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        General >> Off Topic Subjects >> Axle stands
        
(Message started by: Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 1:45am)

Title: Axle stands
Post by Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 1:45am

Whilst staying in my folks 40' x 12' static caravan on Mersea Island at the weekend (they live in Spain & come back here in summer), I had a good look at the stands :)

Compared to regular car axle stands (that aren't supported in the middle), they have a centre shaft housing with 3 angled supporting legs, all mounted on a flat rectangle base (so they don't sink into tarmac like the feet on regular axle stands).
The height is determined by an easily adjustable screw threaded centre shaft, so you can accurately set it to any height you want (even better than ratchet stands)....& they are galvanised, so they don't rust ;)

After looking these things up on the internet when I got home, I've found that they are good for 2 tons a stand & seem cheaper than standard vehicle stands that are sold in Halfords/local motor factors.....& you can get them up to a max of 24" in height 8)...I've never seen a standard axle stand go that high ;)

They are available in different heights on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CARAVAN-AXLE-SUPPORT-STANDS-15-19-NEW-/140541675592?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item20b8efc848)

I'm very tempted to get a pair or two, as more height would make life so much easier :D

Anyone use or ever used them ? :)

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by adam on May 5^th, 2011, 2:16am

They look good. Cheap too. Only problem would be lifting the car to that height. Would need a high lift trolley to utilize them.

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 2:28am

No problem ;)....got a 20" lift trolley jack (cost me £65) with a minimum height of 4" & have a 2" thick lump of wood to fit in the lifting cup....so giving a 22" lift in total :)

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/jonnycab/P1130048.jpg

.....or alternatively, the stands can be screwed up higher while the vehicle is on them :)

P.S...stands could also be very handy for getting the vehicle level if you have a lop-sided driveway ;)

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by adam on May 5^th, 2011, 2:47am

Yes that will do the job Jonny ;D or was thinking of one of these bad boys as well http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HIGH-LIFT-TROLLEY-JACK-APPROX-1M-CARS-WELDING-ETC-/120716353425?pt=UK_Lifting_Moving_Equipment&hash=item1c1b415f91 ;D

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by adam on May 5^th, 2011, 3:06am

Good value that Jonny. Just noticed on your pic that your trolley jack is in the kitchen. You must have a really really understanding other half. I have enough trouble just getting myself in the house after working on the cars :D normally sent straight to the shower room before i am allowed anywhere else in the house.

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 3:16am

I have a very understanding wife....she grew up with 2 drag racing older brothers :)

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Tompion on May 5^th, 2011, 3:31am

Job to say without seeing it but I think the wide flat cradle shape could be dangerous in some circumstances.

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 3:35am

Might fit nicely on the chassis rails :)....besides, no axle stand ever fits perfectly snug :)

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Tompion on May 5^th, 2011, 3:43am

Yes, I’m just wondering if when the car isn’t level whether the cradle is strong enough to take the load in the corner.

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Jonnycab on May 5^th, 2011, 3:53am

Dave, Isn't that the same with any axle stand ? :)

If these things are rated at 2 tonnes a piece, then surely they are as good as standard axle stands....they do hold up large/heavy caravans in all conditions for many years :)

Title: Re: Axle stands
Post by Tompion on May 5^th, 2011, 4:01am

Not if the cradle is narrower. It just looks a bit thin for the amount of overhang but I can't really tell without seeing one.
Mind you my stands don’t look up to much :) I use plenty of other backup supports.