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troy_johnsen's avatar
troy_johnsen
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013

lifting/raising fifth wheel

I have a simple/stupid question. Since I am not supposed to lift my fifth wheel by jacking under the axles, how am I supposed to do it? I want to service my trailer brakes but my jack does not extend far enough to lift under the frame. I'm not very comfortable about using blocks on my jack or some other makeshift combination things. I have fabric covering my entire undercarriage and I don't want to tear it. How do I get these wheels off of the ground properly? I checked for a youtube video but could not find one.

23 Replies

  • Funny thing....the springs are connected to the axles and all the weight of trailer is carried by them axles plus all the bouncing up and down is done right where them springs attache to them axles.........


    Place the jack under the axle were the springs are attached.

    The 'warning' is so some yokel doesn't place the jack under the axle tubes out in the middle, jack his rig up, bend the axles tubes and then complain to MFG. about worn out tires etc.

    Yes I am one of those Internet Bozos that WILL give you advice...based on some common sense, life events, work history & practical experience.

    You just have to decide whether or not to take the advise/suggestions.
  • Thats what I do also I take my leveling boards and stack them 4 high and back one wheel up on it gives me about an inch to work on the other tire stick a jack stand under the frame for piece of mind and get after it.
  • What does your builder tell you about jacking? What does the maker of the axles say?
    They are really the final authority on your rig, not some bunch of Internet Bozo's, like me.

    My self, I used a device I bought for changing tires. Drive up on it and the other tire is in the air.