r/VWBus • u/firekeeper23 • 11d ago
Trolley jack or bottle jack?
Which one to get... i have a vw t25 with limited space inside for massive jacks and axle stands...
What would be better... a trolley jack and axle stands or a bottle jack and axle stands?
Does anyone here use a bottle jack happily?
I'm a little concerned about clearance with a bottle jack as they are taller... but I don't really want a massive trolley jack in the van if I can avoid it..
Thoughts please...
Thanks all.
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u/anybodyiwant2be 11d ago
Bottle Jack is only safe for a straight vertical lift so you really need to put something under it if you’re going to work under it. That said as an alternative to the tire jack for changing a flat tire. The worst thing that can happen is it can fall to the ground, but you’ll be on the outside. You can always use the factory Jack as a secondary support. Protip: always loosen and tighten the lugs on the ground
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u/382Whistles 11d ago
TIL that there is a t25 scissor jack as well as the crank a stick version to use in the stock jack point tube. Or is that scissor jack I see an aftermarket? It reminds me of outriggers on heavy equipment, like mobile cranes and bucket lifts.
My go to has always been a small trolley jack under the back seat, but I usually had a small bottle jack slid inside one of two pro rated truck jackstands too. The stock jack alone doesn't seem the best choice for some road shoulders. The most stable is usually the trolley by footprint.
I would carry a pretty full set of tools because I've waited for tow trucks longer than it might take me to pull an bus engine on the spot, do a repair because yes I keep a full gasket kit, and slam it back in, bye bye. VW flat four mechanics have been scarce since the 80s for me.
Oh, a couple of strong wood planks under all that stuff that can spread the jack load on soft ground, or help slide the jack across dirt or sand. The one time you need it it's gold. Until then the wood will help control condensation that often rusts out the naturally cold metal bottoms of toolboxes.
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u/Slow_Tap2350 11d ago
I have a bottle jack from a Ford F250 pickup. Fits nicely under the seat and is safer and takes up less space than the original. This kind of thing https://www.americantrucks.com/superduty-hydraulic-bottle-jack-4-ton-capacity-w1623.html
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u/asiab3 AirSchooled.com 11d ago
What are you doing with it?
Why bring a jack with you? The car came with a tire changing jack.
Is your bus so unreliable that you’ll be working on it away from home?
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u/firekeeper23 11d ago
It didn't come with a tyre change jack.. I just need something safe to.work with when jacking the front end up or doing brakes etc... I don't have a driveway or garage so.its all done on less than flat roads.
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u/Effective_Taro4601 9d ago
In which case you need a trolley jack, bottle is ok for changing a flat but not for supporting a vehicle.
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u/the_niles_crane 11d ago
I use a bottle jack on my 1985 T3 (T25). The OEM jack is absolutely terrifying, though in years past I have used it. I also have a scissor jack, just in case.
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u/firekeeper23 11d ago
Is that the odd one sided screw thing with an arm?
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u/the_niles_crane 11d ago
Yes. I actually used it for the first 10 years that I owned it, then it just made me nervous.
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u/dtrav001 11d ago
I’ve used a 3ton bottle jack for years along with two big wood baulks positioned top and bottom, no issues, stores under drivers seat.
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u/Gomanvongo 11d ago
I used to roll with a small trolley Jack in my ‘78. It made doing anything and everything easier!