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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: saddleup on March 22, 2016, 11:44:21 AM

Title: Pit
Post by: saddleup on March 22, 2016, 11:44:21 AM
Maybe buyin a place in with rv port that has a mechanic pit built in the floor all concreate with steps....anybody see this pit causing me insurance problems...or should I be dam sure to have my bus parked over it when the insurance people come inspect...
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 12:08:19 PM
In AZ only if it is built from 8x16 blocks some insurance co's here want a hand rail when not in use
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: saddleup on March 22, 2016, 12:23:01 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 12:08:19 PM
In AZ only if it is built from 8x16 blocks some insurance co's here want a hand rail when not in use

So your sayin blocks is what they want? or not blocks....it has a heavy cover slides over it..
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 12:26:54 PM
Codes won't approve blocks here sounds like you are good to go with the covers,they may require a vent fan in the bottom of the pit the screw ball we have in this county does 
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on March 22, 2016, 12:33:47 PM
If you fill it with water when not in use it will be called a swimming pool and nobody will be the wiser.  ;D
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: buswarrior on March 22, 2016, 12:43:34 PM
As lovely as a pit is for maintenance, and I'd love to have one for the ease with which some work may be done....

They are dangerous and require the highest level of self discipline of ALL who are near them.

Spark proof ventilation system in the bottom?
Sump for water clearing?
Accidentally drive a vehicle into it?
Step or slip off the edge into it?

Are you prepared to walk around it, EVERY time? Those who step across eventually miss or slip, and wish they hadn't.
There are netting systems available to catch peeps, injury still results...and the net must be religiously run out and then back for use.

Your neighbour's BBQ propane leak can find its way into the pit. Propane sinks and spreads.

Many of the unused pits at Big Transit have lovely 2x plank covers made up, suitable for walking on, NOT for a vehicle.

For home use, lining the edge with a recessed lip, fashioning a set of flush wooden covers of manageable sizes, set into the hole would be my plan. Keep it covered, only uncover the bit you need for the job at hand and cover it back up when finished. Fall hazard removed.

Too many people have hurt themselves in a workplace setting with a pit. Take extreme cautions so you don't have to wish you did.

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: sledhead on March 22, 2016, 02:41:11 PM
I have a pit and use it all the time . I due have a recessed cover for it but have never used it . my coach is parked over it all the time  I am home or when I am out using the coach the garage door is locked .
my insurance co. has  never asked . 

can't imagine working on the coach with out it

dave
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: TomC on March 22, 2016, 04:52:35 PM
Better to make wheel ramps out of wood sufficiently high so you can crawl under the bus on a creeper.
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 05:06:17 PM
Hey Matt just be more concerned Tim Wice likes the pit
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: oltrunt on March 22, 2016, 06:36:23 PM
My pit is only 8" deep and the whole bus drops down into it so it will fit into the garage.  I 'spose it has all the hazards of a 4' deep pit, so I try to be careful with it.  When I no longer can drive, I plan to fill the pit with water and stock it with trout and use it for a casting pond and purveyor of dinner.  Jack
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: kyle4501 on March 22, 2016, 06:36:51 PM
Call your insurance company, You need to understand the rules - deception on your part may be considered fraud and void the policy.
The premiums you pay are for the coverage they agree to provide, NOT what you think you bought or what you wanted.  :o
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: chessie4905 on March 22, 2016, 06:37:11 PM
My pit has a recess with 3 inch thick oak planks. Little heavy but I only need to remove for the area I'm working. Course you could use this...
http://www.derekweaver.com/rodders-garage/specialty-heavy-duty-lifts/forward-fch4-certified-wheel-engaging-mobile-column-lift/?gclid=CPaLq8vW1csCFRRZhgodiMQF4w (http://www.derekweaver.com/rodders-garage/specialty-heavy-duty-lifts/forward-fch4-certified-wheel-engaging-mobile-column-lift/?gclid=CPaLq8vW1csCFRRZhgodiMQF4w)
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: DoubleEagle on March 22, 2016, 07:49:43 PM
When I got my first Eagle I made a reinforced parking pad with two levels. The main level was at ground level for the drive wheels and the bogie wheels, the rear level under the engine was about 6" lower so that I could get under with a creeper to change oil. It was crowded, but it worked and was not a hazard when the bus was not there. Would have liked a pit, but the cost and problems with water and explosive fume buildup made it not practical. Using a wood ramp with a manual trans would shorten clutch life.
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 08:19:05 PM
He asking about insurance he not going to use the pit ,he doesn't need blocks,pits or ramps the 4 HWH jacks will lift the bus off the ground lol I am glad his warranty is about expired send me photos Matt I need to use the pit since I have a MCI now
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: dtcerrato on March 22, 2016, 09:04:25 PM
Shop pit (photo attached), 3'-6" X 14' X 6' deep with floor drain, ventilation, compressed air, electric, water, fire extinguisher, and shovel for an occasional snake that falls in... There is a 2"X 2" recess at the top perimeter with an FRP deck cover on it when not in use, will support a golf cart but not full size vehicle. I go with BW on the hazards that come with owning one. Give it your total common sense and respect and it will serve you well.
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: saddleup on March 23, 2016, 06:30:03 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on March 22, 2016, 05:06:17 PM
Hey Matt just be more concerned Tim Wice likes the pit
Clifford ya Tims goin to like it, have already had a Prevo guy that lurks on here,go down the steps and approved the depth of pit for workin on his bus, dosent sound like ins.goin to be a problem....Carolee did like Garys swimin pool idea...I could get a boat motor and make her one of them motion pools....maybe 6v92 or 8v71..what you got layin around?
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: luvrbus on March 23, 2016, 06:48:00 AM
When are guys coming through we will be gone the month of May lol I put it off as long as I could but I lost the war and the battle
Title: Re: Pit
Post by: Dave5Cs on March 24, 2016, 08:18:14 AM
Clifford so the Commander Won eh, LOL
How the picture transfere going? Still ok now?