[Richard]

Paul, you are going to need someone with a ZF suspension coach to weigh in on support placement. Most of the conversation in this thread has been about ridewell suspension coaches

[hypoxia]

Paul, you are going to need someone with a ZF suspension coach to weigh in on support placement. Most of the conversation in this thread has been about ridewell suspension coaches

Most of the time I do not use a jack.  I lift the coach as high as the air springs will go and place large pieces of pipe cut to fit under the coach.  The front of the coach has a frame rail on each side of the generator with a tow hook on each.  I put the pipe under those rails.  The rear has some framing on each side behind the tag mudflap.  I put the pipe under that.  That works on hard surfaces but I have to put something under the pipe on dirt or grass.

I use the jack when a tire has to come off but rarely otherwise.  I am small enough to fit and nimble enough to crawl through the suspension.  Here's a photo of me using the white pipe while working on my last coach.  The pipe is 5 1/2" Diameter X 3/8" Thick.  Length is 10 1/2" for the rear and 13 1/2" for the front.

[BusNit]

Maybe I am a wuss, but even with properly placed 22 ton jacks, I fear the Chinese metal will just crumble and create a splat on the concrete of my body. I have thick wood blocking but the darn things weigh more than I do. A plan was made with my wife aboard and a pit was dug. Doesn't solve all the underneath repairs such as wheels needing to come off, but at least the crucial things can be addressed.

[CaptainGizmo]

One strong caution...don't ask me how we know...

If you elect to use the "AIR UP" procedure by lifting the coach with the bags, and THEN jack stand it in place...

When you exhaust the air from your bags, the axle drops down, stretching the bags from their seats. You stand the chance of popping the bags off their beads; just like a tire.

When this happens, you will have NO WAY to lift the coach, or even the axles, to reseat the bags...unless you have a jack.

Therefore, be very mindful of letting the axle "hang on the bags" unless you have a Plan B (a jack).

[hypoxia]

One strong caution...don't ask me how we know...

If you elect to use the "AIR UP" procedure by lifting the coach with the bags, and THEN jack stand it in place...

When you exhaust the air from your bags, the axle drops down, stretching the bags from their seats. You stand the chance of popping the bags off their beads; just like a tire.

When this happens, you will have NO WAY to lift the coach, or even the axles, to reseat the bags...unless you have a jack.

Therefore, be very mindful of letting the axle "hang on the bags" unless you have a Plan B (a jack).

That's a good point.  If you have Vibracoustic Air Springs they are a multi piece assembly which may unseat.  I have some Firestone bags which are one piece and although they can't unseat, Firestone has a warning about over extension of the bag saying it may reduce its lifespan and a warning of the possibility of the bellows blowing out of the crimped bead.  Firestone suggests using an upstop such as a cable or strap to prevent that.  My last coach had strap upstops.  One is visible in the photo I posted earlier beside the white pipe.

[2BirdDogs]

Maybe I am a wuss, but even with properly placed 22 ton jacks, I fear the Chinese metal will just crumble and create a splat on the concrete of my body. I have thick wood blocking but the darn things weigh more than I do. A plan was made with my wife aboard and a pit was dug. Doesn't solve all the underneath repairs such as wheels needing to come off, but at least the crucial things can be addressed.

Thank you and I tend to agree. Actually, your thread showing your Pit build was awesome and I had been contemplating that option since reading your posts several weeks back. And... I am having a concrete contractor come this Friday to look at pouring a pit... but depending on the cost I may have to save up my allowance for a while in a "pit" fund.

I definitely feel safer seeing how the Guru's crib your coaches before I get under mine trying to figure out the safest way to support it.

Thanks!!!  Paul  

[2BirdDogs]

Paul, you are going to need someone with a ZF suspension coach to weigh in on support placement. Most of the conversation in this thread has been about ridewell suspension coaches

Most of the time I do not use a jack.  I lift the coach as high as the air springs will go and place large pieces of pipe cut to fit under the coach.  The front of the coach has a frame rail on each side of the generator with a tow hook on each.  I put the pipe under those rails.  The rear has some framing on each side behind the tag mudflap.  I put the pipe under that.  That works on hard surfaces but I have to put something under the pipe on dirt or grass.

I use the jack when a tire has to come off but rarely otherwise.  I am small enough to fit and nimble enough to crawl through the suspension.  Here's a photo of me using the white pipe while working on my last coach.  The pipe is 5 1/2" Diameter X 3/8" Thick.  Length is 10 1/2" for the rear and 13 1/2" for the front.

Thank you Jim. Would my 22Ton OTC Jack stands work in the same location as you have the pipes?