OIL PAN PILLOW INSTRUCTIONS
As you become more comfortable with using the Pan Pillow, you will understand the full impact of the product. Clearance issues, additional wheel blocking, and all the other time-consuming preparation required transporting problem vehicles are now in the past. Broken struts, ball joints or problems getting a jack under a damaged or low clearance vehicle are no longer an issue. You will be amazed how such a simple tool will make your job so much easier and safer, along with reducing your hook up and travel time. Now you can transport these problem vehicles with confidence, knowing you will not have to worry about oil pan or undercarriage damage. Follow these simple instructions and you will experience the same success the hundreds of operators currently using the Pan Pillow are.
When using the Pan Pillow DO NOT block up and “short shoe” any vehicle unless you do not have adequate clearance to insert the Pan Pillow. In rare situations you may have to lower the tow vehicle onto blocks allowing you to bring the L Arms in tighter to get the tow vehicle to sit high enough in the wheel lift to insert the Pan Pillow. Fully deflated, you only require a few inches to insert the Pan Pillow.
STEP 1: ATTACH THE TOW VEHICLE TO THE WHEEL LIFT.
Once you have locked in the L Arms, raise the wheel lift approx. 5 inches straight up and then tilt upwards. Raising straight up first will keep the wheel lift from impacting on delicate surfaces. Attach Wheel Straps.
CAUTION: Be careful not to tilt the wheel lift to an excessive height that would cause the back end of the vehicle to impact the ground.
STEP 2: INSERT THE OIL PAN PILLOW
Fold legs outward with the valve stems facing you. Insert the Oil Pan Pillow between the undercarriage and the top cross bar of the wheel lift. Fold the legs down on both side of the center pivot point. Attach safety cable with the cable running under the wheel lift to the ring on the other leg.
NEVER USE THE OIL PAN PILLOW WITHOUT THE SAFETY CABLE. SERIOUS IMPACT FROM THE VEHICLE WILL CAUSE THE LEGS TO FOLD UP SIDEWAYS.
STEP3: INFLATE THE OIL PAN PILLOW.
Inflate the Oil Pan Pillow to a height of 4-5 inches between the wheel lift and the undercarriage of the tow vehicle. Don't be overly concerned with the PSI. It is more important that you achieve the 4-5 inches (BEFORE TILTING LEVEL) clearance. This height is required to avoid damage to the Oil Pan Pillow during transport. Under inflation will lead to pinching between the wheel lift cross bar and undercarriage of the tow vehicle.
Step 4: LOADING THE TOW VEHICLE ONTO THE OIL PAN PILLOW.
Once the Oil Pan Pillow has been inflated to the correct height continue on with the rest of the hookup. Lights, straps safety chains and what ever else is needed to transport the vehicle safely. Now tilt the wheel lift to a level position and set the tow height. One bonus at this point and depending on the terrain on some cases you can get the tow end closer to the ground gaining additional clearance to save you from having to use dollies.
NOTE: It is critical that the tow vehicle is in a level position during transport. If you tow with the wheel lift on the angle, the downward force will try to force the Oil Pan Pillow Forward. Extended travel on rough terrain may cause the Oil Pan Pillow to detach.
STEP 5: REMOVING THE OIL PAN PILLOW.
Once you are ready to unhook the tow vehicle, lift the wheel lift straight up approx. 6 inches and then tilt up being mindful not to raise to high. Now remove the drain cap and detach the safety cable. Next, fold legs outward and remove. Set on wheel lift and drain excess air. Replace the drain cap and put away. Continue with the unhook.
When replacing the drain cap, be careful not to over tighten. The metal cap has a rubber washer that could get damaged. These washers wear out over time and need to be replaced.
NEVER USE PLASTIC CAPS AS THEY DO NOT SEAL.
The valve in the fill stem also wears oil and needs to be replaced on occasion.
Many had not thought of using the Oil Pan Pillow as a jacking device. It actually works very well in situations where you can't get a jack under. In this application there is a 10 PSI maximum inflation.