Forum Discussion

Wankel7's avatar
Wankel7
Explorer
May 15, 2018

Jacking a single axle torsion axle ...

Searching really didn't reveal good info so I thought I would post asking questions and hopefully providing a resource for other single axle folks...

2016 Palomini 180FB with a Dexter 3,500 lbs single axle Torflex. The RV manual says don't jack from the frame and Dexter says don't jack from the axle. So, I am on my own.

My trailer came with an axle lift from the factory and I was able to slide a 2x4 through it. This serves as the place for my 2 jack stands. I wasn't able to place the jackstands on this metal beam because it was too close to the tire. It sits very nicely in this channel.

I used a small bottle jack to lift the trailer from the bracket that holds the torsion beam to the trailer.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AoCNkn5aOOMYwnf_zA_WIMie7rsP
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AoCNkn5aOOMYwngYeUajIFW0Le0m
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AoCNkn5aOOMYwnncIqEhSnzfFppI

Thoughts?
  • mike-s's avatar
    mike-s
    Explorer
    May 15, 2018
    I don't think there's any problem at all jacking under the axle, as long as it's directly under where it attaches to the frame, like you're doing with the bottle jack. And the frame won't know the difference there.

    You just don't want to jack in the middle of the axle because it can bend the axle and screw up the camber.

    The wheel hub is offset to the outside by about a foot, so you should be able to support by the axle by about the same amount inboard. Just stay as close to the frame as practicable.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    May 15, 2018
    Airstream uses a torsion system on the 16 foot Bambi Sport. It has a 2 inch by 2 inch square piece of metal on 4 locations under the trailer. They mark the spot where the jack is to used.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025