Jacking

That equalizer allows more movement. Got them on mine. Safest, simplest jack point for me is the bottom spring of the stack right next to the axel. Lifted wheels many many times with no issues, no slippage.

Boy, if your going to jack on the frame you better do it very near the axel. And, then your going to have to go up a long ways to get the tire far enough off the ground. If you figure the flat tire is down 3 inches from where it would be totally inflated and that you have 3 inches of axel movement you are going to have to raise the frame 8 inches to get the flat tire off the ground far enough to get the new one back on. And, I don't get the drive the other wheel up on a block thing. With my spring axles that are hooked together in the middle that isn't going to accomplish anything.

jrw1550 wrote:
I can only speak for my trailer, a Rockwood HW256 and the manual states to change the tire jack the camper up on the camper frame and never on the axle pr any part of the axle. I am not saying anyone is right or wrong just what mine says.

Ditto on mine.

The Suburban manual says to jack the rear by placing the jack under the rear axle between the spring hanger and shock mount. Leads me to believe that if the axle was strong enough to support a jack it would say so in the manual.

If you have leaf springs (not torsion axles) and if the springs are underslung (mounted below the axle), then I could see where placing a jack under the spring plate would be acceptable. If the springs are mounted over the axle, then you are trying to balance the jac under the U bolts which is not very stable IMO.

Remember that even though the axles do carry the weight of the trailer, jacking the axle means that the entire weight that was on that tire is now focused on a small point at the top of the jack and pressing at one point on the axle. Same reason that a skinny girl can still dent a hardwood floor with high heels.

Know the way the trailers are built, I would jack the axle under any circumstances. I use a hydraulic bottle jack under the frame rail next to the spring hanger with 4x4 cribbing under the jack to help with height.

All manuals say never use a jack under the axle. It's a CYA thing IMO. I'm sure they think someone would put the jack in the wrong spot and bend the axle.
Someone please explain to me what the difference is between the tire driving up on a 1-1/2" driveway bump as opposed to lifting it with a bottle jack at the spring perch.
Common sense needs to prevail.

I can only speak for my trailer, a Rockwood HW256 and the manual states to change the tire jack the camper up on the camper frame and never on the axle pr any part of the axle. I am not saying anyone is right or wrong just what mine says.

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
Put the jack under the axle where the springs are attached. You will only need to jack up the axle about 1"-1'1/2" to get the tire off the ground.
It's no different than driving over a 1-1/2" bump in the road.

X2, X3, X4, X5 this is the best way to jack for flat replacement! I always carry a bottle jack with me.

Negats on the X2, X3, X4, X5.

Check what your owner's manual says. Then your axle manufacturer.

You have two options:

1. Follow their (mfgr) recommendations. (Jack under the frame).

.......OR......

2. Follow 'suggestions' by folks on an internet forum.
(They know you and your mechanical abilities, don't they?)

Sure, jacking under the spring perch may work OK....and if you cause -or have- a problem the "X" posters will "warranty" their methods, right!?..:h

.

Well way too many post on "Where do I find a manual for my 5er"

Sorry this is a "Common Sense" question. The safest strongest lift point for any trailer axles is directly under the axle spring attachment point.

To read some post on axles and springs many think the first rock in the road will bend your axles like a pretzel.

I don't like the wheel lift, I carry a 12 ton, bottle jack, why 12 ton? More than enough and it has a large base.

A safety note only. If at all possible leave the trailer attached to the TV if at all possible.
Don

rhagfo wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
Put the jack under the axle where the springs are attached. You will only need to jack up the axle about 1"-1'1/2" to get the tire off the ground.
It's no different than driving over a 1-1/2" bump in the road.

X2, X3, X4, X5 this is the best way to jack for flat replacement! I always carry a bottle jack with me.

Negats on the X2, X3, X4, X5.

Check what your owner's manual says. Then your axle manufacturer.

You have two options:

1. Follow their (mfgr) recommendations. (Jack under the frame).

.......OR......

2. Follow 'suggestions' by folks on an internet forum.
(They know you and your mechanical abilities, don't they?)

Sure, jacking under the spring perch may work OK....and if you cause -or have- a problem the "X" posters will "warranty" their methods, right!?..:h

.

goducks10 wrote:

powderman426 wrote:
Assuming its a dual axle trailer, just drive the other wheel onto a couple pieces of wood. Be sure to loosen the lug nuts before lifting. No jack needed.

Not to dispute that idea but I recently read on another forum about a guy that tried that and because his trailer was so heavy it just pushed the springs up and the tire never came off the ground.
That way will work as long as the trailer springs aren't maxed out IMO.

If the spring got pushed up, wouldn't the tire then come off the ground?

B.O.

If you are going to jack it up use a jack stand for safety. DO NOT trust your limbs and life to a jack. Also chocking the other wheels is not a bad idea. As noted above remember to break loose the lugs before jacking. You cannot be too safe! :C