Using Leveling Jacks to Change a Tire?

[bowler1]

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

[buc1980]

Sorry I was thinking at the scissor jacks I miss read the original post.

[Cummins12V98]

buc1980 wrote:
The jacks are not made to pick up.Why don't you buy a bottle jack and pick it up.That the safest way to change a tire.

Personally think the TrailerAid is the safest/easiest method. Nothing wrong with using the 6 point system either!

[Cummins12V98]

"I am more curious about your reason for lifting the RV. If your RV is new enough to have the 6 point Level Up system, doesn't it have self adjusting brakes??? "

There are slide bolts and mating surfaces on disk brakes that need regular maintenance. Same for packing wheel bearings.

[Cummins12V98]

ford truck guy wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MarkTwain wrote:
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.

TrailerAid Plus works GREAT!!! I now have 6 point leveling. Depending on conditions I may still use the TrailerAid. General maintenance I simply place in manual mode and raise one side at a time. I have raised one side just enough or both off the ground.

Have you tried using that with the IS ?? I did, and could not get enough height.. I did not have any boards to place under it to get it higher though, Since the IS has 5-1/2" of travel..

I have not tried it. I probably should try it so i know what I would need. I have several wood blocks so it should not be a problem.

[ChuckSteed]

My Alpine is 2014 with six point hydraulic level up.. I’ve used it each year to lift tires off gro7nd and remove wheel and tire for breaking inspection, grease, and brake adjust..

The system can more than easily handle the weight.

The smartest way is to place a couple of blocks 7nder the pads on side you want to lift off ground. Then use manual mode and lift one tire at a t8me for removal.

By using blocks under the pads before do8ng this you LIMIT the amount of extension of the hydraulic piston mak8ng the whole th8ng more stable with less side load stresses on the LG and less likelihood of bending anyth8ng..

I’ve als9 used a bottle jack or floor jack under the spring hanger but now just use the level up for all my tire, wheel, and brake work..

[djousma]

buc1980 wrote:
The jacks are not made to pick up.Why don't you buy a bottle jack and pick it up.That the safest way to change a tire.

That was true back in the day of scissor jacks and such. Levelup is entirely different story.

[ACZL]

buc1980 wrote:
The jacks are not made to pick up.Why don't you buy a bottle jack and pick it up.That the safest way to change a tire.

If the jacks are not made to pick up as you mentioned, then why are they even offered then? When they level a trailer, it's quite possible that one side's tires could be totally off the ground to make it level. Front legs support front of RV w/ no problem. Front legs on semi trailers hold up a whole lot more weight than what are RV's weigh

[buc1980]

The jacks are not made to pick up.Why don't you buy a bottle jack and pick it up.That the safest way to change a tire.

[dedmiston]

You can also drive up onto leveling blocks. I've done that plenty of times.

Most of my flats have been in the boondocks. The easiest way to change the flat is to dig a hole in front of the flat wheel and put leveling blocks in front of the good one. Then loosen up the lugs and pull up onto the leveling blocks. The flat will dangle over the hole and it's really easy to change.

[Carl_n_Susan]

The previous posts have all the right info. Jacks are more than strong enough, Slides in, hooked to truck, raise each side enough to get the wheel clear of the ground, and employ jack stands for insurance. The system will not allow the RV to have too much of an angle, so you may have lift one side and then the other to even out.

I am more curious about your reason for lifting the RV. If your RV is new enough to have the 6 point Level Up system, doesn't it have self adjusting brakes???

[Lantley]

In a pinch I may use auto level to change a tire but in general I will use a trailer aide or bottle jack.
If I am camping and end up with wheel off the ground, I will place/force blocks under the wheels to carry the weight. I do not want all of the weight supported by just a jack

[MarkTwain]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MarkTwain wrote:
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.

TrailerAid Plus works GREAT!!! I now have 6 point leveling. Depending on conditions I may still use the TrailerAid. General maintenance I simply place in manual mode and raise one side at a time. I have raised one side just enough or both off the ground.

X2!!! Iike your adding additional boards under the Trailer Aide to get a little more height:)

[ford_truck_guy]

I now use the 6 point hydraulic system without hesitation.. I have camped at a place or 2 that had my one side wheels off the ground for a day or 2 so I figure a tire change wont hurt.. I hook up to the truck, and USE ALL 6 lifting points...



It sure makes maintenance easier . .

[ford_truck_guy]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MarkTwain wrote:
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.

TrailerAid Plus works GREAT!!! I now have 6 point leveling. Depending on conditions I may still use the TrailerAid. General maintenance I simply place in manual mode and raise one side at a time. I have raised one side just enough or both off the ground.

Have you tried using that with the IS ?? I did, and could not get enough height.. I did not have any boards to place under it to get it higher though, Since the IS has 5-1/2" of travel..