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05-21-2012, 07:05 AM
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#31
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 1,537
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Re: What went wrong?
It's threads like this one that makes me nervous about using my SMB alone many miles out on an isolated dirt road somewhere. I am not an auto mechanic and know nothing about fixing anything on my rig. I've been traveling alone on rough, isolated dirt roads for 40 years and have never had a problem out in the boonies. I have had problems on such trips, but they have always occurred just a few feet from a repair shop. I've actually never changed a tire in my life because every flat I've had has happened directly in front of a tire store or mechanic's shop. However, the other day I told my wife that I had just realized that if I ever did get a flat on my rig while alone out in the boonies I wouldn't have the strength to change my tire alone. So my HiLift jack is just a hood ornament.
Dang, now I've probably jinxed my good luck by writing this. Now I'll end up being the skeleton someone eventually finds by the side of the road with a lug wrench in his hands.
__________________
Mac McIntire
2003 Ford E250, 5.4L V8,
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05-21-2012, 08:31 AM
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#32
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Taylor, Mississippi
Posts: 1,648
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Re: What went wrong?
Is it alright if I keep the lug wrench? Also, leave your wallet on the dash when changing flats.
All jokes aside, don't know about your personal strength issues, but there are mechanical means available to do things like change a tire with waaaay less exertion than a heavy@ss HiLift. My first thought would be a battery powered impact wrench that could drive a specifically adapted nut on a bottle jack... might require using two jacks to get lift, but they are so much more handy. The same battery powered impact can remove lug nuts. No, I do not have the impact wrench, but I do have a bottle and a 3ton/ with jackstand. Don't forget a platform of some kind.
If you have made forty years without walking, you must be doing something right. Plus they have those push button rescue thingies... but I know you are done spending money on your SMB
__________________
'95 SMB E350 Quigley 7.3
https://www.taylorarts.com
... If you have to ask, you'll never understand...
"... torpedo'd, because we don't generally cotton to bullshit around here." -jage
"... do they ooch apart in the night?" -Dia
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05-21-2012, 09:11 AM
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#33
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Las vegas
Posts: 280
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Re: What went wrong?
If I couldn't change a flat I wouldn't go offroad alone. I have seen 100 pound army people changing 18 wheeler flats in the desert. It can be done without a huge amount of strength.
__________________
"What'$ that funny noi$e?
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05-21-2012, 11:28 AM
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#34
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Arcata, CA
Posts: 623
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Re: What went wrong?
How can you translate the rotational power of the impact wrench to the levering action needed to raise a bottle jack??
__________________
2002 E350 7.3 PSD
Quigley 4x4, EB50 floorplan
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05-21-2012, 11:47 AM
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#35
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Taylor, Mississippi
Posts: 1,648
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Re: What went wrong?
Some bottle jacks rotate vs. lever up and down, at least my OEM does.
Just googled bottle jack and some came up that are air-actuated. I didn't delve deep, the two I saw were 20 ton, but it makes me wonder what all is available besides HiLift...
__________________
'95 SMB E350 Quigley 7.3
https://www.taylorarts.com
... If you have to ask, you'll never understand...
"... torpedo'd, because we don't generally cotton to bullshit around here." -jage
"... do they ooch apart in the night?" -Dia
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05-24-2012, 03:55 PM
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#36
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Washougal, Wa
Posts: 1,047
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Re: What went wrong?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Extreme-Aire is an extreme POS. I've had nothing but trouble with it, but now it's finally histoire. The smoke came out. No more worky. Gonna replace it with something else.
Z
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Have you found a suitable replacement for the POS Extreme-Aire? I would like to have my upcoming on board air system Zeta Tested for durability and approved.
__________________
John
Gnarvan 1992 E350 Clubwagon
Advanced 4WD Systems Conversion
Sotar Legend 12.5' X 22" Cataraft
2003 BMW R1150GS-Adventure
2013 BMW R1200GS-Adventure
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05-24-2012, 04:48 PM
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#37
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Preston, ID
Posts: 1,213
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Re: What went wrong?
I took the POS apart, replaced the burned wiring with slightly larger wire, new brushes, had the armature checked and cleaned, smoothed the brush holders and re-wired it with -8 cable and an excellent ground. Spent $45 and it seems to work well.
How long will it last? Would anyone like to volunteer to hold their breath?
Z
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05-29-2012, 09:42 AM
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#38
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,228
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Re: What went wrong?
Just got back from a 3800 mile trip up to the NW. What a great trip!!
What went wrong? Not a single thing!!!! The SMB performed like a champ! I/we have now spent 151 nights in it in the last 3 years.
__________________
Desert Solitaire
2003 7.3L EB 4x4
Timberline 4x4 conversion
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05-29-2012, 01:06 PM
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#39
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Bay Area ,CA
Posts: 761
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Re: What went wrong?
The only thing that ever goes wrong with my van is that my wallet seems to have less money available than I would like to spend on it.
__________________
2008 Ford E-350 V-10 EB
Transformer Interior
U-Joint Off Road 4x4 kit in the garage
2004 F-350 Dana 60
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05-29-2012, 02:06 PM
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#40
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: santa rosa ca
Posts: 994
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Re: What went wrong?
Quote:
Originally Posted by macmcintire
I've actually never changed a tire in my life because every flat I've had has happened directly in front of a tire store or mechanic's shop. However, the other day I told my wife that I had just realized that if I ever did get a flat on my rig while alone out in the boonies I wouldn't have the strength to change my tire alone. So my HiLift jack is just a hood ornament.
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My 2 cents.
Unless its a sidewall blowout, I would not change the tire at all. That's why I carry an ARB plug kit for. Only had to use it one time but it was a cinch. Put enough air in the tire using your on-board compressor till you find the leak, plug it and re-fill the tire right on the ground. No Jack, no mess. No having to lift that 35-incher up on the Aluminess tire carrier.
__________________
... Charlie
EV-2 build is now complete, (yeah right).
KZ6T
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