep for caravanning use.

http://www.air-jack.co.uk/
Amazon sells Draper airbag jacks. Apart from placing the bag in position and slipping the coupling cone on to your cars exhaust you need no physical effort to use the jack so they are ideal for those with limited physical ability.

 

[Robtel]

Bags are constructed from reinforced heavy duty PVC and do not rapidly deflate if punctured. Draper supply two protection mats to protect the bag. Connect hose to the car exhaust to inflate; connection coupling is a valve that stops the bag deflating. You turn it slightly and the bag slowly deflates lowering the van or car to the ground.

At odd times when we've needed to use it on the caravan it's just placed under the chassis and an axle. We used it to lift the van when it sank into soft ground on a CL and you could not get a normal jack under it, or use safely.

MS search found this with photo's and instruction sheet download on the page

http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=18521
Easylift are the number one airbag jack but prices are probably a little steep for caravanning use.

http://www.air-jack.co.uk/
Amazon sells Draper airbag jacks. Apart from placing the bag in position and slipping the coupling cone on to your cars exhaust you need no physical effort to use the jack so they are ideal for those with limited physical ability.

Thanks Jason.