bottle jack (1 Viewer)

Oct 5, 2014
122
42
somerset
Funster No
33,713
MH
firebrand campervan
Exp
2008
Hi we are thinking of getting a bottle jack for the motorhome as the supplied one would be very difficult to use in emergency. has anyone any suggestions or specifics of where they can be obtained. Thanks for any input.
 
Sep 26, 2013
4,157
5,099
Market Rasen
Funster No
28,295
MH
Self Build
Exp
Since 2003
The only problem with a bottle jack is where you can use it if you have a puncture especially on the rear wheels. I tried on a previous van and if the tyre was flat you cannot get the jack under any jacking place as anywhere substantial was too low.

Mike
 

vwalan

Funster
Sep 23, 2008
8,835
5,798
roche cornwall
Funster No
4,148
MH
lynton5th wheel
Exp
since a child
so you drive onto blocks of wood with the flat tyre or onto the spare wheel then jack from the ground which now as clearance . for many m,homes its ideal to have two jacks .
they really do have bad designs .
on many if you lift on an axle you cant remove the wheel as there is no clearance .

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Nov 4, 2011
5,888
38,113
Uk
Funster No
18,763
MH
A class
Exp
2001
I don't think I would be happy using a bottle jack, I would be worried of it slipping out because it's not square. The factory jack works for me in an emergency.
 
Dec 12, 2010
5,368
21,198
Cumbria
Funster No
14,651
MH
C Class
Exp
since 2011
I bought a 4 ton bottle jack from Machine Mart and like @vwalan suggests I also carry a decent sized block of wood too. The only snag with the jack is there is a bit of play in the pumping linkage, plus the play in the sections of the slot together handle all lead to quite a lot of "lost motion" when jacking, I improved this by making a one piece handle from a piece of gas pipe, it's no longer than my breaker bar and all fits nicely in the "man drawer"
The thought of a puncture in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal could take the shine off your day.

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OP
OP
bonniechris
Oct 5, 2014
122
42
somerset
Funster No
33,713
MH
firebrand campervan
Exp
2008
i understand your rational but if we travelled mainly in u.k. ours would be the same however our motorhome used mainly in France and, and, and, where we dont have consistent internet and or dont speak the language so easily, not quite the same, on roads we dont know where etc.. Jack supplied needs a very strong arm to operate bottle jack seemed to be an easier option.
 

jollyrodger

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 1, 2012
6,264
26,386
Devon/Cornwall
Funster No
23,107
MH
'Obby
Exp
Since 1968'ish


What ever you do then don't have a puncture on Any A road in France your breakdown won't cover you (check with your insurer) then need to pay the private breakdown assist or whatever they call themselves €150+ to get you off the A road not just the peage to where your b/down will cover you.:)
 

johnaerial

Free Member
Mar 4, 2012
10
4
West Sussex
Funster No
20,037
MH
Burstner 'Travel Van'
Exp
Since 2002
It's all very well having roadside assistance etc. but when you are out in the wilds and your mobile phone has no signal and the' fix and go' doesn't work, what do you do? I carry a spare wheel, a 2 1/4 ton trolley jack and a short piece of wood to stand it on. Sacrifice some payload. Oh yes, Bottle jack? Hard work, too wobbly and awkward to work with under a vehicle with a flat tyre.

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Last edited:

TerryL

LIFE MEMBER
Mar 5, 2010
6,154
8,142
North East
Funster No
10,511
MH
Low Profile
Exp
2009
why will they not help on a A road.

On any autoroute (i.e. toll road) in France, which are numbered A something or other, only the official security service is allowed to provide assistance in the event of breakdown. They will usually call on a local contracted breakdown service to recover you off the autoroute, where your own breakdown service are allowed to take over. The aires de service are classed as off the autoroutes so your own service may assist.

You pay the guy who actually recovers you - and have little say about it too. I was once "escorted" off the autoroute at gunpoint when my coach broke down and I tried to refuse to leave it to the breakdown truck! (Long story)
 

jollyrodger

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 1, 2012
6,264
26,386
Devon/Cornwall
Funster No
23,107
MH
'Obby
Exp
Since 1968'ish
[QUOTE="webby1, post: 1509067,

Can I ask where do you get your information from? as I don't want to find out the hard way[/QUOTE]

Like I did when I had a blowout on the A road ,free section ,coming out of
Le Havre tried everything with std jack leveling blocks etc etc finally gave up and called inrance co who also gave EU breakdown assist.
After giving my location being told no you are not covered ...What !
All A roads in France are privately owed and they call out assistance you pay and you cannot claim it back ,was told it is in the conditions of policy .small print .when back home I checked and asked various breakdown providers including RAC and a AA they told me the same thing .
Things May have moved on in 5 years ,but now I have a good jack that works and can lift van .Once bitten ....as they say .
So ask the Q of You breakdown :)

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2

2657

Deleted User
In the Uk if you are broken down on the hard shoulder the police(and possibly highways agency) have the power to use a recovery agent of their choice if yours takes too long(in their opinion).
Not sure about reclaiming the costs.

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