lift jack mounted to trailer, rather then concrete

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I would not know what the strength requirements would be to mount these to a portable car trailer http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...sc1&lang=en-USThen to concrete. I do alot of mobile automotive work. Getting rather tired of using jacks and jack stands all the time as all of you can imagine. I would love to see the trailer also compact "stretch out" as I have only enough room for 2.5 cars in my driveway. That would mean my driveway accomidates by my truck, wifes car and the trailer. The ramp of the trailer would fold down so to make the entire trailer ultra compact. Are there steel square tubes that would slide in and out together or,. perhaps the drive on platform could be hinged like a accordion and pulled together by two horizontal hydraulic pistons or cables? Thanks much!
Reply:Just off the top of my head, Iam sure something like this could be readily be made.  It would have to be a tandem axle, 10,000# gross weight capacity perhaps with a foldup rear ramp that could be winch driven.  You would need a 220v power source like an 8kw generator to power the ramp and lift and the tow vechile would have to remain attached to the trailer for stability.  The only issue I see is the lack of working space on the sides of the hoisted vehicle.  You will be climbing on and off the trailer on the sides and front, and it would not be safe once once you are up there.  One step back and you are on your ***.  Underneath the vehicle would be easy.  I say 10,000# trailer capacity because by the time you have your hoist, generator, and a heavy SUV on the rig, it and the trailer weight could well be pushing 8000# or better.   Drop axles to bring the trailer height down would help but I don't know if you canget thin for ratings over 7k#I would think something like a scissor type lift that you brought in on a small trailer along with your generator would work better.  Just unload the scissor lift, drive the vehicle over it, hook up power, and you are on your way.  A dump type trailer bed to unload the lift, and a winch to get it back onwould make the task relatively easy.Steve in Central TX
Reply:Just off the top of my head, Iam sure something like this could be readily be made.  It would have to be a tandem axle, 10,000# gross weight capacity perhaps with a foldup rear ramp that could be winch driven.  You would need a 220v power source like an 8kw generator to power the ramp and lift and the tow vechile would have to remain attached to the trailer for stability.  The only issue I see is the lack of working space on the sides of the hoisted vehicle.  You will be climbing on and off the trailer on the sides and front, and it would not be safe once once you are up there.  One step back and you are on your ***.  Underneath the vehicle would be easy.  I say 10,000# trailer capacity because by the time you have your hoist, generator, and a heavy SUV on the rig, it and the trailer weight could well be pushing 8000# or better.   Drop axles to bring the trailer height down would help but I don't know if you canget thin for ratings over 7k#I would think something like a scissor type lift that you brought in on a small trailer along with your generator would work better.  Just unload the scissor lift, drive the vehicle over it, hook up power, and you are on your way.  A dump type trailer bed to unload the lift, and a winch to get it back onwould make the task relatively easy.Steve in Central TX
Reply:What about a drop deck trailer? This would allow you to put the whole assembly on the ground during use. A single axle would be enough. Crazy... I know http://www.air-tow.com/trailersinaction.htmlA normal flatbed would work but you'll need some outriggers/levelers to prevent the trailer suspension from giving you issues. Attached ImagesLast edited by forhire; 08-29-2011 at 04:07 PM.
Reply:Maybe add some 3' tall drop down walls to help with the workspace on the side of the trailer? personally I would go deck over the tires. more workspace. and easlier get the lift above the axles, and wide enough to get vehicles on. I'm not sure 10K would be enough, as my trail blazer alone is almost 5k, if you're working on a suburban, or fullsize truck you're looking at 6k+ than the hoist, and the heavy duty frame you're going to need to hold the hoist. Plus your generator to run the hoist. I would do jacks/outriggers on all 4 corners. that way the tow vehicle would not need to be attached, though probably advised.I definately like the idea. I only question it's total cost. at least to make it safe. and I'm not just talking about safe for you, but safe for the kid who goes "WOW! THATS AWESOME!" and tries to climb up to see in the vehicle while you went in to take a leak.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Maybe a different type of lift would be better suited? Here are a couple free standing units.I really like the orange on at the bottom... it would be simple to design a trailer around that concept.This one gives you 26" and is very portable.http://www.ezcarlift.com/ezcarlift_video.html Attached Images
Reply:The issue I see with a 2 post lift is that it will concentrate the load all at one point on the trailer when you lift. You'll need a very stout frame to do this, The side space issue could be worked out with out any problems. They have outriggers that fold out to widen the deck on lowboys and a similar design could be used to gain you temporary working area while staying under legal width when trailering. As mentioned some sort of stabilizers or legs might be needed also to help take the trailer suspension out of the equasion to make this steady.Have you thought about simply a large raised ramp instead? I'm thinking something like the ones they use to raise cars up higher in used car lots so people see them better, or like some guys use to trailer cars on 5th wheel trailers. Kind of like the old grease pit concept. This would give you access to the undercarrige for oil changes, exhaust work etc, but won't help much with tire changes. I've seen stationary "ramps" like this for heavy truck maintenance..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Oil and lube company down in the 48 LA and east has a fleet of trailers that will come to your lot and do fleet maintenance. Rig consists of truck and trailer that includes a 2 post lift. Can be done I've watched it happen.
Reply:How about this:
Reply:[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wxCDra60Ks[/ame]Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:I found the URL to the company in the UK who made the trailer behind the van.http://www.trailer-lift.com/Not a two post but definitely worth looking at.
Reply:Ive seen mobile 2 and 4 post lifts. Do a little looking- The Mohawk MP series comes to mind. If you're doing larger vehicles it's worth it- If its for passenger vehicles I cant see this as a profitable measure.If it was me I'd get a tow truck and haul the cars to my INSURED shop where you don't have to worry as much about outside variables. Just my .02.I can remember in the 7th grade my mom said "people will offer you drugs" by the 10th grade I was like, "where the hell are these people?"
Reply:Why not just use a deck over trailer with an open center.  If you really needed to, you could also have a built in body lift to get the tires off the deck.  That would have the wheels at a good working height for brake jobs and give you enough room/access underneath for fluid changes/drive train work.My name's not Jim....