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Old 07-20-2017, 04:32 PM   #1
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Leveling Ground / Leveling Bus

(I'm not talking about a completed skoolie)

I'm working with a fairly sloped parking for my conversion, and moving it isn't an option. Any ideas to get some level ground?







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Old 07-20-2017, 04:38 PM   #2
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Something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jack...hoCGjAQAvD_BwE

Or make your own out of lengths of 2x6. That is what I did.
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Old 07-20-2017, 04:59 PM   #3
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i suppose driving it onto boards on one side, or jacking n blocking up is out of the question...
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Old 07-20-2017, 05:06 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by PNW_Steve View Post
Something like this: https://www.etrailer.com/Camper-Jack...hoCGjAQAvD_BwE

Or make your own out of lengths of 2x6. That is what I did.
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i suppose driving it onto boards on one side, or jacking n blocking up is out of the question...
I was thinking of using stacks of scrap plywood I have laying around - it's thick, 3/4 I think.

Chev49, I've been toying with the idea... I just don't have too much room to move. I think its ultimately the way to go, whether with my own blocked ramps or purchase some fancy ones

I figured a quick post might entice some interesting ideas too
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Old 07-20-2017, 05:50 PM   #5
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Have you thought of some heavy duty bottle jacks to lift it and then block it when level? Should be able to rent them if not find some to buy.

John
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Old 07-20-2017, 08:27 PM   #6
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Scoot the bus forward 4', dig out about 6" of dirt, form and pour a 4 ft square pad to back up on. Just be sure to get the surface level with the existing driveway and add an "X" of rebar in the center of the pour and you will be good to go. Each pad will use a little less than a cubic yard of concrete if the level of the drive isn't a whole lot higher than the original dirt Jack.
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Old 07-20-2017, 11:32 PM   #7
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Any railroad ties laying around?
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Old 07-21-2017, 06:23 AM   #8
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Any railroad ties laying around?


No railroad ties


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Old 07-21-2017, 06:32 AM   #9
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Good thread...I'm in the same predicament. Waiting for more suggestions....
I do like the link you posted PNW_Steve.

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Old 07-21-2017, 07:46 AM   #10
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ive had the same problem. easy fix but a hard hour of shoveling. dig under the tires lol. thats what i did. then when i needed to get up i just made the hole into more of a ramp and out it went.

i had to make my front even with the back and dug a good 1' by 2' hole for each front tire and it fits right in. this may not help if you dont have your own property though.
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:17 AM   #11
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If digging a hole isn't an option, maybe the inverse is: make a pile of rocks and gravel. When building such a pile on soil, especially soft soil, start with larger rocks (2+ inches diameter) on the soil and put smaller stuff on top to make it smoother. The site OP pictured looks kind of woodsy; maybe suitable rocks can be found around the yard. Some in the picture looked a bit angular or sharp; it's probably good to minimize use of those to avoid having one get turned pointy end up and puncturing a tire.
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Old 07-21-2017, 12:57 PM   #12
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ive had the same problem. easy fix but a hard hour of shoveling. dig under the tires lol. thats what i did. then when i needed to get up i just made the hole into more of a ramp and out it went.

i had to make my front even with the back and dug a good 1' by 2' hole for each front tire and it fits right in. this may not help if you dont have your own property though.


Unfortunately I'm working with 4 of 6 tires on concrete...


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Old 07-21-2017, 12:59 PM   #13
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If digging a hole isn't an option, maybe the inverse is: make a pile of rocks and gravel. When building such a pile on soil, especially soft soil, start with larger rocks (2+ inches diameter) on the soil and put smaller stuff on top to make it smoother. The site OP pictured looks kind of woodsy; maybe suitable rocks can be found around the yard. Some in the picture looked a bit angular or sharp; it's probably good to minimize use of those to avoid having one get turned pointy end up and puncturing a tire.


Great idea! Considering this too. Avoiding sharp sandstone here is no easy feat, but I'm sure I can find something.


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Old 07-22-2017, 11:45 PM   #14
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i suppose driving it onto boards on one side, or jacking n blocking up is out of the question...
That would be my first idea too.
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Old 07-23-2017, 07:57 AM   #15
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Ditto here. Why can't it just be jacked up and cribbed?
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Old 07-23-2017, 09:23 AM   #16
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Ditto here. Why can't it just be jacked up and cribbed?


My jacks capacity is only 2 ton. Wouldn't I need something heavier duty?


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Old 07-23-2017, 10:48 AM   #17
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Why not just work on it the way it is for now? Many suggestions have come to you and there aren't many more except for a crane, skyhook or a chopper to lift it.
My front end is 2 feet lower than the rear and it doesn't bother me to work on it. Yours should be a piece of cake.
Conversions do cost some $$ to do.

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Old 07-23-2017, 11:02 AM   #18
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Why not just work on it the way it is for now? Many suggestions have come to you and there aren't many more except for a crane, skyhook or a chopper to lift it.
My front end is 2 feet lower than the rear and it doesn't bother me to work on it. Yours should be a piece of cake.
Conversions do cost some $$ to do.

John


I hear ya John, I'm going to contact my local airport for an available heli

LOL

Seriously though, I've been working with it and it's... ok.

Thank you everyone for sharing suggestions!


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Old 07-23-2017, 11:50 AM   #19
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My jacks capacity is only 2 ton. Wouldn't I need something heavier duty?


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you can buy a 20 ton bottle jack from harbor freight pretty cheap.. or wait.. you are in knoxville right now right? I could bring you mine to borrow to get your bus cribbed.. when im on my way back to florida. (jack it up then crib under it then jack down)..

-Christopher
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Old 07-23-2017, 11:51 AM   #20
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as far as level.. I think having it level, at least a whole axle makes sense fro ma body flex point of view.. and for sure if its going to get a roof-raise.
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