Best method for jacking up 5er
Recently purchased used 5th wheel (first one) and wanted to jack it up to pull wheels and inspect brakes. I was told by an RV mechanic to leave it hitched and than jack it up. Less strain on 5er frame...
Forum Discussion
op wrote:
Recently purchased used 5th wheel (first one) and wanted to jack it up to pull wheels and inspect brakes.
Jacking the whole trailer till all 4/6 tires come off the ground for service is best left to the pros that have the correct equipment. The heavier the trailer the heavier the equipment to do so.
I have the necessary hyd jacks to lift the trailer from the frame and the necessary wood blocks (RR tires/barn pole timber/etc) for safely cribbing a heavy trailer off the ground for all 4 tire service.
I personally will not lift my GN trailers or rv trailer off the ground for service work with it still hooked to the truck. Keep in mind the truck will do the carrying work to a tire dealer or trailer parts store.
For changing a flat tire on the side of the road on my truck or trailer I have a 12 ton shorty hyd bottle jack that easily slides under the end of the axle tube on a std leaf spring suspension. The jack came with a small short leg U channel welded to the top of the jack to cradle the axle tube so the jack won't slip.
As mentioned this lifts one end of a axle just enough to remove a tire and install the spare.....and not the whole side of a trailer.
Ramps may not work for all trailers depending on length of the suspensions equalizer bar and side links....and torsion axles. Always make a dry run at home to see if your method works and you have the necessary equipment for a small 5-7k trailer or a 22k heavy tub.
