How to Jack Up Dual Axle Travel Trailer: Essential Tips for a Smooth Experience
What To Know
- Whether you’re changing a tire, performing maintenance, or simply need to level your trailer, understanding the proper techniques ensures a safe and efficient process.
- Once the trailer is lifted high enough, place the jack stands under the frame, near the jacking points.
- Ensure the stands are securely positioned and that the trailer is resting on the stands before lowering the jack.
Learning how to jack up your dual axle travel trailer is a crucial skill for any RV owner. Whether you’re changing a tire, performing maintenance, or simply need to level your trailer, understanding the proper techniques ensures a safe and efficient process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to handle any situation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before you embark on your jacking adventure, ensure you have the following tools and equipment readily available:
- Jack: A heavy-duty jack specifically designed for travel trailers. Choose a jack with a lifting capacity exceeding the weight of your trailer.
- Jack Stands: These are essential for supporting the trailer while it’s lifted. Ensure you have enough stands to support both axles.
- Chocks: Place chocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Leveling Blocks: If you’re using the jack to level your trailer, have leveling blocks handy to adjust the height.
- Wrench: A wrench is necessary for tightening and loosening the lug nuts when changing a tire.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
Choosing the Right Jacking Points
The location of your jacking points is crucial for stability and safety. Most dual axle travel trailers have designated jacking points located on the frame. These points are typically marked with a symbol or a raised area on the frame.
Here’s how to identify the jacking points:
- Consult your owner’s manual: The manual will clearly indicate the jacking points for your specific trailer model.
- Visual inspection: Look for raised areas or markings on the frame, usually near the axles.
- Check for manufacturer labels: Some manufacturers place labels on the frame near the jacking points.
Preparing Your Trailer for Lifting
Before you begin jacking up your trailer, ensure the following:
- Park on a level surface: A level surface is essential for stability and safety. If the ground is uneven, use leveling blocks to create a stable foundation.
- Apply the parking brake: Engage the parking brake to prevent the trailer from rolling while you’re working.
- Chock the wheels: Place chocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Disconnect the break-away cable: Ensure the break-away cable is disconnected to prevent the brakes from engaging while the trailer is lifted.
Jacking Up Your Dual Axle Travel Trailer
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of jacking up your dual axle travel trailer:
1. Position the jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point on the frame. Ensure the jack is securely positioned and stable.
2. Begin lifting: Slowly crank the jack handle to lift the trailer. As the trailer lifts, ensure the jack remains stable and not tilting.
3. Place jack stands: Once the trailer is lifted high enough, place the jack stands under the frame, near the jacking points. Ensure the stands are securely positioned and that the trailer is resting on the stands before lowering the jack.
4. Repeat for the other axle: Follow the same procedure to lift the other axle and place jack stands.
Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount when working with heavy machinery. Here are some crucial safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Never work alone: Always have someone assist you in case of an emergency.
- Use proper lifting techniques: Avoid lifting heavy objects alone. Use a jack or other lifting devices to assist with lifting.
- Avoid overloading the jack: Ensure the jack’s lifting capacity exceeds the weight of the trailer.
- Inspect the jack regularly: Check for any signs of wear or damage before using the jack.
- Keep clear of the jacking points: Avoid standing under the trailer while it’s being lifted.
Lowering Your Travel Trailer
Once you’ve completed your work, it’s time to lower the trailer safely:
1. Remove the jack stands: Carefully remove the jack stands from under the trailer.
2. Lower the trailer slowly: Use the jack to lower the trailer, ensuring a slow and controlled descent.
3. Reconnect the break-away cable: Reconnect the break-away cable after the trailer is fully lowered.
4. Remove the chocks: Remove the chocks from behind the wheels.
5. Check for stability: Ensure the trailer is stable and level before driving away.
Handling Common Jacking Challenges
While jacking up a dual axle travel trailer is generally straightforward, you may encounter some challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Uneven ground: If the ground is uneven, use leveling blocks to create a stable foundation before jacking up the trailer.
- Jacking point access: Some jacking points may be difficult to access. Use a jack extension or a block of wood to create a stable platform for the jack.
- Slippery ground: If the ground is slippery, use a piece of plywood or a rubber mat under the jack to provide a stable base.
Leveling Your Travel Trailer
If you’re using the jack to level your trailer, follow these steps:
1. Use a level: Place a level on the floor of the trailer to determine the direction of the tilt.
2. Adjust the jack: Use the jack to raise or lower the trailer until it’s level.
3. Use leveling blocks: Use leveling blocks to adjust the height of the trailer until it’s perfectly level.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips
- Invest in a quality jack: A good quality jack will make the job easier and safer.
- Practice makes perfect: Practice jacking up your trailer a few times before you need to do it in an emergency.
- Keep a record of the jacking point locations: Mark the jacking points on your trailer so you can easily find them in the future.
- Consult your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual will provide specific instructions for your trailer model.
Time to Take Flight: Your Dual Axle Travel Trailer Awaits
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently jack up your dual axle travel trailer, you’re ready to tackle any maintenance or repair tasks. Remember to prioritize safety, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Happy travels!
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the best type of jack for a dual axle travel trailer?
A: A heavy-duty hydraulic jack designed for travel trailers is the best choice. Look for a jack with a lifting capacity exceeding the weight of your trailer.
Q: How often should I check my jacking points?
A: It’s a good idea to check your jacking points regularly for signs of wear or damage, especially after off-road travel.
Q: Can I use a car jack to lift my travel trailer?
A: It is not recommended to use a car jack to lift a travel trailer. Car jacks are not designed for the weight and stability required for lifting a travel trailer.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find the jacking points on my trailer?
A: If you can’t find the jacking points, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
Q: Is it safe to jack up my trailer on uneven ground?
A: It is not safe to jack up your trailer on uneven ground. Use leveling blocks to create a stable foundation before jacking up the trailer.