Jacking Up Tandem Axle

[Rossue]

Been having some trouble with one wheel locking and spoke with Glenn at Dexter yesterday. Great conversation and unlike the U-Tube video he suggested turning the star wheel all the way shut instead of just until the tire doesn't want to spin and then backing off 5-7 clicks. Also suggested using a 10" Q-tip to probe for grease. If so means there's contamination then more work to break it down.

When I told him I was using a Trailer Aid ramp, he said he didn't really like them and and went into a story about a broken arm(lost me). He prefers using a jack with jack stands. Dang! That ramp works great, but does it really pose a risk for damage using it?

 

[Rossue]

Seems like I found the answer to my question on Open Roads Forum:

this method (and use of the commercially available Trailer-Aid device) places double the normal static load on the tire, wheel, spring, axle, and spring hangers of the wheel that is run up on the ramp. Some people have been able to do this without damage, however, others have damaged components doing this.

 

[rbryan4]

Thanks. Good info.

 

[Brian B-P]

Every time you go over a bump tall enough that the wheel not on the bump comes off the ground, you have double load on the suspension remaining on the ground. I wouldn't be concerned about this happening (partially because Reace appropriately sized the Torflex suspensions to account for this), but I would be concerned about doing this for an extended period. It's also a reason to not overload the trailer.

I note that the Open Roads Forum post referred to a leaf-spring and beam axle suspension, which may not have been spec'd with as much reserve capacity as Dexter advises for Torflex.