Re: Winter Storage On Jack Stands
I did install scissors jacks on our 19ft trailer, and am very pleased with them.
In another post I described how to install the jacks, but here it is again.
First, each jack has a capacity of 7500 pounds (3.75 tons) considering a dry 19 weighs 2500 pounds there is more than enough capacity to lift the trailer.
The jacks were located immediately behind the stabilizers that came with the trailer, in fact I used the existing bolt through the frame to locate the jacks, this saved a lot of measuring and work, holding the jacks in place, while I drilled the holes to secure the jacks.
I tried to take one of the stabilizer legs off, but this would require some cutting on the welds, so I just left the rest in place.
Each jack weighs in at about 30 pounds, and the cost was roughly $76.00 for each jack. It was about two hours work to install the four jacks.
Each jack has a lift range to twenty four inches, this is enough to lift the trailer wheels several inches off the ground, In fact I did lift the trailer off the ground, including the hitch jack.
I did go on three trips after the installation of the jacks, and at each sight simply got out lifted the trailer up to level it, maximum time spent leveling the trailer, four minutes, with no pads required. On one sight the wheels on the entry side were seven inches off the ground, the trailer was solid.
At this time I must commend Escape Trailers for making an inherently rigid trailer. The design is basically self supporting,resists twisting. The frame really is just there to bolt the axles to.
When you purchase the jacks (Made for trailer installation) all you have to do is drill the required number of holes in the frame, and with a ratchet wrench screw in the supplied self tapping screws.
How I did it is all in my other post.
When up for travel the jacks take up the same space as the stabilizer legs.
Each jack has a 3/4 inch nut on the end, and comes with a flex drive socket to lower them in place.
I did get a moose, and carried it home inside the trailer, I placed a tarp and cardboard on the floor over the axles, and to give you an idea of the condition of the road (Wide line between the trees) and driving as fast as I could, it required five hours to travel one hundred and thirty kilometers.
I have many photos of my travels and the trailer, and if I could ever figure out how to post them I would.
By the way, the caribou have not come down from Alaska, so I guess I will have to put the 19 away for the winter.
Doug
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