Oil change using RV jacks and jack stands???

[professorjedi]

Hey all,


I'm going to try and do my first oil change on my 2007 Coachman Mirada (F53), but there doesn't look like enough room for me to get under the coach. It might be my girthy-ness, but watching lots of oil change videos this rig doesn't seem to be as high up off the ground as others.


Thinking about jacking up the front with the RV jacks and then 22-ton jack stands under the frame.


Anyone have expereince with this - or other ideas?


Thanks


Mike

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by professorjedi

Hey all,


I'm going to try and do my first oil change on my 2007 Coachman Mirada (F53), but there doesn't look like enough room for me to get under the coach. It might be my girthy-ness, but watching lots of oil change videos this rig doesn't seem to be as high up off the ground as others.


Thinking about jacking up the front with the RV jacks and then 22-ton jack stands under the frame.


Anyone have expereince with this - or other ideas?


Thanks


Mike

I have done that several times. Just be sure to put the stands under the frame and not the axles.

[Brother Les]

I would make two low wooden ramps to keep the full weight of unit on the ramp/ground. Working under heavy objects involves some potential danger said heavy object falling. Sounds like you only want to lift it a few inches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px30WbOt3U0

[TitanMike]

Performing oil changes and other maintenance using ramps is certainly easier but it makes it difficult to check wheels/bearings/suspension parts for issues (dragging brakes, loose bearings, etc).

Jacks and stands ON A SOLID SURFACE allows for not just an oil change but a complete inspection.

Also makes any necessary adjustments and repairs easier.

Depending on specific vehicle it's not uncommon for shops to merely lift using leveling jacks and then put jack stands under frame for safety.

[Larry-NC]

Just remember to avoid the Harbor Freight "Jackstands of Death". I have to remember to turn mine in for a refund this week.

I can't count how many times I've been under our former TV, a 2006 Yukon XL FWD, a very heavy vehicle, using those jackstands to support it.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by professorjedi

Hey all,


I'm going to try and do my first oil change on my 2007 Coachman Mirada (F53),


Thanks


Mike

First oil change on a 13 yr old rig?

[professorjedi]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Just remember to avoid the Harbor Freight "Jackstands of Death". I have to remember to turn mine in for a refund this week.

I can't count how many times I've been under our former TV, a 2006 Yukon XL FWD, a very heavy vehicle, using those jackstands to support it.

Yeah I read about those jackstands... I got the big 22-ton jackstand - not from HF

[professorjedi]

Originally Posted by upflying

First oil change on a 13 yr old rig?

hahaha nope first oil change since I got the RV last year

[RudysWorld]

That's what I do. I have done all but 2 of my 2011 Georgetown oil changes that way. Good Luck!!

[Garrette]

While you are at it, change the oil drain plug for a quick change valve. You can thank me later.
Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain Valves

[spaceace414]

My RV is stored at a friend's house who has four acres. There is a low place in the yard and I pull my RV over that and it gives me plenty of clearance to safely get under there.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by spaceace414

My RV is stored at a friend's house who has four acres. There is a low place in the yard and I pull my RV over that and it gives me plenty of clearance to safely get under there.

In the old days, we just put the front wheels on the curb and slid under in the gutter.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Garrette

While you are at it, change the oil drain plug for a quick change valve. You can thank me later.
Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain Valves

I always worried about hitting a high spot and breaking the protrusion off. Not a problem if your vehicle has a lot of ground clearance.