Forum Discussion

JCR-1's avatar
JCR-1
Explorer
Feb 02, 2018

Jacking single axle trailer

Everywhere I read that the proper way to jack up a single axle trailer is by using the chassis frame rail. They (manufacturers) and industry never recommend the axle for a jack point even if you use the spring perch. I just wonder why the end of the axle is not the best or even suitable by their recommendations. I believe these axles are cambered and to lift even by the perch may stress the curvature to a negative or flatter arc and may reset the arc unfavorably. ??????
  • If you use a too tall bottle jack , make sure it will fit under your single axle trailer if the tire is flat. I also carry a scissor jack just in case.
  • Friend of mine recently bought a new single axle Lance trailer. They provide instructions for a lift point that is one of the brackets for the dexter tor-flex axle. So at least for Lance, you don't have to jack it up under the frame. In fact it seems like I remember they said not to jack under the frame, but I may be mis-remembering that point ! They use an odd method of building their frames of thin material, with lots of "lightening" holes, bent into shape then huck bolted together.

    I made a "cradle" out of scrap pieces of 2x4 glued and screwed together to lift under my funfinder's axle.

  • I assume your asking about the std leaf spring suspension.
    The reason axle mfg don't recommend jacking under the axle is is folks have no common sense and place the jack toward the center of the axle which can bend (more camber bow) it.

    I've jacked loaded GN equipment trailers with 1750 lb axles on up to 10k lb axles from the bottom of the axle tube next to the U bolt....or the U bolt itself. Doing so will not crush the axle tube or bend anything as all the jack is lifting is just the weight on that end of the axle (2500-3000 lb on a 6k axle).....and not the whole side of the trailer.

    I'm not a fan of any kind of single axle trailer however some of my boat trailers came with one axle. The old jack easilly slides under the axle tube/next to the U bolt and lifts one end of the axle enough to change the flat tire.

    I use a old 12T truckers special that has a adapter that cradles the axle U bolt and one that cradles the axle tube.

    Others do it the way they want.
  • If the axle arc could be altered that easily, it would not be able to handle every day use, such as pot holes, RR track crossing, etc. If just changing tire, I raise near/under spring perch. If using a bottle jack, I put a wood block between. You just need a small lift there, while lifting the frame likely requires cribbing. Now if lifting entire trailer off the ground, I would use frame and cribbing to lift.

    Jerry
  • I use a bottle jack under the spring perch on the axle (I did an axle flip so the springs ride on top now). I don't know what is recommended in my manual but it's never given me any trouble.