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TheFrailer's avatar
TheFrailer
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017

Jacking up a 5th wheel

It's time for me to do maintenance on our 2003 Trail lite 5th wheel. It has tandem Dexter axles. I'd really like to be able to lift the entire trailer so that I can do all the wheel maintenance at once (and possibly live in it while this is going on... we are full timers).

Can anyone point me in the direction of how such things are done? I'm specifically looking for blocking strategies. How many sets? Where?

I'm figuring the landing legs for one side and a bottle jack to lift the axle's off the ground?

Just starting to research how to go about this. Would like to know how to lift this trailer without damaging it.

Thanks in advance for your input!

13 Replies

  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Well take your time and build up some "cribbing" to support, I have used 2X4's cut into 1' lengths. Many make the wood lengths 18", I have found the 12" stable enough.
    I actually jack at the equalizer between the wheels, and place cribbing under the jack as the 5er get higher. While the landing gear will support the front, I placed a 3 ton jack stand under each. I also DON'T connect the 5er to the truck, on the 12" cribbing I can put a hard shoulder to the ends of the 5er and it doesn't move.







  • Ony one comment. The small head on a bottle jack if placed directly on the axle could collapse the thin wall tubing used.
  • Hook to truck. Raise legs. Put jack under frame in front of front axle. Jack up until both sets of tires on same same are off the ground. If temporary, place weight rated jack stands under frame before and after each axle. If long term, make some cribbing or use cement blocks or 2'x8"x8"blocks of wood IPO cement ones in same area. Repeat for other side. Make sure you are level side to side 1st. Once done in back, lower front legs, unhook and level front to rear.