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Topic: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height (Read 497 times) previous topic - next topic

Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

You all have trained me to use the 8 safety stands while under the coach.  What are best safety practices while adjusting the ride height?  Seems like a no-brainer that the safety stands can't be in place.

Thanks!
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #1 –
I use safety supports in the front since you need to go under the coach to adjust the front ride height control valve, not necessary in the back.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #2 –
Mark just one of those times where you can't use the safety stands. I have a parking lot that is level with a ditch close to the edge makes for easy access.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #3 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Mark just one of those times where you can't use the safety stands.

No reason you can't use the safety stands just another step for being safe. After adjusting the rod pull the safety stands out and let it settle back to ride height and measure.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Mark Duckworth –
You all have trained me to use the 8 safety stands while under the coach.  What are best safety practices while adjusting the ride height?  Seems like a no-brainer that the safety stands can't be in place.

Thanks!

Hire the job out to a local over the road shop!

Really, I am not being snarky with that response.  A good over the road shop should have a shop floor that is level, covered, and they are used to adjusting ride heights.

If a part is found to be wearing, missing a cap or dirt filter, etc. they have the ability to get replacement items quickly.  They also have access to rods to create extensions for the vertical arm if one is needed.

Chris

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #5 –
Put it on a pit.  Plus, one gets to stand up during the adjustment.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Rudy –
Put it on a pit.  Plus, one gets to stand up during the adjustment.

Yup, there are a few places out west that have pits. "Little America" in Flagstaff, AZ has one.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Safety While Adjusting Ride Height

Reply #7 –
Agree, on rears you do not need to be under the coach to adjust, so no issue.

For fronts, we don't know if you need safety stands or not.  Best advice is to lower suspension completely and see if you still have room under the coach.  If so (since this is the lowest the coach can get) you are good to go.  Remember, the axle to ground clearance is NOT going to change with ride height.

Many times, when I do mechanical inspections I am able to crawl from one end of the coach to the other with the coach all the way down.  If claustrophobic, doesn't even think about it! And, first couple of times, you will probably knock your head into "heavy metal".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020