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What vehicle lifts are recommended?

J

JohnVZ

VIP Member
Messages
51
Location
London
Vehicle
T5 Cali on order
Hi all- I’m looking to find a good vehicle lift that I can put the T5 California onto so that I can get to the underside in a safe manner and perform any maintenance.

I had initially hoped that the Quick jack or kwik lift offerings would work but it appears that the jacking points are too far apart.

I’m not looking for a 4 or 2 post system- some kind of mid rise would be ideal.
Thanks in advance!


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JohnVZ said:
Hi all- I’m looking to find a good vehicle lift that I can put the T5 California onto so that I can get to the underside in a safe manner and perform any maintenance.

I had initially hoped that the Quick jack or kwik lift offerings would work but it appears that the jacking points are too far apart.

I’m not looking for a 4 or 2 post system- some kind of mid rise would be ideal.
Thanks in advance!


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@JohnVZ , I also considered various options, but if not for a 4 post, then digging a service pit seems to be the next best option. Could not find a lift that can safely manage the weight of the Cali.
 
kurienp said:
@JohnVZ , I also considered various options, but if not for a 4 post, then digging a service pit seems to be the next best option. Could not find a lift that can safely manage the weight of the Cali.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that.. must admit I’m not keen on digging up the garage floor.. it’s currently looking like axle stands backed up by alloys under the car is the most reasonable way forward..


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I looked at this, the Sealey MR1 a while back (before I ended up with a conventional 4-post lift) was quite impressed by this concept if you don't need a high lift.

It's a pair of ramps, you drive the vehicle on then use a trolley jack to raise the whole caboodle from one end. Was originally sold under another name (I forget) and got good reviews, now made by Sealey so I presume decent quality.

I wasn't looking particular for use with a Cali but with 3 tonnes capacity should be fine for an unladen Cali, and the max wheelbase 3000mm looks okay.

Lifting Car Ramps with Adjustable Width 3 Tonne per Pair | MR1 | Sealey

1 Year Guarantee - Compact, convenient & innovative 3 Tonne (pair) rated car ramps (max. single axle weight of 1800kg), with four stands & removable lifting beam.
www.sealey.co.uk www.sealey.co.uk
 
JohnVZ said:
Thanks for that.. must admit I’m not keen on digging up the garage floor.. it’s currently looking like axle stands backed up by alloys under the car is the most reasonable way forward..


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Agree.

Now you will face the challenge of - how do I lift the car from the jacking points and then put an axle stand there at the same time (remember, the jacking point is small and cannot accommodate both the jack and an axle stand). ;) Unless you have already figured that out, there is one thread on here (if you search for it) which has many different recommendations.

But, yes, axle stands is the best way for a home garage.
 
Ah- yes I’m used to the scenario of jack vs axle stands but not on this vehicle. I was assuming I could just put the jack under the suspension point? Will need to have a look under there..


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Just get a decent 3ton trolley and stands. This has the van in the air in seconds.
image.jpg
 
JohnVZ said:
Ah- yes I’m used to the scenario of jack vs axle stands but not on this vehicle. I was assuming I could just put the jack under the suspension point? Will need to have a look under there..


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I think that is possible, but never tried it.

@sidepod , which point do you jack up the van using the trolley jack to put the axle stands under?
 
^ Strategetaly placed next to the scuba diving equipment
for added impact.:thumb
 
I usually put it under the suspension arm so it lifts the wheel without allowing the suspension to droop. This is a lot easier and quicker if you just want to whip a wheel off.
Once it’s up as high as you need then just pop the stands under the jacking points. :thumb
 
Actually most of the time, if it's just something simple like an oil swap, I just use the leveling blocks. Front end on the highest step of the blocks is plenty to get the under-tray off and access the filter (which is a bit of a faff on a 4).
 
I have found a solution!
It turns out you can rotate quickjacks 90 degrees which means the one that can handle 3 tons plus the extension plates should work as the distance between the Jack points going horizontally across the car is about 1.6m.


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JohnVZ said:
I have found a solution!
It turns out you can rotate quickjacks 90 degrees which means the one that can handle 3 tons plus the extension plates should work as the distance between the Jack points going horizontally across the car is about 1.6m.


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any photo(s)?
 

So they have a video of lifting side ways but with a 50/50 weight distribution car.. does anyone have any idea as to the weight distribution of the Cali?

I’ve measured the distance between the Jack points going horizontally and compared this to the data sheets for quick Jack and theoretically it should work.


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Following on from the other weight thread- the distribution is 53:47 so should be good with the quickjack solution.


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I am in the process of installing an Automotech mid rise scissor lift. I'm trying to flush mount it in the floor. Due to the ceiling hight in my garage, I won't be able to lift the Cali too high though.

Screenshot_20230708_133401_Chrome.jpg
 
Looks good! Would have gone for a similar option if I didn’t have the need to move the lift around.


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Ok! We have lift off! This is what it looks like on the first height/lock/setting it can go higher obviously. I was using the rubber blocks that it came with- might go down to one next time. There is a slight lateral movement with the van upon touchdown.

What’s it feel like to get to all 4 wheels at once? 10/10.
How heavy is all the kit etc
8/10.
What’s the fear level of seeing such a large vehicle up so high and the prospect of getting under it?
11/10.

But hey! Proof of concept!
3bc0da8556ffc23aef1b8514e8fc8048.jpg

6dc9ab3dfe14604788c2d0a8c9601644.jpg

27ea456b32e67571180033d5191a6c61.jpg



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Nice. Apparently those Chinese hydraulic rams aren’t too bad :shocked
 
sidepod said:
Nice. Apparently those Chinese hydraulic rams aren’t too bad :shocked
Click to expand...

No idea if they’re made in China or not. Thought they were made in the USA.. but yeah they work!


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