Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Hi, The Motorhome we have just bought has legs on either corner at the back of the Van. They look very similar to a Car Scissor jack. My question is, how are these to be used? Are they to level the van off? Would you wind them till the wheels are off the ground? I am unsure of their use! Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicpenn Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 hi ian ur right they r for stablizing and getting van level.be sure to put blocks underneath on soft ground.also get a 4-way spirit level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike 202 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 They are for limited levelling, also to stop the van bouncing up and down when you move inside. They should not under any circumstances be used instead of a vehicle jack, they are not strong enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 They are steadies, and are intended only to stabilise the van so that it doesn't rock, or pitch, as you move around inside, on in windy conditions. Usually fitted to vans with longer rear overhangs. Do not, under any circumstances try to level the van with these, far less jack it up. If you do, you'll break something very expensive!Level the van first with ramps etc, then lower the steadies to stabilise it, if necessary. Then, place the winding handle in the footwell on the driver's side, so you don't drive away with them still down :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 Hello, already got me 4 way spirit level :) - It came with one. mike 202 - 2009-01-23 6:40 PM They are for limited levelling, also to stop the van bouncing up and down when you move inside. They should not under any circumstances be used instead of a vehicle jack, they are not strong enough. So am I right in thinking they are wound to the ground then wound a bit more (kind of till the suspension is stretched) but not so far as to lift a wheel off the ground ? CHEERS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 Brian Kirby - 2009-01-23 6:42 PMThey are steadies, and are intended only to stabilise the van so that it doesn't rock, or pitch, as you move around inside, on in windy conditions. Usually fitted to vans with longer rear overhangs. Do not, under any circumstances try to level the van with these, far less jack it up. If you do, you'll break something very expensive!Level the van first with ramps etc, then lower the steadies to stabilise it, if necessary. Then, place the winding handle in the footwell on the driver's side, so you don't drive away with them still down :-)MANY THANKS Brian - I can follow that.I did get a couple of levelling blocks with the MH also. So now I have a better understanding of how it all works together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Ian & Suzy: There is a surprising amount of previous discussion about this. If you search the forum using "corner steadies" as the search-term, you should retrieve most of it. A particularly educational earlier thread that deals with matters rarely covered by motorhome magazines is: http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10837&posts=27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 Hi Derek, I did use the search engine first, but my main problem at the moment is the terminology. Until you typed "corner steadies" I would have never guessed they was called this. I think I searched for "corner jacks" so I wasn't a million miles off - but far enough to return only one result of no relevance. Thanks again for the pointers and I apologise if im being a pain in the backside. CHEERS (If it wasn't for using the search engine to my numerous queries I could well be on my 210th post rather than my 21st lol - I have ALOT to learn) Oh forgot to say - The article you VERY KINDLY posted out to me arrived today (I not been in the office but got a call to say it was there). VERY MANY THANKS for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 Derek Uzzell - 2009-01-23 6:57 PM http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10837&posts=27 LMAO - I just read the other thread, great post regarding the "Grafitti in the toilets" and the "Reverse Judder". very amusing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 The corner steadies are also known as steadies for vigorous activities in bed!!!!!! Wind them down til they touch your wooden blocks then an extra half a turn should do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libby Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 We rarely use them, but on a hill top in Cornwall you'll need them down for sure. Dont they fred? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Just another thing to be careful off with a big overhang like yours. Watched someone "bottom" on a very steep hill and he ripped the steady clean off - very expensive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Ian n Suzy, Take serious note of what Brian Kirby said about use of corner steadies! The new owner of my last van came around to see me a couple of years ago to get a bit of advice about the damage he had done to the 'van by using the corner steadies to level the van. I would not of thought so much damage could have been done, the steadies were bolted to frames extending the chassis and they were all buckled up along with part of the bodywork. Estimate for repair verging on £2000. So remember THEY ARE ONLY STEADIES!!!!!!! NOT JACKS.... PS What goes on on the top of Cornish hills Fred???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Most importantly, make sure you wind them back up before moving the van! Make yourself a note, or some other reminder, so that you can't ever forget when they are down .... unless you like ploughing! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_n_Suzy Posted January 25, 2009 Author Share Posted January 25, 2009 Mel B - 2009-01-25 6:42 PM so that you can't ever forget when they are down .... unless you like ploughing! :D lol - thanks to all for the replies - I am pretty confident now on how to use these, MANY THANKS. I will make myself a little sign to stick over the steering wheel to remind me that the "steadies are down". CHEERS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davenewellhome Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 A simple reminder that a lot of people use is to place the winder handle over the driving pedals. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysmith Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Dont forget to use either wooden blocks,if on wet ground. or you can get pads to fit onto your steadies. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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