Jack

[Ron in BC]

I don't know. Is this a solution in search of a problem?

As far as not putting a jack under the axle I've always interpreted that to mean under the section between the axle brackets. Under some circumstances I've put a floor jack under the axle brackets.

I always run one wheel up on blocks before removing the other. Think about driving down a rough highway with potholes , there's a good chance for one wheel to be supporting that side of the trailer under impact conditions.

Whatever makes you comfortable but when one wheel is on blocks and the other is removed you're working in a very stable safe situation.

Ron

 

[Centex]

1. It is said that placing a jack under a torsion axle can bend the axle.

Note that's said by Dexter:

"Dexter recommends that you do not jack up the trailer on the suspension components because there is always the potential for damage. Bent hangers, leaf springs, or axle tubes can cause bad axle alignment with bad tire wear resulting. Also, many trailer builders do not use Dexter hangers and we have no idea how strong these hangers may or may not be. Therefore, we take the conservative approach and recommend jacking up only on the trailer frame."​

​

I agree with Ron, the tire / wheel is the design-intended and most stable / risk-free support point for the axle / trailer load, certainly not any part of the axle tube itself.

But hey, whatever makes you comfortable!

 

[Mike G]

I need to adjust my brakes. Trying to decide which way to do it. The "run one wheel up" onto something seems quick and easy, but my past experience makes me cautious. I had a Li'l Hauley (empty Snoozy) with the outboard wheels, and the axle bending was chronic. Later on the new owners of Snoozy extended the frame out farther, to the edge of the body, for better support of the axle (less leverage from the wheels).

I was just out there looking under the trailer and a jack under the bracket (the 'hanger'?), which runs to the frame rail directly above it, does seem like a low-bend-risk way of doing it.

 

[Iowa Dave]

I’ve always jacked under the axle hanger then put in jackstands on the trailer frame and relieved the jack pressure. When you tow over some of the more aggressive speed bumps in some campgrounds I feel that the pressures on the axles are much more severe than slowly jacking the trailer up with a floor jack or running the trailer up on a tapered ramp of whatever composition. YMMV.

Iowa Dave

 

[GinoandLinda]

I’ve always jacked under the axle hanger then put in jackstands on the trailer frame and relieved the jack pressure.

Same here. The axle mounting flanges/hangers are where I place my jack and use jack stands for stability. That way you have access to both wheels (when dealing with a tandem).

 

[brroberts]

When I jack my trailer, depending on the ground, often the other wheel comes up anyway.

 

[MD-Escape]

We got a flat on one of our 5.0 tires this past summer. Didn't even know it was flat until I slowed down for a stop. We used our Camco Trailer-Aid Plus. Easy roll on, roll off. Plenty of height to change the tire. From the picture you'll notice I didn't even get the good tire all the way into the saddle. Much rather use it than a jack if on the side of a highway. Now if *both* tires go flat at the same time...hmmm.

 

[Donna D.]

We got a flat on one of our 5.0 tires this past summer. Didn't even know it was flat until I slowed down for a stop. We used our Camco Trailer-Aid Plus. Easy roll on, roll off. Plenty of height to change the tire. From the picture you'll notice I didn't even get the good tire all the way into the saddle. Much rather use it than a jack if on the side of a highway. Now if *both* tires go flat at the same time...hmmm.

I bought one of those when I first bought Ten Forward. Don't carry it anymore. It's bulky and has one purpose. I figured how often would I use it when traveling. Not often I hope! So it stays home and I purchased an aluminum rapid pump racing jack. Now THAT I can use on both the trailer AND the truck. Ten years later, I still haven't had a flat tire on either. Fingers crossed!

 

[GinoandLinda]

...Ten years later, I still haven't had a flat tire on either. Fingers crossed!

Oy! Don't say stuff like that. You'll jinx yourself.

 

[Ron in BC]

Ten years later, I still haven't had a flat tire on either. Fingers crossed!

Only flat tire that I ever had while towing was in Alaska.

Ron

 

[Rossue2]

We us our Trailer Aid for leveling side to side at times when our Camco ramps are not high enough.

 

[Ron in BC]

The reason I like my 2 x 8 blocks of wood is that they're multi-purpose. I can back up on them, adjust a brake or remove a wheel with no effort, use them for extra height on a real slope where the stabilizers can't reach the ground and use them to make an "impossible" campsite usable.

My "wood blocks" have been hollowed out to reduce weight, have a 3/8" bottom that adds just the right amount of height to be able to remove a wheel. Also a spline cross ways to prevent splitting.

I loved this situation. Best campsite in the otherwise full campground. Private lake shore. Doesn't get any better. But a steep cross slope accessed from the side. Folks around the campfire were expecting a show and some entertainment when I started to back into the site. Lot's of blocks saved the day and ruined their happy hour chatter.

Ron

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

The reason I like my 2 x 8 blocks of wood is that they're multi-purpose. I can back up on them, adjust a brake or remove a wheel with no effort, use them for extra height on a real slope where the stabilizers can't reach the ground and use them to make an "impossible" campsite usable.

My "wood blocks" have been hollowed out to reduce weight, have a 3/8" bottom that adds just the right amount of height to be able to remove a wheel. Also a spline cross ways to prevent splitting.

I loved this situation. Best campsite in the otherwise full campground. Private lake shore. Doesn't get any better. But a steep cross slope accessed from the side. Folks around the campfire were expecting a show and some entertainment when I started to back into the site. Lot's of blocks saved the day and ruined their happy hour chatter.

Ron

Doesn't get much better than that for a waterfront spot.

You even have a place for the paddle shoes. I love a canoe/kayak launch friendly site.

 

[Mike G]

Ron, I swear your storage box looks like you're hauling a chest-type freezer with you.

 

[Ron in BC]

Ron, I swear your storage box looks like you're hauling a chest-type freezer with you.

I agree, not the most flattering angle to photo it. In reality it's not all that large. Purpose built to hold our zero gravity chairs for quick and easy access and light enough to lift with one hand.

Ron