Forum Discussion

5thwheeleroldma's avatar
5thwheeleroldma
Explorer
Mar 22, 2014

Jack Points on 5th Wheel?

Does anyone really jack up their wheels by the frame? I tried that once and had so many blocks stacked up under the jack, plus you have to have two jacks, that it was really shaky and dangerous.

I guess they are afraid you will damage the axle tube, but that is what I have ended up doing. I put a bottle jack close to where the U-bolt attaches to the axle and jack there. I know it is not recommended, but I think you will eventually kill yourself trying to jack up the frame.

I suspect the axle people are just covering their donkeys. Any brilliant ideas out there? I used to be an engineer; why not just manufacture the axle with a flat plate (for jack) welded on close to the U-bolt location on each side of the axle?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 22, 2014
    To change a tire you always place a Jack under the spring perch. To lift the entire trailer you need several Jack stands on each side.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 22, 2014
    Yep, I put the jack under the spring perch also. I do believe the warning not to jack on the axle is just a CYA so people don't try jacking at an unsupported part of the axle, and bending it.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2014
    fj12ryder wrote:
    Yep, I put the jack under the spring perch also. I do believe the warning not to jack on the axle is just a CYA so people don't try jacking at an unsupported part of the axle, and bending it.


    Yeah, I can see people doing something like that. I mean, hey, I've got a 10 ton bottle jack, the TT only weighs 5,000 lbs fully loaded, all I need to do is put the jack smack in the middle, I can pick up the whole thing at once, right? What can possibly go wrong???

    Seriously, somewhere, somewhere there is somebody dumb enough to try it.
  • Randu's avatar
    Randu
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2014
    Only by the frame for last 10 years. MFG recommendation's on last 3 trailers I have owned. 2 jacks if removing both wheels for bearing or brake work, 1 if just pulling 1 wheel. Randu
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Mar 22, 2014
    naturist wrote:
    fj12ryder wrote:
    Yep, I put the jack under the spring perch also. I do believe the warning not to jack on the axle is just a CYA so people don't try jacking at an unsupported part of the axle, and bending it.


    Yeah, I can see people doing something like that. I mean, hey, I've got a 10 ton bottle jack, the TT only weighs 5,000 lbs fully loaded, all I need to do is put the jack smack in the middle, I can pick up the whole thing at once, right? What can possibly go wrong???

    Seriously, somewhere, somewhere there is somebody dumb enough to try it.


    100% correct! That is why products now days have so many warning labels, you can bet every is based on a law suit brought against the manufacture be it won or lost!!!

    It the total lack of common sence, too many don't think before they act.
  • Jerry_B's avatar
    Jerry_B
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2014
    My bottle jack is too tall to jack under the spring, so I jack on the axle right next to the spring. No problem.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2014
    For wheel changing and bearing service, I place bottle jack with block of wood under the axle at the spring u bolt location. Plenty strong. I like to have trailer hitched to truck with Ebrake engaged and chocks on opposite trailer wheels for added stability.

    If I am doing anything major I will jack at frame using 6x6 blocks and support with jack stands.
  • wrgrs50s's avatar
    wrgrs50s
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2014
    I agree with "therink", under spring hanger and hooked to truck.
  • mileshuff's avatar
    mileshuff
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2014
    I use a ramp to roll up one tire while I work on the other. Quick and easy and no jacking required.

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