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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Scissor jacks
Post Info TOPIC: Scissor jacks
RVPAINTER


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Scissor jacks
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Some opinions on the use of scissor jack to level a 31' Class C RV max 14,500 lbs, E-450 These jacks now can hold up to 7,000 lbs each - so 2 on the back and 2 on the front I would think would be more than enough.
I'm concerned about the road clearance - it looks like in the front it would be just shy of 6 inches from road to bottom of retracted jack.
Opinions or actual experience appreciated.

I've seen many with them - going down the road just fine. 

After 3 Big Foot leveler systems installed and NONE of them worked - we had them taken out and got our money back.



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Lucky Mike


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I have a buddy that uses 4 cheap hydrolic jacks to do his and stows them..........slide em under pump um up......done deal!!!!

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thebearII


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Most cars have 6 inches or less of clearance. Should be OK as long as you plan to drive on flat roads. If doing lots of dirt roads may need more clearance.

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Larry
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VanMar


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My first go-round with rv's was a 25' TT.  I tried leveling it with the scissor jacks and had no luck.  That's when I read the owners manual.  It said to NOT use the scissors to level the unit, only to stabilize it.  Had to level it side-to-side with 2 x 6's.  I guess maybe class C's might be different.

V



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RVPAINTER


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Lucky Mike - found some 6 ton hydraulic jacks at Sears - we are headed to Florida for the winter - will check these out next week. Thanks for the suggestion.

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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
BRDof3


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Scissor jacks are not strong enough, nor are their attachment points, to level the unit on their own. Since they operate independently, they will raise the frame unevenly and can warp the frame. Level the unit with boards or leveling blocks under the wheels, then apply a slight tension with the scissor jacks to help stabilize and reduce the "bounce" factor in the RV.

I would worry about hydraulic jacks under the corners for the same reason.

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Terry and Jo


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Richard,

You are getting good advice here.  I suggest putting the jacks under the frame as close to the wheels/axles as possible to reduce the "bounce" sensation in the RV.  Likely the Bigfoot levelers were installed near those locations as well.

Terry



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RVPAINTER


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Terry - the steel plates that were welded on for the removed Big Foot units are still on and this is where I will position my hydraulic jacks - the exact place of the removed levelers.

I would never expect to be soooo out of level that a warping of the frame could occur - for the most part we stay in Parks that are reasonably level - just a tweak here and there are needed for the refrig.

We do stay in some parks that can need slightly more than a simple tweak - such as the next two weeks in Fort Pickens in Pensacola FL



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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
Terry and Jo


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Those plates still being there will certainly be handy.  It is too bad that the Bigfoot system didn't work for you.  But, the plates should be better than trying to crawl back under the coach to place jacks.  Have a safe trip and enjoy Florida.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
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