Twin Axle Levelling

[JohnnyV]

Apologies if this subject has been done to death earlier (I am a Newbie both to caravanning and the forum).

I read a tip in the mag about cutting a second ramp into two parts soo that you can insert the 1st part of the ramp inbetween the two tyres - sounds like the way to go.

Has anyone any better ideas or practical tips to pass on !

Thanks

Jon

 

[Steve L]

Hi Jon.

There is no need to go cutting up ramps to achieve levelling a twin axle van.

Just stop the outfit about 1200mm away from where you want to end up. On most pitches there should be plenty of room for this.

Now lay out the first ramp in front of the front wheel of the side to be lifted, now place the second ramp infront of the first one. Position the second ramp so that the distance peak to peak of the two ramps is the same as the distance between centers of the two wheels (axle pitch), on my van that was about 1025mm.

Now tow the van forwards so that the first wheel goes up and over the first ramp and then continue up the second ramp until you achieve your level. Chock the wheels and apply the parking brake.

Hopefully I've managed to describe the method well enough for you to grasp the idea. Much easier to draw a sketch than write instructions.

Don't forget to chock the wheels, as the parking brake is not efficient in reverse as over run brakes are designed for forward braking only.

Regards.

Steve L.

 

[Dustydog]

Steve L

I do what you said although I also carry long planks of wood. The ground condition determines which I use.

I saw that idea in PC mag and must say it didn't look too safe to me.The force of the weight spread over such a small area cannot be as safe as spreading it over the whole rampp. Not for me and in my view uneccessary.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[JohnnyV]

Steve, Dustydog, Many thanks - must admit I was a little nervous of the idea in the mag - as the ramp would lose its stability.

Hadn't thought of your idea - sounds as though that is what I shall be doing - actually its so obvious I now don't know why I asked the question !

Cheers

Jon

 

[Niki_374380833]

Hi Steve in Leo, Your description of levelling a twin axle has been very helpful to me. I was a bit worried about how to do this, with being new caravanning. Perfect. Thank you. Niki

 

[Tony-Porthcawl]

It is easy buy the Fiamma multi leveling blocks they fit to gether like leggo bricks and you can make up variouse combinations have been using them for the last 4 yrs on both the twin axles I have had.I bought 3 packs which have covered all the different pitches I have been on the are just great for the job.

 

[JohnnyV]

Question for Steve L & Dusty Dog,

As already stated your ideas seemed great - I have just had a thought though !

In effect you have pushed or pulled one wheel up the first ramp and dropped it off the top, onto the second ramp whilst the second wheel is now coming onto the first ramp - Yes ?

So the van becomes level.

You now have both wheels on a ramp - how do you get them off ?

Do you have to push/pull so the first wheel drops off the second ramp whilst the second wheel drops of the first ramp, ascends the second ramp and then drops off this ?

Or is it simpler to just jack the van up and slide the ramps out ?

Your further help would be appreciated.

Regards

Jon

 

[Steve L]

Hi Jon.

Having driven the wheels up the two ramps to get the van level, I chock them and level the van front to back with the jockey wheel. After our holiday, I simply hook the van up and drive forward about an inch to allow the chock from the front wheel to be removed, then I continue forward up and over the two ramps. I tend to drive away far enough to leave the ramps clear of the van. This makes it easy to gather the ramps and chocks up.

Steve L.

 

[JohnnyV]

Hi Steve,

Thank you - you do exactly what I thought - just wanted to clarify.

Much obliged for the help.

Jon

 

[Tim_374395664]

.... except if you want to park it using a mover - in which case it probably won't work!

 

[Steve L]

Why would you want to use a mover when towing the van forward Tim? You have just towed the van god knows how many miles with probably a 4X4 which will go up a moutain and not break a sweat.

Movers are not designed to cope with slopes of more than 1 in 10 which and a caravan ramp is closer to 1 in 5.

Movers are ideal if you don't have the confidence to reverse an outfit or when parking at home on a tight driveway.

I have a motor mover (jockey wheel type) for that purpose as I suffer with cronic arthritis of the shoulders and lower back.

My current van is a single axle and I use a front wheel drive car to tow it. If that doesn't pull the van up the ramp, I have a hand winch which I use between the caravan and the car to move it the few inches required. But 99.9% of the time the car has enough grip.

Keep gadgets simple = an easy life and more cash saved for a good steak and a pint.

Regards.

Steve.

 

[MikeMc]

Like Tony, I bought 3 packs of Fiamma multi leveling blocks and I make up a long level platform with a single ramp at the start. Works everytime for me.