Live in the city. Don’t own land. Don’t own a shipping container. Will never be able to or willing to buy one. RUclips recommended this video so now I know how to jack up a shipping container thanks to your video.
I recommend using railroad ties. They are made to sit on the ground and can easily take the weight. A railroad tie is perfect length to run the whole width or cut it to sizes needed.
I got my container!!! A 40 foot Hugh cube, and it's a good condition: ni holes, no leaks, and the doors work marvelously! After greasing them, they make practically no sound and are real easy to open. A bit of sanding some rusty spots, priumer/paint, then coat the entire roof with Liquid Rubber (check them out - they have tons of solutions!). The sides have a few dents - it was manufactured in 2007, so it's 16 years old. I have it sitting on a 30 foot concrete slab (no blocks, but there are gaps from the pad's unevenness), and it's cantelevered about 11 feet over a gravel base. I have an air gap under it to allow for water to flow through, andhopefully it will be OPK. I filled the sides around the cantelevered part with gravel and bricks: hopefully I won't get any rusting or rotting there. The name of the game is allowing it to dry, right?
I use treated 6”x6”x8’ treated post, 5 under each 40’ high cube, shim on outside edges with treated lumber. First post laid under end, other 4 set every 10’ apart withrope attached to slide them across under container as trailer pulled up. Worked perfet as it distributes weight evenly across 8’ ft span. Unloaded in May of 2017 and they are still good to this day. Heavy loaded with filing cabinets of tools, nut bolts nails part chains etc. Very satisfied with treated timbers. Can turn 2”x 6” on edge and help keep most unwanted critter and grass from under containers and still have water drainage & air flow.
@rootreinlavery2442 It went great! I got it perfectly level front to back and left to right. It's on railroad ties and I shimmed the corners with 1/4" steel plate, 8 inches x 8 inches. I bought these jack adapters that plug into the corners, and also bought a pair of 8 ton bottle jacks and it lifts the container with ease! I also just bought a wheel kit for the container in case I need to move it in the future. They make tow bars for them to so a pickup can be hooked up to the container and tow it like a trailer 👍 I'm totally planning on getting at least one more container, I love it!
@jayhondacr5008 Rite on. I'm going with a 3" of half inch gravel pad under mine. I had to work out the logistics of its location due to my drain field etc but things are looking good.
@rootreinlavery2442 I went and rented a dump trailer and also put several inches of gravel down. I also rented a skidsteer, I had some dirt to move anyway but I used to clear a flat pad for the container. It didn't take much to level the container since the ground was flat. I was so happy with that!
I use railroad ties because blocks are delicate. If you score a Simplex telephone pole jack (harder to find than common jacks) the chain grab is superb for capturing chain from the corner fittings. I also use tow truck "J-hooks" with my Simplex and to winch containers in place. Every mechanic should have two J-hooks with chains as they'll wonder how they did without them.
@@rehguzar85Oak cribbing soaked in old oil, or creosote if you can get it. Be sure to have several inches of 1 or 2" clean gravel so the wood doesn't draw moisture from the ground.
I have a 40’HC and made 18” square by 6” thick concrete blocks for each corner and pad was built up then graveled for water runoff and air gap. I really need that jack. She’s a beauty!
Nice video thank you! Like that old school jack. Im using 30 ton hyd and those pavers on a 40 ft container. Should be pretty easy now. Have a good one.
For an extra step in confirming your container being level front-to-back, side-to-side, and across diagonally = lay your 3 bubble level on its side and check three before moving it. Also, flip it over and confirm on a slant (X) from the first way you laid it down and compare all three again. Just looking at one bubble may be straightforward and leaning differently side or slant ways. - From the people that built the Wonkavator. 😅 Have FUN and be Safe. 🍫
Compacting your crushed stone would have made a huge difference. The lime dust, once dampened and compacted, would have made your foundation similar to poured concrete if done correctly.
I was thinking the same thing, however; that stone with dust would also hold in moisture from the ground, thus expedite corrosion of the underside of the container. I think some clean 1" stone with a vapor barrier/Styrofoam would be a good base.
If you are raising something that weighs a few tons with a car jack, it's not a bad idea to put some kind of support under the load before sticking your arms under it. DIY doesn't have to be dangerous
I really like them toe jacks,,,,, I use to have a couple at work but now I`m retired the picture has changed.... I have to learn to do without.....that went very well to jack that sea can....CHEERS
I’m in the Market right now trying to find a 20 ft used container. Was Hit by Hurricane Helene and have a lot of wind damage and flooding. Wondering if and How one can Anker one of those ? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I think you can look into getting mobile home anchors , maybe they would work for you. Sorry to hear you got hit by the hurricane hope every one is ok and i wish you lots of luck with rebuilding everything.
@@Robinson-HomesteadMy experience, which is quite a bit, is that you really need wood between the concrete and the steel. Those blocks will settle too, and when they get crooked they will crack. Wood is more forgiving in that respect.
Thanks for the video. I have two containers that have been converted to a home. I am having a difficult time trying to figure out how to get them 2 ft off the ground to connect the pipes. Maybe this will be what I end up doing. I need help haha!
I used a bottle jack to get mine initially off the ground, then used a floor jack to get up the rest of the way. Just be careful as the container goes it can and will shift. So be careful.
@@Robinson-Homestead The mixture I got was a lot of crushed stone, and pieces up 3/4". Looks like it packs well: I need to compact it now that we had some rain.
Sorry to tell you your use of a spirit level is not perfect. All levels have a margin of error. Multiply that error margin over the width or length of the container and you have an out of level container. I suggest you use a water level to obtain a level container.
If the weight is on the corners of the container what is the advantage of not setting it down at the center of each of the new footings? I'm getting ready to do this and just doing my research.
very helpful video. how have the blocks held up over the year? did you get much settling? I've seen where people use wheel rotors between the block and the container to help distribute the weight. what do you think of that idea? I'm going to be releveling ours that we use for storage soon. ty
That is awesome. The blocks I have tried to use break if I let the container weight on them or a jack. I have some old rotors rusting around. They now have a use!
Live in the city. Don’t own land. Don’t own a shipping container. Will never be able to or willing to buy one. RUclips recommended this video so now I know how to jack up a shipping container thanks to your video.
Thank you for watching you never know you may end up with land and shipping container.
So funny and true
Top comment was me 6 years ago. Now I have land, a container, and a need to level it
I recommend using railroad ties. They are made to sit on the ground and can easily take the weight. A railroad tie is perfect length to run the whole width or cut it to sizes needed.
Thanks for the idea.
Would you let me know where I can buy railroad tie? Thanks.
@user713Blvd I got mine from Lowe's, but Home Depot and others also sell them. Currently $28 each at the Lowe's here in my town.
I got my container!!! A 40 foot Hugh cube, and it's a good condition: ni holes, no leaks, and the doors work marvelously! After greasing them, they make practically no sound and are real easy to open. A bit of sanding some rusty spots, priumer/paint, then coat the entire roof with Liquid Rubber (check them out - they have tons of solutions!). The sides have a few dents - it was manufactured in 2007, so it's 16 years old. I have it sitting on a 30 foot concrete slab (no blocks, but there are gaps from the pad's unevenness), and it's cantelevered about 11 feet over a gravel base. I have an air gap under it to allow for water to flow through, andhopefully it will be OPK. I filled the sides around the cantelevered part with gravel and bricks: hopefully I won't get any rusting or rotting there. The name of the game is allowing it to dry, right?
That's right thanks for sharing my friend.
The real star is that Jack!
You got that right thanks for the comment.
I use treated 6”x6”x8’ treated post, 5 under each 40’ high cube, shim on outside edges with treated lumber.
First post laid under end, other 4 set every 10’ apart withrope attached to slide them across under container as trailer pulled up. Worked perfet as it distributes weight evenly across 8’ ft span.
Unloaded in May of 2017 and they are still good to this day. Heavy loaded with filing cabinets of tools, nut bolts nails part chains etc.
Very satisfied with treated timbers. Can turn 2”x 6” on edge and help keep most unwanted critter and grass from under containers and still have water drainage & air flow.
Thanks for the information and thanks for watching.
I'm getting my first shipping container delivered first thing tomorrow morning, doing some last minute Google and RUclips research!
Good luck Jay and take your time you will get it.
Thanks for the comment and watching.
How did it go? I'm getting my 20 ft 1 trip sea can next week.
@rootreinlavery2442 It went great! I got it perfectly level front to back and left to right. It's on railroad ties and I shimmed the corners with 1/4" steel plate, 8 inches x 8 inches.
I bought these jack adapters that plug into the corners, and also bought a pair of 8 ton bottle jacks and it lifts the container with ease! I also just bought a wheel kit for the container in case I need to move it in the future. They make tow bars for them to so a pickup can be hooked up to the container and tow it like a trailer 👍
I'm totally planning on getting at least one more container, I love it!
@jayhondacr5008 Rite on. I'm going with a 3" of half inch gravel pad under mine. I had to work out the logistics of its location due to my drain field etc but things are looking good.
@rootreinlavery2442 I went and rented a dump trailer and also put several inches of gravel down. I also rented a skidsteer, I had some dirt to move anyway but I used to clear a flat pad for the container. It didn't take much to level the container since the ground was flat. I was so happy with that!
Please refrain from putting even your hand under there. If that jack gave way,you would immediately lose your hand. Great video though!
Thanks for the comment.
Can you give an update video on your cap blocks? I am about to do this and just wanted to see how they were holding up.
Great video, thank you.
Looks nice! Great work
Thank you.
Very helpful thank you Kevin, I have a 40ft coming in a few weeks! 😀
Your welcome, they make good storage.
I use railroad ties because blocks are delicate. If you score a Simplex telephone pole jack (harder to find than common jacks) the chain grab is superb for capturing chain from the corner fittings. I also use tow truck "J-hooks" with my Simplex and to winch containers in place. Every mechanic should have two J-hooks with chains as they'll wonder how they did without them.
Thanks for the good ideas
Obfuscated3090, where did you get your J hooks? You now have me thinking I need some.
What do you recommend for resting container on permanently? Concrete Paving Slabs or Railway Sleepers (railroad ties)?
@@rehguzar85Oak cribbing soaked in old oil, or creosote if you can get it. Be sure to have several inches of 1 or 2" clean gravel so the wood doesn't draw moisture from the ground.
I think I have a jack like that somewhere too. Thanks for reminding me.
Good tool thanks for the comment.
I have a 40’HC and made 18” square by 6” thick concrete blocks for each corner and pad was built up then graveled for water runoff and air gap.
I really need that jack. She’s a beauty!
It does work great sorry wish I could help.
Nice video thank you! Like that old school jack. Im using 30 ton hyd and those pavers on a 40 ft container. Should be pretty easy now. Have a good one.
I do like this old school jack I use it all the time thanks for the comment.
I'm getting my first one delivered next week
How it going with your container?
Man !
That jack is awesome.
Beets a jack-all
Old school no hydraulics 👍
Yeah it's a great tool to have around but it is dangerous also.
For an extra step in confirming your container being level front-to-back, side-to-side, and across diagonally = lay your 3 bubble level on its side and check three before moving it. Also, flip it over and confirm on a slant (X) from the first way you laid it down and compare all three again. Just looking at one bubble may be straightforward and leaning differently side or slant ways. - From the people that built the Wonkavator. 😅 Have FUN and be Safe. 🍫
Thanks for all the good info and thanks for watching.
Thank you for the video
You're welcome.
Thank you so much for the comment and watching.
Compacting your crushed stone would have made a huge difference. The lime dust, once dampened and compacted, would have made your foundation similar to poured concrete if done correctly.
I was thinking the same thing, however; that stone with dust would also hold in moisture from the ground, thus expedite
corrosion of the underside of the container.
I think some clean 1" stone with a vapor barrier/Styrofoam would be a good base.
Lol the original pressure point brick made me laugh
Lol thanks for watching.
Seems like some fall toward the door end would be good for water to drain out quicker if there was a leak.
Thanks for the comment and watching.
Rexommended to block ONLY at corners. Not across the middle or intermediate ANYWHERE
Thank you for the information.
Curious, why?
Did it hold? Some folk say to pour some concrete for these and attach to the concrete. Any thoughts?
Mine is still fine , i did put concrete under the front when i had my garage floor poured, so i would recommend concrete.
If you are raising something that weighs a few tons with a car jack, it's not a bad idea to put some kind of support under the load before sticking your arms under it. DIY doesn't have to be dangerous
Thanks for the comment John.
Waht kind of blocks are those and what is the height? Thanks!
4 inch cap blocks.
I really like them toe jacks,,,,, I use to have a couple at work but now I`m retired the picture has changed.... I have to learn to do without.....that went very well to jack that sea can....CHEERS
I found this one in the middle of the highway going down the road.
Never set steel on blocks put threated lumber between then the blocks won't crack
Good info thanks.
got mine from Wuwi Shipping Container delivered and paid upon delivery.
thank for the information about where to buy a shipping container, i appreciate it.
I’m in the Market right now trying to find a 20 ft used container. Was Hit by Hurricane Helene and have a lot of wind damage and flooding. Wondering if and How one can Anker one of those ? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I think you can look into getting mobile home anchors , maybe they would work for you. Sorry to hear you got hit by the hurricane hope every one is ok and i wish you lots of luck with rebuilding everything.
Try mobile home anchors they might work for you.
I bet that jack was made in America!
Which part of America ¿
Where can I get railroad tire
I would look on Facebook market place.
Looks like that’s going to work out a lot better for you. Thank you for sharing!
I will check it for level again in about a week but it looks like it's going to work out good
@@Robinson-HomesteadMy experience, which is quite a bit, is that you really need wood between the concrete and the steel. Those blocks will settle too, and when they get crooked they will crack. Wood is more forgiving in that respect.
Good video enjoyed the info Be safe God Bless
Thank you Larry.
Hi from The Ole Church 5 Acre Homestead 🇨🇦👩🌾🧑🌾
Thanks for stopping in my friend.
Anytime Kevin. Please check us out and offer feedback 🇨🇦👩🌾🧑🌾
Thanks for sharing, do they still sell jacks like that because i want one, what are they called if am to go looking for one ?
This is a link for the jack not cheap. amzn.to/3SVnpo4
Thank u Kevin.
How thick are the new cap blocks you’re using? Thank you
I think they were 4 inch.
I like it. Those blocks are not just thicker, but they are denser too. They should do just fine.
They are working out great so far
Thanks for the video. I have two containers that have been converted to a home. I am having a difficult time trying to figure out how to get them 2 ft off the ground to connect the pipes. Maybe this will be what I end up doing. I need help haha!
The real Jack works great
Hire an professional engineer so your loads and soil bearing pressure can be evaluated for a design if you want something permanent..
I used a bottle jack to get mine initially off the ground, then used a floor jack to get up the rest of the way. Just be careful as the container goes it can and will shift. So be careful.
Those shipping containers are great, my local gun shop is made out of three of them. Looks good Kevin, that should do it. Be well my friend.
May be cheaper to build a house out of them of wood
@@Robinson-Homestead containers are much cheaper than wood where I'm from.
A point load on solid masonry units is never going to last. They will crack.
Thanks for watching.
Hey Gary24752, any tips to make a better foundation would be greatly appreciated.
What Kind of Jack is that called?
Track jack.
Not sure what type of gravel you used, but zero to 5/8 might have compacted better
I used crush and run ,it actually packs pretty well i have it on my driveway and it's pretty solid.
@@Robinson-Homestead The mixture I got was a lot of crushed stone, and pieces up 3/4". Looks like it packs well: I need to compact it now that we had some rain.
What kind of Jack is that?
Train rail Jack.
That looks alot sturdier!👍🍻
I think it's going to work out great
Are you supporting on just 4 corners and if so how is it holding up. Thanks
Yes i am and so far it's holding up good.
Where can I buy this kind of Jack?
Oh man I don't know, I found mine.
Sorry to tell you your use of a spirit level is not perfect. All levels have a margin of error. Multiply that error margin over the width or length of the container and you have an out of level container.
I suggest you use a water level to obtain a level container.
I used to have a water level but i don't know what happened to it, thanks for watching.
Handy tool to have
What is this type of Jack called?
It's called a rail Jack.
If the weight is on the corners of the container what is the advantage of not setting it down at the center of each of the new footings? I'm getting ready to do this and just doing my research.
Use treated 6x6x8’.
I put 5 under each 40’ high cube (2) on decent ground (1 every 10 ft)
Unloaded it on them, shim with treated wood if necessary.
7 years ago with no releveling and they are still good today with heavy loaded filing cabinets of tools, chains & bolts etc in them.
Love that jack. A real work horse. Your leveling job was perfect. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe!
Thanks Gerard
What kind jack is this? I need one and would like to search for one locally.
@@tim-hill
Looks like a hydraulic toe jack, go for a 10 tonne if you're lifting a 40 foot container.
very helpful video. how have the blocks held up over the year? did you get much settling? I've seen where people use wheel rotors between the block and the container to help distribute the weight. what do you think of that idea? I'm going to be releveling ours that we use for storage soon. ty
That is awesome. The blocks I have tried to use break if I let the container weight on them or a jack. I have some old rotors rusting around. They now have a use!
Works better if you have a good gravel sub base underneath the block and not just put it on topsoil.
I do like that jack.
It sure works great thanks Danny.
Will you use it as a storage-room?
Workshop and Storage
do i have to get permission before i put a shipping container on my land?
You could talk to your Township supervisors they'll be able to let you know
I live in Skaneateles NY and all I needed was a permit for a shed.
You just warped your container always jack up from the corners
Thanks for the comment.
Size of these blocks?
8x16x4
Why Are Your So Worried About Level
Because i want it to be level,thanks for watching.
Du bricolage
Thanks for the comment
Are these still holding up?
So far all good thanks for the comment.
@@Robinson-Homestead I used the same for mine, working great. Thx
It’s called a “railroad jack” to all you know it alls
Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this. I did not know it all. Now I do. Much appreciated
What's the name of that jack?
I think it's called a rail Jack