Just beware Its not unknown for breakdown Mechanics to try & jack the van from under the chassis THIS IS A NO NO
the ALKO jacking points must be used (if fitted) or under the axle or axle plates behind the wheel failing to do this can cause the chassis to twist & will invalidate the chassis warranty. The corner steadies must not be used to support the weight of the van idealy the van should be hitched to the car for stability
I have jacked a caravan on the corner steadies before (for a motorway wheel change, a long time ago now, before there were cameras all over the place). But this was a very old van.
I have checked the book for mine, & it clearly says you can do this, to change a wheel & to service the brakes (providing you use axle stands). Mine is not an Alko chassis (I'm pleased about that, as I don't actually like Alko stuff).
I know what you're all saying though, especially with an older van, it's not a good idea, but it is possible. The only thing I would say is, when I have done it, I just got the wheel clear of the ground (only just) & put an axle stand under to take the weight, whilst changing (as the book says).
Funnily enough though, I spent the day today sorting out my sister's shed (a day-long job!) When I found an old scissor jack I grabbed it & put it in my car. I thought to myself; "that'll be perfect for the caravan!"
So now I've got one.
As a quick post script, I still remember seeing an old (c1979) Sprite Musketeer on a rally field once. It was levelled on it's corner steadies, to the point where the wheel had a good 8 inches to a foot of air under it!!! . This remained like it for the whole bankholiday weekend!!!
Matt, that's because old Sprites had a chassis like something from a tank transporter. None of this lightweight namby pamby pressed steel just strong enough stuff.
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Quote: Originally posted by birder99 on 26/2/2012
Matt, that's because old Sprites had a chassis like something from a tank transporter. None of this lightweight namby pamby pressed steel just strong enough stuff.
They were built well, but even they said only to lift on the steadies in an absolute emergency!
I know what you mean though. My Lunar is an aluminium chassis & I've been told they were prone to cracking. So I won't be using the steadies on that. Especially now I've got a trusty scissor jack.
& I ALWAYS carry axle stands with me (my dad was a mechanic, I'm also qualified in engineering, as well as other things). I keep a set of collapsible axle stands with me at all times. They have got me out of some serious scrapes in the past, but only with the car (haven't got into any scrapes with the caravan, yet).
I got mine from Lidl. If you ever see them there, get them. They are good axle stands & very reasonable price. You should always use them, from a safety point of view, anyway.
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Topic: Caravan jacks
. This remained like it for the whole bankholiday weekend!!!
