Pit

[saddleup]

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...

[luvrbus]

In AZ only if it is built from 8x16 blocks some insurance co's here want a hand rail when not in use

[saddleup]

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..

[luvrbus]

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 

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

If you fill it with water when not in use it will be called a swimming pool and nobody will be the wiser. 

[buswarrior]

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

[sledhead]

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

[TomC]

Better to make wheel ramps out of wood sufficiently high so you can crawl under the bus on a creeper.

[luvrbus]

Hey Matt just be more concerned Tim Wice likes the pit

[oltrunt]

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

[kyle4501]

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.  

[chessie4905]

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

[DoubleEagle]

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.

[luvrbus]

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

[dtcerrato]

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.