I tried to list this in the "techies" corner, but could not get in, I expect (???????) sorry.
I am wanting to remove the existing water tank from under my van, clean it and re-fit it along with a second tank.
Being on the "Nomad" side 0f 60+, and not as agile as I once was, I am hoping to elevate the "A Frame", using a jack, to get the van sufficiently high enough to undertake the task. The van is a tandem axle arrangement.
My question: Is this approach advisable, and if not, how else would I get it high enough to work underneath??
Is driving one axle up on gutter enough ? A couple of planks ? Other than that a jack and axle stands ..
I have used cut up hardwood log as support ... Yes good fun being 60+ have the knowledge and time ..
But the body is not as willing... As long as the mind is.
If you lived close I could help as I have compressor and floor Jack etc ..
Keiron, working under a van (or car) whilst jacked up is fraught with danger. If anything happens and the setup collapses you could be trapped underneath with dire consequences.
Although I have not done it, I would suggest that you construct 2 solid ramps from suitable materials (bricks, timber, etc) and long enough to take the tandem wheels, and run the van up on to the ramps, block it to stop it moving and work on it from there. The height of the ramps would be determined by how much "elbow" room you require to carry out your work.
Jack the van up and put one stand under each corner of the chassis of the van. It will be perfectly safe for you to crawl under, bang, hammer, screw, pull, shove and anything else you care to do under there ..... SAFELY.
Personally, I think anything less is fraught with potential danger.
Cheers - John
__________________
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
I understand your problem and the answer is take the van to a company that can do it for you and then you will have more time to enjoy. Jacking a van can be a dangerous exercise if not done correctly. You hear every day of similar accidents DONT RISK IT cheers.
I understand your problem and the answer is take the van to a company that can do it for you and then you will have more time to enjoy. Jacking a van can be a dangerous exercise if not done correctly. You hear every day of similar accidents DONT RISK IT cheers.
I agree with these two posts keiron, one slip and it could cost you dearly
When at home for more than 2 or 3 weeks my van is always jacked up off the wheels & resting on specially made solid 'axle stands' under the center of the tandem springs and a block under the hitch coupling. When working under the van I always put extra axle stands under each corner.
I am getting close to the 7 mark also, my agility has gone out the window but I am still as young as I once was or good as you get, bull.
After taking all precautions, I did back my van up onto ramps and found doing the job reasonably easy, once the water is drained out of the plastic tanks they are light enough to remove by yourself.
Look for ways to make the tank fit back better as the manufacturer do it cheap and quick. IE? Ply ontop of the tank making sure the breather pipe is not restricted.
Once this was done I found my tank filled quicker and I have fitted a quick adapter to bottom fill it with a direct from tap instead of using the top fill which will allow me to get water outside the van, can be handy.
The reward of a cold beer later made it all worth while. Radar.
Thing is you don't need it too high.. I usually get away with one wheel up on the curb ..
air compressor ratchet and tube sockets spoils me a little..
Have to compensate for arthritis..