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01-26-2019, 01:40 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1976 27' Overlander
Milwaukie
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 119
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Where to place jack stands on a gutted airstream
I’ve got a near-gutted 76 Overlander that I’m gonna attempt a shell-on restoration on. I want to get this thing on jack stands if possible to repair the frame a buy new axles. Assuming I have all the weight off minus the shell and frame, where should I place the jackstands to keep this thing supported for an extended period? Also, are 2 ton stands enough? I have a pair of 2 ton and a pair of 3 ton.
Thanks!
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01-26-2019, 04:49 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Sorry no direct answer to your questions, but have you read the Love Shack thread, relative to your plan to keep the shell attached to the frame?
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...ck-183431.html
Great photos and sense of humor IMO!
One thing can definitely lead to another . . .
Good luck,
Peter
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01-26-2019, 08:54 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1958 26' Overlander
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 871
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I would place them on the frame where your axles bolt up. Leave the old axles on until the frame repairs are done (assuming that section doesn't need replacement). Have a discussion with the person who does the repairs. They may have other preferences.
I would get a pair of stabilizers for the rear corners and leave the tongue jack on. This would allow you to level the frame in preparation for the frame repairs. If your 2 ton vs. 3 ton jacks aren't the same height you'll probably have to shim the shorter set. Of course you may have to shim from side to side depending on how level your work site is.
That's my take on doing it. I just like the stability of having the frame well supported.
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01-26-2019, 06:16 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
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When you say "shell on restoration," do you mean that you are replacing the subfloor, and repairing the frame, but just not completely lifting the shell?
If so, then the answer to your question is that you need to level the trailer, and then place jackstands along the main frame rails to support it along the entire length. I would say at least 4 stands per frame rail, one toward each end, and one fore and aft of the axles.
This is because the frame supports the shell, and the shell supports the frame. You will need to break the connection between the two to replace the subfloor, so the idea is to keep everything as close to the neutral "starting point" as you can.
The stands you have are more than adequately rated.
good luck!
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01-26-2019, 06:36 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Sunset Valley
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 744
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I used 2-tons and screw jacks/supports. What I did was determine the height I wanted based on the 2-ton stands as they have big increments, made all those the same height then lined up two of the 2-tons and a screw jack and leveled with a straight 2x4 across all 3. If my straight 2x4 was touching all three, they were the same height. I did that with all my stands. Then went around with a scissor jack and placed my preset stands along each frame rail.
Jack stands are cheap, I would buy 8 of the same kind and a scissor jack if I didn’t already have what I have.
Hope that makes sense.
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01-26-2019, 07:57 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,291
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I've had my 75 Overlander on jack stands for over a year while I work on it. I know, I know, I'm slower than a three toed sloth.
I use two 3 ton jack stands located on the frame rail, behind the axle plate. I use the tongue jack for the third weight bearing support. And like Iansk, I use those cheap 2 ton aluminum screw jack "stabilizers" at each corner to stabilize the trailer while I jump around inside. My frame rail bottoms are about 20" off the floor. I can get under the trailer with my creeper no problem.
David
__________________
WBCCI #8607 VAC Region 11
KnowledgeBase trailer renovation threads: 69 Globetrotter, 76 Sovereign, 75 Overlander, 66 Trade Wind Such fun !
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01-27-2019, 03:26 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
1976 27' Overlander
Milwaukie
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 119
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Thanks guys. I think I’ll buy some more jack stands and maybe a couple scissor jacks. I already have two floor jacks. How would you guys recommend I lift this thing? Jack up one side, place jacks underneath, then jack the other side up?
Would it seem reasonable to jack up one side of the trailer with two floor jacks and then lower it onto four stands? Then do the other side?
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01-27-2019, 05:22 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Sunset Valley
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 744
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I scissor jacked at each location I was inserting a stabilizer, slid it in and lowered the scissor jack. I did use a small block of cribbing between the jack/stabilizer and frame, 1x4 to act as a cushion of sorts.
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01-27-2019, 07:57 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,291
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I use my floor jack located on the axle plate in between the tires. I lift it until the tires will rotate and then maybe an inch more. Then I position just the big jack stand behind the rear axle on the frame rail close to the axle mounting plate and lower the floor jack. I remove the wheels and tires at this time for good visibility and floor jack clearance.
Then I move to the other side and repeat. I jack each side about 2 to 3" at a time. I hear some pops and growns from the trailer when I do this.
Again, I use a "milk stool" three point support as it is very stable. Two jack stands and the tongue jack. The stabilizers are there for safety, but don't have a lot of weight on them.
David
__________________
WBCCI #8607 VAC Region 11
KnowledgeBase trailer renovation threads: 69 Globetrotter, 76 Sovereign, 75 Overlander, 66 Trade Wind Such fun !
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02-26-2021, 11:06 AM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
Portland
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 13
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How did it go? Did you lift and have success?
I'm where you are
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02-26-2021, 11:29 AM
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#11
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Just me....every Winter.
For a restore I would add two stands on the rear frame skid rail.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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