We won't be using the van for a few weeks and have purchased some axle stands to put it up on. The stands are rated to 2000 kgs and we've got a 17' Millard Pop top. When the vans on the stands should we put the legs down as well?? thanks Janeene
Your caravan would be under 2000 kgs so I can't see a reason why you shouldn't use them. We have been on the road full time for a year now and have a 17' caravan also & we use pyramid stands instead of legs for propping up the year when stopped & they work great.
Cheers Jon
-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Wednesday 8th of December 2010 01:29:05 PM
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Home is where we hang our hats - Home now in Yamba NSW
Use the axle stands to take the weight off the tyres (just a fraction off the ground), then use the jockey wheel and stabilizers to "steady" the van in windy conditions etc, do not put any weight on the legs (stabilizers) are they are not mean to be used as Jacks.
I have stands but only bother about them if the van is going to be unused for a month or so, otherwise I don't use them, but everyone has different ideas on this, I haven't had an tyre "flat" spots yet.
Regards
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VDU (Formerly VHW but re-registered due to pc problems)
Don't lift the van by the ends. Position the stands so they are under the axles or as close to the middle as possible. The chassis does flex, they are designed to support the weight by the middle and not the ends.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I fail to see the point of taking the weight off the suspension (tyres, yes, to avoid flat spots) when "laying up" (or storing) the van. The suspension is designed to carry the weight under both static and dynamic conditions.
Re tyre "flat spots" I'd be interested to hear from someone with a good knowledge of tyres as to the extent that this is an issue with modern radial tyres that have not reached their "use-by" date.
I fail to see the point of taking the weight off the suspension (tyres, yes, to avoid flat spots) when "laying up" (or storing) the van. The suspension is designed to carry the weight under both static and dynamic conditions.
Re tyre "flat spots" I'd be interested to hear from someone with a good knowledge of tyres as to the extent that this is an issue with modern radial tyres that have not reached their "use-by" date.
Hi .. You might like to have a look at this site. It seems to suggest that tyres develop a memory that can become a permament flat spot if left standing with weight on for long periods. (I didn't bother to research the suspension side of things).
It is a simple precautionary operation for me. About 10min to fit the stands. Best of all is that it makes it easy to check the tyres, breaks, suspension & underside of van etc.
As with all things caravanning there are lots of differing views. I listen to them all & choose the one that I am comfortable with (research if inclined that way).
