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View Full Version : How do you block or crib your coach.


urfreeman07@gmail.com
12-01-2009, 02:19 PM
How do you block or crib your coach? I need to adjust my height control valves.

prairieschooner
12-01-2009, 02:47 PM
Allen,
I raise our coach using the Air Leveling Function, raising it equally front to rear and side to side so as to not distort anything. Then I slide Wooden Blocks under using the Frame of the Coach, I have cut some smaller Blocks to go where the Bracing looked right and then use larger Blocks stacking all to make a strong platform. Then I always lower the Coach down to the Blocks and give them a "tap" to ensure that all is secure before crawling under and doing anything.
Since yours is a '92 someone else would be better to help with a more precise location for the Blocks. As I was told use some Cardboard as a Creeper, it really helps.

Wally Arntzen
12-01-2009, 04:05 PM
Allen,
If you do not have jack stands you can get some 20 ton stands at northern hydraulics for a pretty good price. Four of them under your coach will do the job and if you don't have the locations to put them I would call Newell and get the right answers.

urfreeman07@gmail.com
12-01-2009, 04:39 PM
What type and size blocks should I get? I will call Newell for locations....thanks

tuga
12-01-2009, 06:04 PM
Allen,

I found some scrap oak pieces of 4"X6" that were about 12" long at a lumber mill. I use about 10 or 12 of them to block my coach. I just raise it as high as it will go & then place the oak blocks under the skid plates. The skid plates are welded to the frame on the front and back of the coach to prevent damaging the fiberglass caps when entering or exiting a driveway.

I use oak because it is strong and will not split under the weight of the coach. Be sure to place the blocks laying flat and with the grain of the wood perpendicular to the skid plates. If you are not comfortable using oak blocks, buy 4 20 Ton jack stands. That is the safest route to go. That is what Newell uses in their service bays. Remember that if you lose air pressure the frame of the coach will drop; so when you set up your blocks make them support the frame not the axles. Blocking the axles will not prevent the coach from crushing you if you lose air suddenly. You have to block the FRAME. Make damn sure you understand the difference between the frame and the axles.


Ask someone like a tire shop owner or Newell Coach how to properly block your coach. They have experience and there is nothing like someone "showing you first hand" how to set up the oak blocks or jack stands for complete safety. It is also a good idea to have a 20 Ton bottle jack in place under the coach for additional safety.

Remember also to block the wheels to keep the coach from rolling forward or backward.

If I am scaring you - THAT'S GOOD!

urfreeman07@gmail.com
12-01-2009, 07:22 PM
You are not scaring me. I want to live to make my next trip. Thanks for the help.

Richard and Rhonda
12-02-2009, 10:13 PM
Allen,

Just to complicate the matter. I have an assortment of blocking options. I do have 4X4 and 8X8 pieces of wood that I use to put under the generator framing, or the rear hitch IF I am only going to raise the coach with the air system. The 20 ton jack stands will not go under the rear by just using the air bags. I have two twenty ton bottle jacks that I use on either the frame rails or axles depending upon what I want to do and then I use the twenty ton jack stands.

I personally don't think it's the best idea to use a bottle jack as the safety mechanism. They can blow a seal or leak down.

Another option I have used is stacked pieces of 2 X12 as ramps, and then use the jack stands.

I do know the coach is close to the ground, getting under there with a creeper takes some raising to have any room to work.

I have spent so much time under mine, the neighbor thinks that's where I take my naps.