Placement of axle stands

Ph1lTurner
Ph1lTurner Forum Participant Posts: 51
edited June 2020 in Caravans #1

Morning,

This is a simple question, but since I've never done before thought I'd better ask.

 

I am getting some caravan axle stands and was wondering what is the best place to put them under the caravan. I've attached a picture. Is it A, B or C.

Many thanks

Phil.

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #2

    double postundecided

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #3

    I would suggest B as it is the strongest part of the chassis

     A may damage axle tube 

    C  IMHO would be difficult to fit

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #4

    Agree 'B' is best.  My caravan is currently resting on the Milenco wheel replacement mountings, does not take the weight off the suspension but saves tyres.

  • KeithL
    KeithL Forum Participant Posts: 114
    edited June 2020 #5

    B, this is the chassis whereas A and C are both axle tube and I wouldn't go near those.

    BTW, I always use B when I put mine on stands and never had a problem in the past with it.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #6

    Sure your handbook will confirm 'B' is the one.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #7

    'B' for jacking under the axle reinforced bracket, unless you have dedicated ALKO jacking brackets. Failing that then ALKO recommends jacking under the axle tube.

    'A' for the axle stands, it is a fact the axle tube is the strongest part of the chassis.

    So I'm the only one with a different opinion on this laughing

    Open pictures in new tab to enlarge.

  • Ph1lTurner
    Ph1lTurner Forum Participant Posts: 51
    edited June 2020 #8

    Hi, I've looked through my Bailey's owners guide I cannot see any reference where to place the axle stands.

    I did see similar video as Metheven on YouTube, and it seems both are acceptable although think A is preferred.

    Just a query from the videos people said you should hitch up the caravan prior to lifting up. That is not possible for me. If I put chocks on, al-ko wheel lock and engage the brakes is that ok? 

     

    Thanks

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #9

    The ground my van is on has no incline front to back nor sideways, and is settled on stone/cinder. I only chock the opposite wheel (front and back) to the one I am jacking, then put axle stand under axle as close to the frame as possible, then lower. Doing the other side does present a slight risk if you cannot be hitched to the car but if your ground is good then the caravan really has no reason to slip off the axle stand you have just done.

    Without being hitched to the car, risk assess it yourself, remembering once the second side is lifted then brakes and wheel lock will have no bearing on the outcome.

  • Ph1lTurner
    Ph1lTurner Forum Participant Posts: 51
    edited June 2020 #10

    Just curious how do you find getting the axle stand underneath and pumping up. Just looked now and that is seriously tucked away underneath the caravan.

     

    Makes me wonder do I just purchase an al-ko jack kit and a scissor jack turn to turn wheels around every 2 weeks during winter instead of getting off the wheels permanently. 

  • ChemicalJasper
    ChemicalJasper Forum Participant Posts: 437
    edited June 2020 #11

    +1 for Metheven, jack from point B on the axle tube mounting plate and  axle stand on the axle tube.

    Axle stand needs to go as close to the end of the axle tube as practicable and ensure you are jacking on the axle stand mounting plate as the chassis rail will likely buckle if jacked. 

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #12

    Your choice, takes me 10 minutes at the most, put a covering down on the ground, lie down and do the business. Done in Oct/Nov and revisited in March next year, or do it your way every 2 weeks for that number of months. Of course it also depends on your physical ability whether you can crawl around on the ground partially under the caravan, if not then choose the easiest route.

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