Unfortunately, right now I don't have a garage to work on my car, and I'm getting tired of laying on a piece of cardboard. Can anyone recommend a good mechanics creeper that can be used outside on rough surfaces? I've been looking at the Bone Rough Rider, the Traxion 1-100 ProGear and the Creepex Fastback Pro. Anyone have any experiences with any of these? Thanks
Looking for a mechanics creeper to use outside
- Thread starter jgelack
- Start date
mcj115
Well-known member
Back when I was towing ~20 years ago we used what we called a wheelless creeper for offload/rough surfaces. Basically they were the "old" style of wooden creeper with no wheels with a sheet of delrin ( or similar sheet plastic) adhered to slide on. They didn't move as smoothly as a regular creeper but did better on the more uneven surface and they kept your back dry/clean.
seber
Well-known member
I just throw down a piece of plastic tarp.
Mr.Smoke
Well-known member
I have the Bone creeper at work and it's great for rough and uneven surfaces. I roll over airlines and extension cords no problem and have used it on gravel as well.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
The big wheel Lisle works well, if not a little too well, on rough concrete. The Bone Rough Rider is advertised for use on gravel and similar surfaces.
Strouty
Well-known member
This ***** if it is wet out, then it just puts all that moisture all over you, think pond liner.....
I've got the Bone Rough Rider. Works great for my uses around the farm. Haven't tried it on soft ground or loose gravel, but no problems on old asphalt that is breaking apart, and packed gravel surfaces. Comfort is going to depend on your body, the Bone is comfortable for me at 6' tall and 170 lbs. Clearance could be a problem depending on what you work on, bigger wheels on any rough terrain creeper causes them to sit higher. Doesn't cause any issues for me since I rarely work on cars, mostly pickup trucks and equipment.
If you're unable to find a suitable option or dont want to justify the cost... You could always make your own. Found these soft rubber casters on amazon(Feel like you could prob find them cheaper elsewhere), attach those to a bed of your design, and they'd prob roll over most anything. Prob wouldnt be great on soft ground though. Of course having such big wheels, you'd need to have the bed suspended down between the casters to get yourself as low as possible.
Also, pro tip, instead of a piece of cardboard, go to HF and get a pack of these foam anti fatigue mats for $8.99. Thats what I use. They're awesome. The padding protects you from rough/sharp surfaces like gravel too. And they're easy to store:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pie...t-set-94635.html?_br_psugg_q=anti-fatigue+mat
Also, pro tip, instead of a piece of cardboard, go to HF and get a pack of these foam anti fatigue mats for $8.99. Thats what I use. They're awesome. The padding protects you from rough/sharp surfaces like gravel too. And they're easy to store:
https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pie...t-set-94635.html?_br_psugg_q=anti-fatigue+mat
rlitman
Well-known member
I've seen one made like that using a continuous loop of a cushioning material with a low friction coating inside. It slides along like a tank tread. I'd imagine that any moisture and dirt on the ground get picked up and transferred to you too.
I usually use a yoga mat, but it doesn't slide, so I need to slide myself on it. It *****.
One of those foam boards with a hard plastic underside would probably be great, except they're kid sized, and I'm not.
richfinn
Well-known member
That's a great idea, I work roadside assistance and I'm going to try modify my foam mat with a sheet of plastic so I can slide under vehicles a bit better
Thanks, I didn't realize Lisle made a big wheel version of their creeper. I just checked it out, unfortunately it's only rated to 300 lbs, since I'm pushing about 260 lbs, I'd probably be close to bottoming it out.
Thanks, I don't need anything with really low clearance, but I'm not sure how comfortable the rough rider would be for me. I'm 6'2" and about 260lbs. The creeper is rated to 400 lbs, so maybe I'd be ok.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
I weight 265 and have the low rider version (since I work on backhoes) but have used the big wheel version. Both are OK with my wieght. The HF one that looks similar to the Lisle craps out in a couple of months.
joshmodelskidoo
Well-known member
The bone rough rider is the only creeper i can stand. Used it to change a transmission in the back yard a few years ago. Cardboard or a moving blanket is my preference
SeisMec
Well-known member
I have the Bone Rough Rider; am 5' 11" and weigh 260lbs. Think you'd be fine on comfort. On grass, well packed dirt or packed gravel it better than anything else I've tried. It's near useless on loose ground or gravel.
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
rlitman
Well-known member
CaptPat
Active member
Looking all over to purchase a Bone creeper, seem to be unavailable at all the usual locations, even those recommended on the Bone website
nh_yota
Well-known member
When it's dry I use a moving blanket folded in half. Big enough to move around on and still provides some cushioning.
geartow
Well-known member
plastic toboggan sled is the creeper of choice for towing now. works in all weather keeps you dry from ground, give room for a couple of tools at your side.
Ton ton
Well-known member
What is the price? Pardon me for bumping an old thread. I meant no harm.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have a very nice, old, Craftsman woodman creeper. I gave up using it on my driveway and went back to cardboard.
Snap-on Store
Ton ton
Well-known member
$615 wow.
WWheeler
Well-known member
Just throwing this out here. Harbor Freight now has a large wheel creeper. It looks to me a bit like a Traxion ProGear clone except it has 1" larger and beefier looking wheels, and FWIW it costs a little more than the Traxion though maybe not with a coupon if you can find one that applies. I don't own one nor ever touched one. I just recalled seeing it mentioned in HF's Aug 22 'New Tool' email.
www.harborfreight.com
400 lb. Capacity 43 in. Professional Creeper
Amazing deals on this 43In Professional Creeper at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com