I've always been unhappy with the solutions I have for jacking up my van. Luckily when I've had issues I could just fit the van-provided hydraulic jack under an axle and up it goes.
I've used the hi lift to lift a tire using that adapter that fits into the holes in the wheel.
But I could easily envision a scenario where the axle is sitting on the ground (so can't get under it to jack) and the van is at an angle, like on a sidehill (if you've ever used a hi lift on a vehicle that isn't level you know how scary this is; indeed tossing a jeep sideways off a hi lift is an effective, if dangerous, way of getting out of a rut).
And using bumpers (assuming they can carry the weight of your van) is problematic unless you have a way of taking the suspension sag out, like say a chain (or even tie down straps in a pinch). Especially the back bumper on extended vans.
So I'm back to looking for better solutions. I go out with guys that have class A's; my buddy hung up his 30' bus in the sand out near Rasor and got out by just using his built-in levelers (they can raise the whole rig off the ground) and sticking stuff under the tires. Sure beats digging a hole to put your jack in under your rear axle on the Saline Valley Rd in June (don't ask...). And I've been on the track with guys who have air jacks on their racers (think LeMans cars). And since they make leveling jacks like these for Sprinters, wondering if anyone has ever had anything like this installed on a Sprinter or Ford van (since the chassis is used on some class B's that might come with them). Would be great for leveling AND getting out of a hole.
Then I saw this:
http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/1007or_ ... an_afford/
Sort of like a camper jack modded for racing use; holds 2.5K lbs which is a bit light duty for us. And hard to get at the top on our vans. And 18" of travel (like camper jacks) which may not be enough, but maybe with a block underneath. Lots of guys at autox events weld bolts onto little scissor jacks and do this since they may not have room to carry floor jacks; it works really well (think I should weld an adaptor up for my van jack while I'm thinking of it).
And trailers often have swing-down levelers that fold up out of the way; might have some room underneath for something like that.
So anyone have anything installed ON the van for leveling and/or rescue? Worth pursuing this?