Forum Discussion

bowler1's avatar
bowler1
Explorer
Apr 30, 2018

Using Leveling Jacks to Change a Tire?

Hi,
Can you safely use the leveling jacks to raise the tires on one side of the trailer to change a tire (or in my case so that I can adjust the brakes)? And if so, what is the best way to do this?

I ask because I have my new 5th wheel set up in my driveway and my automatic leveling system set the jacks such that the passenger side wheels on the trailer are a couple of inches off the ground. So I assume I can use the leveling jacks to raise the other side to adjust the brakes on the drivers side.

If this is the case, what would be the best way to do this without putting excess stress on any components?

I assume I would (after putting all the slide outs in) raise the rear jacks such that only the front jacks are down. Then lower the rear jack on the side I want to raise. Then simultaneously lower the front and rear jack on that side until the tires are off the ground a bit.

Or would be be better to start with all four jacks down and then simultaneously lower the front and rear jacks on the side I want to raise.

Or...is it better to start with all 4 jacks down and then continue to lower only one of the jacks on the side you want to raise?

I just don't want to put excess stress on any of the jacks or the frame.

thanks for your help

Matt
  • firemedic1992's avatar
    firemedic1992
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    I’ve jacked up my trailer (40’ toy hauler 5th wheel) with bottle jack to change blown out tire on interstate in Salt Lake City and I’ve used the 6 way hydraulic system to lift the trailer up to remove all 4 tires/wheels to have G rated tires installed. Next time I have a flat I won’t hesitate to use the hydraulic jacks.
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    The Travel aid mentioned may not get you off the ground. I had one w/ old coach---didn't work.

    First off, make sure the slides are all in and I'm assuming like others, you have the 6pt level up. OP said that 2 wheels are already off the ground at his house, so if his coach is level, then IMO the jacks can withstand the weight of the coach being off the ground to do what he wants to do.

    I would make sure as pointed out by AP to make sure you are hooked to truck. To gain extra lift, place some blocks of wood under the jack legs on side you want to raise. On manual mode on touch pad, then hit the buttons for appropriate jacks. Takes me a couple tries to get the right ones. Just need to lift high enough so tires are off the ground. If you are going to remove both tires, PUT WEIGHT VRATED JACK STANDS UNDER THE FRAME ON EACH SIDE OF AXLE. Then your good to go.

    I used this method last year to install wetbolt kit on our coach. Was able to borrow jack stands from work (semi shop), so knew the stands were weight rated enough. If you get a flat tire on the road, can use the level up jacks with blocks of wood in same manner, but don't need the jack stands cuz you are not under the trailer.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    If you were already on level ground, I don't know how you would do it. On my 6 point system I know I can raise the front 2 jacks and auto level. Do you have individual jack control of all 6 jacks?
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    Leveling jacks---
    Go to camping world and buy a "Travel aide". Approx. $60 from my memory. You just roll the RV onto the. Travel Aide and it will raise the tire off the ground enough to change it. Safer and no stress on the frame or hydrolic systems.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Apr 30, 2018
    If it's the 6 point hydralic, probably OK. With the 4 corner stabilizing jacks, you have to worry about a frame not designed to be supported at 4 corners.

    I still might stick a jackstand under as a backup.
  • djousma's avatar
    djousma
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    JIMNLIN wrote:
    The mfg of the product always has the best answer.....or the owners manual maybe ?


    If you are speaking of the hydraulic 6pt level-up system, Manufacturer of the product will say No for liability reasons. I personally wouldn't hesitate to use them for this, and already have. the fact is that the 4 rear jacks are rated to 6K per jack, and the front two are like 11K per jack. Its going to be much safer than any portable bottle jack setup, along the highway to change a tire. Would I be climbing around underneath? No, of course not. Just like in the days of old with the old ratchet style bumper jacks we used to have on our cars, you still have to treat the situation with utmost respect for what might go wrong.

    With that said, I would only lift one side of the trailer off the ground at a time using the manual controls, and probably also have the trailer hitched to the truck, to make sure that the trailer didnt try to move forward or backward at all. You can operate just the left or right side of the jacks by going into manual mode.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Apr 30, 2018
    The mfg of the product always has the best answer.....or the owners manual maybe ?
  • lee_worsdell's avatar
    lee_worsdell
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    I had to do it to change tires. iam sure if you raise it high enough by an inch or 2 isn't going to make a big deal. I have had my tires off the ground for a week at a campsite it was so unlevel

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