Guys I've just bought one of these off a friend as he's never used it .Are they easy to use and are they better than levelling ramps , just want your thoughts on this bit of kit please.Pros and cons .
Firstly if my wheel has sunk slightly into soft ground, the lift won't fit around my tyre (14" wheel, 80 profile tyre), so is unusable, I've seen others comment that it's not really big enough for some wheels and they also can't get it to fit! I have used it OK on a hard standing where the wheel hasn't sunk at all. Mine's quite old, so they may have improved later ones, they do currently claim suitable for 13-16" wheels, doubt you'd get mine on a 16" wheel at all!
Secondly, it takes a LOT of racheting on the 'spanner' to get a substantial lift, it's quite hard work, and of course you have to rachet as much to lower too! I tried my battery drill (normally used for corner steadies), but it wasn't powerful enough to lift my 1300Kg van.
It's also fairly big and heavy to stow and carry (think of your van stowage space and payload!).
I invested in a LocknLevel (which I've yet to use in anger!) as I've got a Alko wheel lock and ramps are a real pain to get wheel position and lift both correct. LnL is slightly lighter but a LOT more compact than the Milenco, and much easier to use!
Before giving up on yours based on my comments, I'd try it, you may well be happy with it, it'll certainly give you lift if you can get it to fit.
I was pleased with ours when we had the old van, I never could get on with the ramps, but that was on 13's
Changed to using Lock-N-Level, very happy with that system, so if you feel you're not happy with the Milenco have a look at the blow up bag. Only downside is you need to carry a mini compressor with you.
That maybe explains why there are so many of these and similar models for sale second hand. Thanks for posting as I had thought of getting a used one, the idea looks good in theory but the practicalities are often different.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Quote: Originally posted by Pickled Onion on 22/3/2023
That maybe explains why there are so many of these and similar models for sale second hand. Thanks for posting as I had thought of getting a used one, the idea looks good in theory but the practicalities are often different.
Dave.
I got mine years ago before I became aware of the LocknLevel (it was actually the chap I bought it from S/H that enlightened me to the existence of the LnL!), and was influenced by how common they were, so figured they had to be the 'go to' solution - they sort of work OK in limited circumstances, but based on my own usage of levelling devices of any type (think I've only levelled van side to side about 2 or 3 times over the years I've had the van! - hence not having used LnL in anger yet!), I wonder how many people buy them but never use them and discover their shortcomings!
Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 22/3/2023
cant beat the simple thing of a ramp! works everytime not matter what, even for twin axles
Can't argue that ramps are the simplest and cheapest tool for the job of levelling.
But ramps are a total pain if you are trying to fit an Alko wheel lock as well, you really can't get the level AND the wheel alignment anywhere near adequate without a LOT of faffing with trial and error mostly.
The Alko lock is bad enough on it's own on the flat as there is only about 1 or 2 degrees of wheel rotation tolerance to get it fitted, don't know how anyone manages without a motor mover! Alko 'helpfully' suggest jacking the van up to rotate the wheel(s) to the correct position (Ha Ha - no jacking points fitted as standard nor jack supplied with most vans!- AND none of the recommended/approved jacks would lift the van high enough to get ramp(s) under the wheel(s)!!!!!). Anyone with a twin axle and having to fit two Alkos really has a task of trying to align BOTH wheels to within a degree of rotation to each other AND the receiver sockets, without adding the complication of ramps!
Inevitably I always seem to be setting up in foul weather and/or fading light, so it's a task I want done as quickly and simply as possible!
My insurer is INSISTENT that the Alko lock (you can't substitute another lock type! - AFAIK the Alko is the most secure lock available!) is fitted whenever the van is not being towed, on pain of voiding insurance if stolen without being fitted, so I'm not inclined to leave it off no matter how difficult to fit!
We always fit the alko lock and I agree it is a pain if you need to use a ramp. But it is worth the effort to ensure insurance cover. I must think about the LnL system, but some sights have hard standing (especially if we are at Walton on Thames) so need a board underneath.
Just in case someone is thinking of questioning the need to level on a hardstanding, we find they are not really level enough to get the water flow correct.
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 22/3/2023
We always fit the alko lock and I agree it is a pain if you need to use a ramp. But it is worth the effort to ensure insurance cover. I must think about the LnL system, but some sights have hard standing (especially if we are at Walton on Thames) so need a board underneath.
Just in case someone is thinking of questioning the need to level on a hardstanding, we find they are not really level enough to get the water flow correct.
I use a thick polythene floor mat uder my LnL Not had any problems yet. Were always on CL's so get some difficult sites sometimes.
Not sure what other posts mean when they mention 'shortcomings'. I havnt experienced any yet.
They can lift to about 5 inches and so far thats always been enough.
I totally agree about the faff involved with getting the Alko wheel lock on using a ramp. I have used any combination of 3 planks of wood about 40cms long and 2cm thick for almost all my levelling requirements. With one end chamferred well it aids transition between boards and has a nice flat top surface so the wheel doesn't want to roll back down again like on a ramp. When I get to the height that I need, I can simply roll the wheel to fine tune fitting the wheel lock. It's cheap because I used old scrap soffit boards, pretty light, easy to store and easy to use.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
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Topic: Millenco Aluminum Levelling Jack
via mobile 21/3/2023 at 7:53pm
