Anyone used an air bag jack?

[68c]

Thinking of getting an airbag jack to lift van when stuck in mud. I carry a couple of scaffold boards but found could not get van high enough to slide board in once sunk in mud as mechanical jack just sunk in as well. Anyone used one?

 

[Landy Andy]

Yes. But not in a motorhome, and you need to be careful where you position them. There have been major issues caused by incorrect use.

 

[Driventemple]

Had one about 10 years ago and it worked very well. Took a few seconds to lift the vehicle (a car) but it's incredibly 'wobbly' and I would not under any circumstances work on the vehicle without axle stands. Be very careful where you place the bag before lifting because it's easily damaged by sharp edges on bodywork. (don't ask)

 

[Silver-Fox]

Out of interest would you not be better off parking on the scaffold boards you carry?

Or even do as others have on here and use bread baskets?

Just a thought

edit. I’ve got 4 grills I carry that’s used for driveways for putting gravel in them

 

[emjaiuk]

bought one when we had a caravan. Proved its worth a few times.
Only use as temporary lift!!!!!!!

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[68c]

Out of interest would you not be better off parking on the scaffold boards you carry?

Or even do as others have on here and use bread baskets?

Just a thought

edit. I’ve got 4 grills I carry that’s used for driveways for putting gravel in them

Yes, and sometimes I do. It is when leaving the trouble usually starts, do you follow the muddy path and bog in or go off piste and bog in.

 

[jumar]

A Safe working practice applies to all instances when a vehicle weight is taken off the wheels. In the Fire Service we referred to it as Jack and Pack...Like others have mentioned...sharp objects and hot vehicle components can cause problems..stability until fully inflated can be problematic too, especially when only using a one point lift.

 

[bigtwin]

I carry a couple of scaffold boards but found could not get van high enough to slide board in once sunk in mud

The scaffold boards are an essential PREVENTATIVE measure; you slipped up by not using them for that purpose.

Out of interest would you not be better off parking on the scaffold boards you carry?

Absolutely.

Yes, and sometimes I do.

We had a tag axle and we ALWAYS put the planks down to spread the load and have NEVER not been able to drive off. Successfully traversing a muddy field though is not guaranteed!

Ian

 

[68c]

A Safe working practice applies to all instances when a vehicle weight is taken off the wheels. In the Fire Service we referred to it as Jack and Pack...Like others have mentioned...sharp objects and hot vehicle components can cause problems..stability until fully inflated can be problematic too, especially when only using a one point lift.

Interesting, are you saying the fure brigade use them? Some of the bags advertised include some thicj 'mats' to protect from sharp edges. Obviously one should first look at the van when safe and sound on a hard surface to determine the safe placement of a bag, perhaps trying to modify any sharp points. I imagine just lifting one corner enough to slide a board in, the wheels all stay on the vehicle so do not see it as that risky.

 

[MisterB]

A Safe working practice applies to all instances when a vehicle weight is taken off the wheels. In the Fire Service we referred to it as Jack and Pack...Like others have mentioned...sharp objects and hot vehicle components can cause problems..stability until fully inflated can be problematic too, especially when only using a one point lift.

Great advice and a perfect answer from a professional user who would have received proper training to understand how to use them and what to avoid. Jack and pack refers to adding timber packings, often in step shaped configurations to maintain the vehicle stability and allow paramedics to do their magic in safety. Listen to his professional advice is my suggestion!

Airbags are great, but they must be used correctly

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