which type of Jack

[starlightdj]

Hi I have a twin axle caravan with alco locks, To aid in fitting I believe it will be easier to jack the van and rotate the wheels.

My question- which is the best jack for the job? + also taking into account an aid to levelling, as fitting alco locks whislt trying to level on ramps would i think be a nightmare.

Options

1. Trolley Jack

2. Bottle Jack

3. Alco scissor jack

4. Kojack Jack

5. Pyramid Elictric scissor jack (plug into lighter socket)

any comments for and against would be greatfull

or a vote to see who uses what.

thanks John

 

[TD42]

Hi John rule out the Pyramid electric 1 ton scissor jack a,it will not lift the van unless the jack is over half way open.so in the case of a flat tyre they are useless b,the brackets bend (I have 2 of these jacks).

a bottle jack will not go under the axle in case of a flat tyre as there is not enough height to put the jack under

a trolly jack will go under the axle even with a flat tyre & its cheaper than a Kojack but its heavy to carry around

a new type Kojack is the best option its lighter than the old model but relativly expensive.

I have seen on several forums that the Alko jack is very awkward & hard to use

for all options when used for leveling as the lift is from the chassis the suspension drops & an allowance has to be made for this with leveling block height.

 

[xtrailman]

I agree with Tony.

I use a 2ton trolley jack at home, along with a 2ton hydraulic bottle jack.

The alko jack is too weak.

I intend to buy the latest Kojack jack, just waiting for prices to drop.

I have only had one flat tyre on the van, the main problem is getting a jack under the van with the tyre flat, and getting enough height to remove the wheel.

I believe the lastest Kojack addresses this problem?

By the way the alko wheel holder is useless, try removing the wheel, then imagine trying to do it when the van is down due to a flat.

I removed mine back to the front locker.

 

[xtrailman]

Note my comments relate to single axle vans

 

[Dusty1]

If you have problems getting the jack under the caravan with a flat tyre, gently pull the caravan on to your levelling block(s), or even your spare wheel, to give extra height.

 

[Robtel]

I agree with Ray's comments regarding the alko jack and the wheel holder. Spare tyre now goes in the boot when travelling, alko jack and wheel carrier re-located to the garden shed.

I bought a trolley jack from Lidl on special offer at

 

[TD42]

Rob T Whatever you do do not place the airbag jack under the floor of the van as it will probably distort it . only use it under the main axle

 

[Dustydog]

Rob T

Some caravans need the axle to "drop" when jacked up to enable the wheel to come off without fouling the body work.

Also if you use the air bag watch it doesn't damage the brake linkage.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[Robtel]

Tony & Dustydog,

Thanks for the tips, I was aware of the dangers of using it directly under the flooring - probably end up with the airbag inside the van. On the previous thread on this the advice was to use a thick piece of plywood between air jack and axles to spread the load.

Once we get some relatively mild and dry weather I will try it out. I'm fortunate enough to have the van stored in the back yard so its easy to have a look at how it will work.

Any further advice from anyone on air jacks would be welcome.

Thanks

Robert