Over The Engine Creeper/Topside Creeper

[kythri]

Good morning!

Anyone have any direct experience with over-the-engine creepers, and have any recommendations?

I had been seriously looking at the Whiteside Manufacturing unit, but it seems they've decided to sell it exclusively to Matco, who gave it the part number BMOTE, and cranked the price up about $150.

Ultimately, that may not have been the best option for my use, as it has a 300lb rated max capacity, and I exceed that by a few.

So, that leaves me looking for an alternative.

TraXion has a couple models, the 3-100, and the 3-700 "Pro" model, but I can't really find any details about the differences between the two. I'd assume the Pro model is sturdier, but, eh? They appear to have a 400lb rated max capacity, which is good.

Jegs and ATD both sell a very similar unit that looks like either a rebadged TraXion unit, or a knock-off.

Thoughts?

 

[kythri]

Continuing to dig, it appears that the TraXion 3-100 has a height range of 48" to 64" while the 3-700 "Pro" model is 52" to 72".

That extra height seems desirable.

 

[speed bump]

I have a TraXion 3-100, I bought it when I did injectors on my 7.3 and it was worth it's weight in gold. I don't use it a lot but for diesels or something fussy at the back of the engine compartment I like having it around.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have the 3-100 at school, but bought the JEGS version for home.....for the same reason as above, 7.3 injectors and glow plugs! (IDI though, not sure if above is PSD).

They are identical, I THINK I got a good deal on the JEGS which is why I gave it a shot. I can't say I have ever needed the extra height that the PRO one adds.

I cannot say how much knee, chest, and gut pain it has saved me since buying it....it was worth every freaking penny for working in my truck engine bays!

 

[kythri]

Thank you both!

 

[APEowner]

I have no idea what brand or model it was but we had one at my previous job and I wasn't a fan of the concept. I thought it would be great but in practice I found it uncomfortable to use. I'm much happier with setting up three steps or work platforms. One on each side and one across the front.

This is obviously a matter of personal preference but, I guess my point is that if you can, try and use one before springing for one.

 

[toplessHO]

I have a thick foam mattress from a baby crib that I throw over the top of what Im working on.
works great for under dash too,just slide the seat back and stuff the mattress in.

 

[ajchien]

I have the Traxion 3-100. Definitely worth it for me. I’m comfortable on the ground with a piece of cardboard, enough so I don’t use my Regular creeper, but when getting to the backside of an engine, the topside creeper always gets used now.

there are these chintzy, pool noodles that cover a few of the metal bars. I removed them once and then put them right back on. They are there to protect the car from accidental bumps, but the top pool noodle is also a bit of cushion for your knees/thighs when using it. Uncomfortable without it.

The vinyl cover on the top cushion Is kind of cheap, mine is ripped up with some duct tape holding it together.

I also never use the tool pouch, and it sometimes gets in the way. Maybe I should take that pouch off.

 

[kythri]

Thanks for the additional feedback!

I like the idea of the 3-700 for the extra height, as I'm often working on lifted vehicles, but I really like the base/footprint of the 3-100 over the other.