getting under your van on the road

[stinko]

I've just recently set off, and it has&nbsp;occurred&nbsp;to me that i no longer have a set of ramps available for my maintenance work. &nbsp;Obviously there is no room to carry around a floor jack and jack stands, so what do you kind folks do when you need to get underneath? &nbsp;I'm considering using my scissor jack to lift it one corner at a time and slip in a cinder block. &nbsp;<br><br>I understand that there is serious danger in being underneath a vehicle that isn't properly held up, and I don't want any of that, but the only way I can live this lifestyle for now is if I do my own maintenance and work. &nbsp;I know I'm not the only one, so what do ya'll do? &nbsp;rent a stand? &nbsp;find a ditch? folding jacks stands and the scissor jack?<br><br>Thanks!<br>-the stinker<br><br>PS - shouldn't there be a maintenance and repairs&nbsp;sub-forum?&nbsp;

 

[LFM]

Using the&nbsp;terrain to my&nbsp;advantage is my first choice. But for oil changes and most other things I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;need to raise it. I just slide a rug under it and lay on it. Having a pair of coveralls helps allot&nbsp;keeping me clean. I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;trust the jacks that come with&nbsp;vehicles. I always travel with a&nbsp;hydraulic bottle jack or two and carry a few wooden blocks when ever I need to jack it up, tire changes/brake&nbsp;jobs etc.

 

[Zil]

I'm with LFM. Also two jack stands when I need them. No folding no scissor, no concrete block.

 

[baronmcginty]

I am trying to set my Jeep up so I don't have to jack it up in order to do an oil change. One of the things I plan on installing is a Fumoto Oil Drain Valve:<br><br><a href="http://www.fumotousa.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.fumotousa.com/</a><br><br>This will make it easier and I won't strip out the threads on the Aluminum Drain Pan which is a common problem.

 

[stinko]

I don't trust the jacks that come with vehicles either. &nbsp;That's why I'm looking for a way to support my vehicle safely without it. &nbsp;I don't have room for jack stands.

 

[stinko]

Also, I have an aerostar, so the clearence is too low to just slip under. &nbsp;Why not concrete blocks?

 

[stinko]

lonfu, do you have any pictures?&nbsp; I'm having a hard time imagining it.&nbsp; I like the idea of storing them under the chassis.&nbsp; Maybe I can just store some jack stands under there!

 

[Zil]

Cement blocks are designed to be evenly loaded, with no movement. With a vehicle the load can be a point source and cause the block to split. Many have been killed using jacks and blocks.

 

[RVTravel]

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-safely-jack-up-your-vehicle.html

 

[VanFan]

I both need and prefer to do what maintenance and repairs I can, too.&nbsp; I used to bump a front wheel up on the curb to gain a little clearance but have QUIT doing that because a chunk of concrete could easily sheer off.&nbsp; I have running boards, so have to slide under from the front.&nbsp; A large piece of cardboard helps.&nbsp; I like eye protection, too.&nbsp; Even with all four wheels on the ground, I still get a little nervous being under there on the street.&nbsp; Changing my fuel filter made be especially uncomfortable.&nbsp; Rental bays are starting to show up again in some cities.<br><br>Please don't use anything but the safest ramps, jacks, lifts, okay?&nbsp; You won't save a dime if you get squished!<br><br>Vickie

 

[stinko]

Thanks for all the help. &nbsp;The wood ramps might be our solution. &nbsp;Anymore tips about undercarriage storage? &nbsp;Also, I just want to be clear and let everybody know that I won't do anything stupid and get hurt. &nbsp;That's why I made this thread!

 

[stinko]

how do you attach the straps to the van?

 

[travlinman and wife]

heavy duty wire ties or some call then sip ties. also spar parts can be carried under their. hoses belts . also when I use jack stands I always leave the jack as added prtection