Advice of location to install 4 5000# Scissor Jacks

[class87]

From: Beatty1950 
(Original Message)
Sent: 9/22/2003 2:40 PM

I made the plunge.  I found a set of 4 5000# Scissor Jacks on Sale at Camping World for $140 (normally $180).  See below website for details.

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=6540&src=SRCH&tcode=37

Now I trying to decide where to permanently mount my new Jacks.   Considering adding a heavy pice of Channel iron under the bumper that attaches to the bumper frame or ??  I have heard that others mount the rear jacks near the rear axle on the frame ??  Not sure about the 2 front jacks ...

I have heard that others use an battery powered electric drill to quickly get jacks extended to the ground (24" inch extent) and finish with the hand crank to make the unit level.

Any advise is always appreciated.  I know most use the wood block method.  I will likely use wood block under the jacks to make the 24" extent adequate to level the unit.  Also considering a light on the dash to notify me of a jack still extended or may a "Hey Stupid" sign in the driver area to remind me to check the Jacks before driving off.

Thanks for the help.

Dave Beatty
beattyd@yahoo.com
 


From: jbrt1989
Sent: 9/22/2003 5:48 PM

I had to laugh at the "Hey Stupid" sign.  I actually use that one myself. Have used it for quite awhile now. 

I originally started with a piece of cardbord written in marker I'd just toss in the driver's seat.  I eventually got a blank key that fits into the ignition but won't turn.  I actually found one of those large plastic keychains that says "Hey Stupid!"  It's about the size of one of those plastic "keep em from stealing the bathroom key" things they use at many gas stations.  So, I can't miss it when I sit down to start the rig and get moving.  I then taped a little list on the backside that has all the little things I might forget. 

Entry step
Satallite Dish
Hose
Dump hose
Jackstands
Power Cord
etc, etc. 

It basically reminds me to go down my list and make sure I have everything picked up, stowed away, and ready for the road.

Seeing as I left them behind last trip, guess I need to add "wood planks" to my list.. I drive up on them to level any low spots

As to where to put your Jacks, I use some very large jackstands I found. The kind that raise and lower by turning a collar at the base and it raises or lowers a big screw basically.   I put mine on the frame rails near the front and rear axles.  I'm just using them more to stabilize the suspension not so much leveling.  Since we don't use an RV reefer, true level for us is basially a luxury.  I can get pretty close with my wooden planks and a little tweaking with the jackstands.  We've only had a time or two that things wanted to roll off the table or counter tops too badly.  With the rain we've had here lately in Florida, I have actually purposely left a little lean to one corner or the other in case we get a good gully washer.

I saw a guy a few weeks ago use a big ol floor jack, to not lift the coach, but get some of  the weight off the suspension and get things level, then toss the jackstands under the frame.  Sounds like alot of trouble, but he was done in a fraction of the time it takes me and spent very little time on his belly dealing with those jackstands.

I'll be intrested in hearing how your scissor jacks work out.  Been thinking that way myself.  Keep us posted.

Jeff



From: Beatty1950
Sent: 9/24/2003 11:28 AM

Update on my adventure with Scissor Jacks.

Last night I tested one of the new 5000# BAL scissor jacks.  Tried the jack on the sturdy back bumper.  With my 18volt battery drill, I easily raised the corrner of my 1975 D19 by 6 inches in 10 seconds.  For the 2 back jacks it looks like to get mounted on corners, I will need to add some heavy metal channel iron between the the back wall of the rig and the holding tank on one side and the generator box on the other side.  I don't need to raise the rig off the ground,  just level it.  I have not found a good spot for the 2 front jacks yet.  I will post pictures when done.

Happy WinnebaGOING to all

Dave Beatty
beattyd@yahoo.com



From: jbrt1989
Sent: 9/28/2003 6:10 PM

Dave,

Seeing the pics, I sure do like that diamond plate rubber flooring.   May have to put that down on my wish list.  I'm  just wondering how it does in cold weather.  We took out the carpet and I layed down sheet vynal(spelling?) flooring.  But, we were in Colorado at the time and sure missed the insulation that carpet added to the floor in subzero temps.  Since we may go back at some time in the future, I'm wondering how your floor would compare to carpet.  Sure would like to keep the ease of care and cleaning that carpet doesn't give.

Jeff