2005 Teton Grand 5th wheel front landing gear problems

[CWRVER]

Hi,
I'm working on a 2005 Teton Grand. It has front landing gear problems. I will need to check the front landing gear and possibly remove one of the hydraulic cylinders to make the repair. The front section of the trailer will need to be jacked up and supported in order to make the repairs. I will NOT be using the 5th wheel hitch on a truck for support.

I've searched under this trailer and can not locate the twin I beams, I've read about, that Teton supposedly has that supports the entire weight of the trailer. All I can see are the 2"x2" steel, floor framing members that definitely will not provide adequate support. If anyone out there knows, please lead me in the right direction as to where the support beams are located and where the best place would be to position the heavy duty jacks to support this trailer while it is being worked on.

[AUWing]

Start further back near the axles looking for the I-beams the follow the forward. Must be something there. Cribbing under the Frame forward of the axle should do what you need

[CWRVER]

hone eagle wrote:
Shot in the dark -did not Teton 'drop' the front frame (sub frame?) for more storage ,maybe the I beam is above the 2" cross members?

Thank you to everyone that has offered their suggestions and tips.
I believe this is the case that Teton incorporated a drop in the front frame for more storage, since the storage is directly above the 2" cross members and the I beam could not be located after the belly cover had been removed.

I think cribbing under the 5th wheel pin with material that will take the load, will probably be the method I'll use to lift the trailer. Along with making it a point to make sure the wheels are secured to prevent them from moving while raising and lowering the trailer.

Thanks again!!!!

[Luke_Porter]

Teton used Alfa's Z frame. The frame didn't drop till aft of the storage area. So any support would be under the frame in the overhang area.

Unless you have a lot of big wood, not a good idea. There are pin supports available. Why can't you use a pickup?

[Veebyes]

Cinderblocks/concrete blocks, the material we build houses out of. With weight properly distributed they can take the weight no problem. Assuming you are on fairly solid ground, blocks stacked & tied ontop of boards on the ground to distribute weight & bottle jack ontop of 2" thick boards ontop of the stack will take the weight no problem.

I lift the boat pictured under the keel, less than 2" wide, by bow or stern. The boat weighs about 17,000#.

With the right tools & a plan you should be able to lift safely. The biggest challenge is doing what has not been done before. Got my experience from handling boats on land, transfereing from trailers to blocks many times. Once you get past the first time it is a breeze.

[hone_eagle]

Shot in the dark -did not Teton 'drop' the front frame (sub frame?) for more storage ,maybe the I beam is above the 2" cross members?

[45Ricochet]

Veebyes wrote:
Trying to understand what you are needing to do. I do not have hydraulic jacks but I have removed the legs on mine a few times so lifting is nothing new to me.

If you don't have a truck to use at all build cribbing under the pinbox & use a bottle jack to lift the front that way. Concrete block, not singles, with weight distributed with wood will do it. You won't need much lift distance to take the weight. Be sure the wheels are blocked. Don't want any moving surprises.

After the weight is transfered you are free to do whatever with the leg.

For the boat stands look in www.defender.com All kinds of other good RV stuff on that site too.

Well what exactly to you mean by " concrete blocks"? Surly not cinder blocks right? That Teton must have at least 2K lbs on each leg.
Anyway I'd use wood crib blocks like 8x8 inches.
And look harder OP, that I beam is close to your landing gear legs, I guaranty it :W
Not much help here but my legs are outboard of the frame and I'm pretty sure yours is the same.
Again if you drop the bottom skirting and can't see the I Beam it's not worth fixing :W
Again Good Luck and be safe!

[Veebyes]

Trying to understand what you are needing to do. I do not have hydraulic jacks but I have removed the legs on mine a few times so lifting is nothing new to me.

If you don't have a truck to use at all build cribbing under the pinbox & use a bottle jack to lift the front that way. Concrete block, not singles, with weight distributed with wood will do it. You won't need much lift distance to take the weight. Be sure the wheels are blocked. Don't want any moving surprises.

After the weight is transfered you are free to do whatever with the leg.

For the boat stands look in www.defender.com All kinds of other good RV stuff on that site too.

[j2catfish]

Go to "Tetoners.org" and ask there. You will have to register but there are several Teton Homes experts there that may have an answer for you. (one member is a former Teton Homes factory guy). Hope this helps.
Catfish

[CWRVER]

Veebyes wrote:
Leave it on the truck or, if you need the truck, block it under the pinbox.

Don't know where are but if you are near a boatyard you could borrow or buy an adjustable boatstand such as the one shown here. They are available in various height ranges.

Hi,
Thanks for your suggestion. In my post I stated I did not have the truck. I tried going to your link, but got an error message. I was thinking of trying to support it under the pinbox as well. However I would need to jack the trailer up high enough first prior to putting any support under the pinbox. That's my dilemma. The trailer must have heavy beams under it to support its heavy weight. Just don't know where they are. Plus, trying to jack under the pinbox and then placing supports under it could be pretty risky.
Any other suggestions?

[CWRVER]

45Ricochet wrote:
Nice RV, I came really close to getting one before we switched at the last minute for the one in my sig.
Anyway have you pulled down the underbelly cover and looked? I can't see mine either normally but you can remove a couple of screws on the outside to locate the I beams.
Good luck and be careful. I'd crib block it also.

Thanks for your suggestion. Yes I had already pulled down the underbelly, that is how I was able to see the floor support members (2"x2"). No I beams could be seen. I have a 38' NuWa Hitchhiker, Champagne 5th. wheel trailer and the I beams are very easy to locate.

[Veebyes]

Leave it on the truck or, if you need the truck, block it under the pinbox.

Don't know where are but if you are near a boatyard you could borrow or buy an adjustable boatstand such as the one shown here. They are available in various height ranges.

[45Ricochet]

Nice RV, I came really close to getting one before we switched at the last minute for the one in my sig.
Anyway have you pulled down the underbelly cover and looked? I can't see mine either normally but you can remove a couple of screws on the outside to locate the I beams.
Good luck and be careful. I'd crib block it also.