> What is the consensus on the usefulness of jackstands vs. ramps for
working
> on our Vanagons?  As a novice mechanic I've put off this purchase.
Are both
> necessary?  I'm thinking brake and other wheel work will often
require
> jackstands to allow the wheels to turn freely, but oil changes and
other
> underbody work would be perhaps quicker simply to run the van up on
ramps.
> Adequate capacity with both types would seem to render safety a
non-factor.

each is useful, but in a different way. if you have a dirt driveway,
the ramps work ok, but tend to sink into the dirt a bit. the
jackstands don't work as well, unless you cut some 1-inch marine
plywood squares (at least 4" wider/bigger than the base of the
jackstands) to put under the jackstands (a good idea anyway, as in
summer heat, the jackstands can sink into an asphalt driveway).

the ramp is good if you need to work under the front or rear. but
useless if you need to work under the middle.

the jackstands are good cause you can jack the bus up without moving
it (or cranking it) and can be placed so as to allow access to the
front or rear or the middle.

i have both, and use both. but i use the jackstands more often. but
then, i have a level place to work and an asphalt driveway. if i had
to, i could do without the ramp, though.

the important thing is a really good roll-around hydraulic floor jack.
and the jackstands, of course. but make sure the jack can raise at
least 17 inches (higher is better, but it costs more!) and will pick
up at least 2 tons (more is better but the jack is bigger and heavier
and harder to roll around. and costs more).

now, one thing that is a real pain in the ass is to have to pull the
handle off the jack and use it to unscrew/screw the valve (in the
hydraulic lift mechanism). so make SURE you get a jack where the valve
is opened/closed by simply twisting the handle!!! that is critical to
your liking to use the jack. with the twist valve, the jack is
actually fun to use ... without it, it's a real pain. :(

as for oil changes, you don't even need either ramps or a jack! that's
what i love about buses!! all you need is a cardboard box (flattened
out) to lay on (helps greatly on cold and/or damp ground!), a pan of
some sort to catch the oil in, and a 13mm socket/ratchet or wrench to
undo the oil drain plug, and some sort of wrench or whatever to undo
the oil filter. there's plenty of room under and around the bus to get
to all the places necessary. :)  the ONLY thing that is a tad
dangerous is the exhaust pipe ... but with a bit of care, you can
avoid being burned on it. or wrap a damp towel around it before you
start working. :)

hope it helps. good luck!
joel