Hey guys, got a question. I am replacing my front landing gear box and motor. The 5er is in my driveway and is raised fairly high. I have a sloping drive and I can walk under the pin. I am 5'7". My question is can I remove the motor and gear box without lowering the trailer? Will it fall if I pull those two item? I would like to do this without hooking to the truck if possible. Thanks, John.

What do you think is holding the fiver up? Of course it will fall. Hook up the truck and support and chock very well so the truck and trailer does't move.

You can possibly use a heavy duty jack stand to support trailer inlieu of truck. But you will need to support trailer somehow

On a slope, I would skip the jackstands.....use the truck.

From etrailer.com: Question - "Do you need to place a support jack under trailer before you remove gearbox ? My tube on the gear side did not retract the same amount as the non gearbox side. I suspect gearbox may need replaced."Expert Reply - "If you can level your trailer it is not necessary to add an additional support jack before removing your gearbox. The gearbox turns the screw that activates the jack, but it also has a fail safe that does not allow the jack to drop if the gearbox is removed. In the case you are not able to level your trailer, you will need an additional support jack." All that said, I'm paranoid about being crushed. So, I'd hook it up to my truck for peace of mind.

These front jacks are a screw-type setup and will not fall if you pull the motor and gearbox. The motor and gearbox turn a threaded rod with runs in the matching threaded leg. That is what supports the trailer. JMO, but depending on how heavy your trailer is, you might consider going to a two motor system like the Bulldog legs. That's what I put on our Fuzion and it works so much better than a single motor setup. Plus a side benefit is being able to move the legs independently to allow for uneven ground.

Replacing front landing gear box and motor. | Good Sam Community

Lantley
Nomad
Sep 13, 2021
I agree attached to the truck is foolproof and is ultimately the safest method.
However the truck is in the way and limts my access to the leg.
I don't believe I can raise the front hatch attached to the truck either.
while I agree using the truck is the safest method but it also makes the job more difficult.
On flat ground heavy duty jackstands are safe enough for me.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2021
jdc1 wrote:
On a slope, I would skip the jackstands.....use the truck.

Having removed legs myself more than once or twice & also having the trailer slip, the safest way to remove a leg is to do it on level ground & hooked to the truck.

Transferring weight to stands or blocks of wood is fine however the truck is a fail safe insurance device should something slip. It won't drop far.
laknox
Nomad
Sep 13, 2021
shadows4 wrote:
Hey guys, just wanted to touch base you all. I did change out the gear box and motor and the fiver didn't fall. It turned out to be the switch was bad. Glad I did it myself as now I have a spare gear box and motor. Thanks, for all the replies.
John

Cool! Glad it worked out for you, and thanks for the update!

Lyle
shadows4
Explorer III
Sep 10, 2021
Hey guys, just wanted to touch base you all. I did change out the gear box and motor and the fiver didn't fall. It turned out to be the switch was bad. Glad I did it myself as now I have a spare gear box and motor. Thanks, for all the replies.
John
cummins2014
Explorer
Aug 14, 2021
fj12ryder wrote:
Tyler0215 wrote:
What do you think is holding the fiver up? Of course it will fall. Hook up the truck and support and chock very well so the truck and trailer does't move.
Not true.

I believe a few misunderstood the OP. He's replacing the gear box, and motor, those landing gear legs won't move, unless the motor turns. He said he's on a slope, so I am sure he has it chocked well.

I have worked on the gear box ,and motor more then once never had to do anything with supporting the trailer, as said those landing legs can't go anywhere if the motor is removed from the drive side .
Memphisdoug
Explorer
Aug 14, 2021
Did this exact thing last year. No worries about the trailer falling when removing the motor and gearbox. Easy swap out.
bucky
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2021
I'm thinking I'd move the rig to a level parking lot somewhere before tempting gravity.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2021
Been there. Done that more than a few times.

No need to remove leg if only removing the motor. The leg is not going to collapse.

Removing the leg is another matter. The motor comes off first. Best to stay on the truck for safety. If not, transfer weight onto blocks under the frame before removing anything.é
minnow
Explorer
Aug 07, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM5xof0at94

Tutorial but please use a jack stand.
camperfamily
Explorer
Aug 05, 2021
Having replaced landing gear 3x now I doubt the jacks will allow the trailer to drop with just removing the gearbox and motor. However, in this scenario where your under the front of the trailer I would either hitch to the truck or build up cribbing immediately behind the landing gear under the frame. Each time I've done this I've hitched up. Close quarters but very doable.