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How To Jack Up A Travel Trailer For Maintenance

Published on December 29th, 2022 by Dave Helgeson

How Do You Jack Up A Travel Trailer?

Every RV owner should know how to jack up a travel trailer so they can be ready to perform maintenance or unplanned repairs to the brakes, tires, or wheels. It is also important to know because damage to the axles or personal injury can occur if done improperly. Unfortunately, there is not always an easy answer to this.

Can you jack up a trailer by the axle?

Jacking a travel trailer up by the axles is the first inclination of most RVers. But is it the right method?

Most manufacturers instruct you to not jack up a travel trailer by the axle, as doing so can damage the axle. Most owner’s manuals state to only jack up the trailer via the frame.

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“Position a hydraulic jack under the frame close to the spring hanger . . . Never attempt to use the stabilizing jack to lift the unit.” – Keystone RV manual

What if your travel trailer has an enclosed underbelly that prevents easy access to the frame, thus hindering the ability to see where it is located? A few manufacturers, like Airstream, affix a plate to the underbelly that indicates where to place the head of the jack.

Other RVers whose rigs have an enclosed underbelly are left wondering what their options are on how to jack up a travel trailer. Do they try to find the frame through the underbelly material and risk damaging the underbelly, or do they revert to lifting from the axles?

If you have torsion axles, one good place to find a suitable jack location on the frame of a travel trailer with an enclosed underbelly is between the axles.

Pros and cons of jacking up a trailer by the axle

The main reason manufacturers do not want RV owners jacking up the trailer via the axles is the risk of damaging the axle, if done improperly. Jacking up a trailer towards the middle of the axle can cause it to bend.

If they are unable to jack up a trailer via the frame, most RV shops and owners will position the jack under the plate where the U-bolts connect to the axle. If this is not possible, they will position the jack on the axle as close to the wheel as possible.

One advantage of jacking the trailer up by the axle is that you won’t need to lift the trailer as high to get the tire off the ground.

Important safety measures

Before jacking, ensure the trailer is on a relatively level and hard surface. Chock the tires that won’t be lifted.

Once lifted, always use ANSI-certified jack stands to support the weight of the trailer. Be sure the jack has a rating exceeding the weight you will be placing on it. Never use RV stack jacks.     

As noted above: Never use the factory-installed stabilizing jacks to lift the trailer.

When lifting single or tandem trailers with exposed frames, lift from behind the rear axle. This will provide better stability, as most of the weight of the trailer will be between the jack and the tongue jack. Consider using two jacks, one in front and one rear of the axles, on larger trailers.

Avoid lifting both sides of the trailer off the ground at the same time. For stability, raise one side, perform the required maintenance, then lower back to the ground. Then proceed to the other side.

For added stability, leave the travel trailer attached to the tow vehicle with the tow vehicle parking brake set, with the transmission in park and the tongue jack of the trailer down. Remove the ignition key from the tow vehicle for added safety.

Avoid using wood block(s) between the jack and the trailer frame/axle.

If your tandem axle travel trailer has torsion axles, you can skip using a jack to lift up just one tire of your trailer. By pulling/backing a tire of your trailer onto a Trailer Aid or tall block, the adjacent tire will come off the ground. This will allow you to service the tire, wheel, or brake assembly.

Track your RV maintenance

How to jack up a travel trailer for maintenance has many potential answers, based on the features of your trailer. The best answer is by the frame whenever possible. But if this is not possible, you will have to use your judgement on the next best option.

If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or RV dealer that deals in your brand of trailer. Whatever method you choose, keep safety in mind first.

Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance . Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs.

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Complete Guide on How to Jack Up a Travel Trailer in 4 Steps

Often, jacking up the travel trailer is necessary to look at specific areas or troubleshoot issues with it. For example, I had to jack up mine last week to change its flat tires and it only took me about fifteen minutes to do it on my own. 

So how do you jack up a travel trailer so quickly? I found Jacking up the trailer at its backing plate using a hydraulic bottle jack to be the best approach from my research online and some hands-on experience. However, additional factors should be taken into account as well.

If you need to jack up a travel trailer but have never done it before, here’s a simple step-by-step guide based on my own experience.

Why Jacking Up at the Backing Plate Instead of the Axle?

The backing plate is where the travel trailer’s brakes are located. It’s also where the jacks for the tongue of the trailer are typically located.

You’ll want to jack up your trailer at the backing plate for several reasons. For one, it helps distribute the weight more evenly and takes some pressure off the axle. 

Source: https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f88/how-to-jack-up-trailer-17027.html  

It’s also helpful to jack up the trailer at the backing plate for making adjustments to the brakes or attach/detach the tongue. Besides, it helps to have the trailer consistently level when working on it, and jacking it up at the backing plate will help achieve this.

This also makes it safer than jacking it up at the axle, which some prefer. Taking one example, one of my camping buddies once tried the axle to change a tire and ended up shattering the beams, which wasn’t fun at all.

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How to Jack Up a Travel Trailer in Four Steps

As mentioned, a bottle jack is going to be your best friend for this task because of its excellent weight distribution capabilities. Apart from that, there are a few more tools you’ll need.

Tools Needed

• A set of wheel chocks: Using these will help keep your trailer from rolling while you’re jacking it up. You can find them at any hardware or automotive store.
• A jack stand: You’ll need this to support the trailer once it’s jacked up. You may want to use a few wood blocks instead, but that may slip and cause the trailer to fall.
• Extensions: Travel trailers are usually 15-25 inches above the ground, so you may need an extension for the bottle jack to reach it for achieving the correct height.
• Jack pads: You may also want to use a flat or round jack pad when levitating your trailer’s suspension or gripping the frame beneath the trailer for preventing any damage.

Once you have all these tools, jacking up a travel trailer is a four-step process. For the following procedure, I used a 22-inch hydraulic bottle jack for my travel trailer, which is about 19 feet long. However, you can use a smaller one if your trailer is closer to the ground.

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Step One: Park Your Trailer on a Flat Surface

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If your trailer isn’t parked on a level surface, it may topple over while jacking, which could cause serious injury. Also, use the wheel chocks on both sides of the trailer’s wheels to keep it from moving after parking it well.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfn-m9WHeRM  

Step Two: Place the Bottle Jack Under the Backing Plate

We now place the bottle jack under the backing plate of the trailer. You’ll want to make sure that it’s centered and as close to the axle as possible. As I figured out the hard way, if it’s too close to the edge, the trailer may tip over.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfn-m9WHeRM

After securing it to the jack stand, tighten the extension plugs to fix the jack height. A flat or round jack pad should be placed on the jack’s top.

Step Three: Jack Up the Trailer

Once the bottle jack is in place, start jacking up the trailer until the desired height is achieved. You can now place the other jack stands under the frame or suspension to support it.

If you’re only jacking up one side of the trailer, make sure to jack it up high enough so that the other side is also lifted off the ground. This will help distribute the weight more evenly and prevent any damage to the frame.

Step Four: Lower the Trailer

Once you’re finished working on the trailer, it’s time to lower it back down. Start by removing the jack stands from under the frame or suspension. After that, slowly lower the trailer back down to the ground by releasing the pressure on the bottle jack.

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully jacked up your travel trailer.

Read Also: Why 15 Amp Fuse Keeps Blowing In Rv: How to Fix it?

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, I have answered a few frequently asked questions regarding jacking up a travel trailer.

Why use a bottle jack to jack up a travel trailer?

A bottle jack is more stable than a floor jack and it can distribute the weight more evenly. Plus, it can reach higher heights and can be placed closer to the axle, where the trailer’s weight is concentrated, contributing to its ease of use. Besides, hydraulic bottle jacks require much less energy. 

What size jack should I use for my travel trailer?

The size of the jack will depend on the length and weight of your trailer. For example, I used a 22-inch bottle jack for my travel trailer, which is about 19 feet long and weighs around 5,000 pounds. In general, you’ll want to use a bottle jack that can lift at least half of the trailer’s weight.

Can I use a floor jack to jack up my travel trailer?

You can. Just make sure that the jack is rated for the weight of your trailer and that it can reach the height you need. Besides, take note that a floor jack is not as stable as a bottle jack , so you’ll need to be extra careful and use additional support when using it.

Can I use a scissor jack to jack up my travel trailer?

Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Scissor jacks are far less stable because of their smaller base. Plus, they can’t reach as high as bottle jacks, which means you won’t be able to place jack stands under the frame or suspension.

Is it safe to jack up a travel trailer by its axle?

Mostly not. The axle is not as strong as the frame, so jacking up a travel trailer by its axle can cause it to bend. Or worse, it can crack the beams and tip the trailer over. If you must jack up the axle, use multiple jack pads to distribute the weight evenly and prevent any damage.

Read Also: What Is Fullway Termination Valve: And Where Is It Located?

As you can see, jacking up a travel trailer is easier than it may seem. Anyone can do it with the right tools and a little know-how. 

And hopefully, this quick guide will stand you in good stead should you ever need to do something similar to your own travel trailer.

On a final note, remember to always use caution when working with tools and heavy machinery, and always have someone around to help you in case something goes wrong.

Read Also: When To Use The Check Valve, Before Or After Pump? Find Out!

Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.

Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.

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How to Jack Up a Trailer For Maintenance or Repair

• Description

It’s likely that at some point in your RV ownership you’ll have to jack up your trailer. Whether for preventive maintenance or emergency roadside repair, the odds are slim that you won’t need to pull out the jack at least once . So, to help prepare you to complete the process like a professional whenever the need might arise, Carol Jackson of RV Inspection Specialists teaches you how to jack up a trailer safely and properly.

She demonstrates the step-by-step jacking procedure on a low-riding Shasta in preparation of removing the rear tire to check the brakes. Follow along and take notes if necessary!

How to jack up a trailer: what you need

To conduct a proper trailer jacking, you will of course need a jack. Depending on your vehicle, you can use a rolling jack or a bottle jack. Carol recommends using a rolling jack if you’re just learning how to jack up a trailer, because it’s a bit more intuitive and easier to maneuver.

You’ll also need two jack stands that are heavy enough to support your trailer. If your vehicle is low-riding like this Shasta, you’ll want to have jack stands of varying heights, with the taller one closest to the rear of the vehicle. When buying stands, it’s very important that you know your trailer’s gross vehicle weight and the lifting ability of the stands. Also, you should never use any stabilizers or levelers that come equipped with your trailer, as they’re not intended to lift the trailer off the ground.

First things first when learning how to jack up a trailer: ensure the vehicle is on a fairly level and hard surface. If you must stop for emergency roadside repair and the ground is soft or slanted or both, you can use parking devices such as Trailer Aid to keep the wheels locked. Make sure to leave your tow vehicle attached and its emergency brake activated and wheels chocked. Turn off the tow vehicle and remove keys; you never want a family member or friend to unknowingly start driving while you are under or behind the trailer performing maintenance.

Next, chock the trailer wheels on the side opposite that which you intend to jack. Place the jack under the frame just behind the rear axle (never on the axle itself or any of the vehicle’s suspension components). If you intend to use wood to further lift the jack, make sure to only use one piece securely bolted to the jack; or find a jack and stands that are guaranteed to lift your vehicle high enough to perform maintenance. Do NOT place wood between the jack and the frame, as this setup is too unstable.

After knowing what to do and not to do — a crucial component of knowing how to jack up a trailer — you can go ahead and lift the jack. When the trailer is lifted high enough to place the stands securely into place, lower the jack so the vehicle rests on the stands. And you should be good! Complete your maintenance or repair, and work in reverse to get the wheels back on the ground. Last but not least: if you’re removing the wheels like Carol plans to, be sure to follow your manual’s instructions for proper torquing.

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Home » Guides » How To Jack Up A Travel Trailer: The Ultimate Guide

How To Jack Up A Travel Trailer: The Ultimate Guide

• Last Updated: Jun 24, 2024

Do you have a travel trailer that you use for camping trips? If so, it’s essential to know how to jack it up properly to avoid damage. This guide will walk you through the process of safely jacking up your travel trailer. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right jack to using proper safety precautions. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to jack up your travel trailer quickly!

Choosing The Right Jack

The first step in jacking up your travel trailer is to choose the right jack . Two main types of jacks can be used for this process: scissors and electric tongue jacks. Scissor jacks are the most common type of jack used for travel trailers. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Electric tongue jacks are also popular, although they are more expensive. The trailer’s weight will also play a role in choosing the right jack. If your trailer is on the heavier side, you may want to opt for an electric tongue jack.

Both types of jacks will get the job done, so it’s a matter of personal preference. A dual axle travel trailer and tandem axle travel trailer will require two jacks, one for each axle tube . If your flat tire is on the front of the trailer, you’ll only need to jack up the front axle.

Types Of Commonly Used Jacks

Once you’ve chosen the type of jack you want to use, it’s time to select the specific model. For scissor jacks, there are two common types: manual and automatic. Manual scissor jacks require you to crank a handle to raise or lower the trailer. Mechanical scissor jacks have a built-in motor that does the work for you. Electric tongue jacks also come in both manual and automatic models.

Using Proper Safety Precautions

Once you’ve chosen the right jack, taking some safety precautions is essential before beginning the process. First, make sure that your travel trailer is parked on level ground. If it’s not, the trailer could become unbalanced and topple over while you’re jacking it up.

Also, set the parking brake on the trailer before beginning. This will help to prevent it from rolling while you’re working. Tow vehicle safety chains should also be attached to the trailer’s frame before jacking it up. A trailer aid can also be used in place of a jack. These chains will help to keep the trailer from moving if the jack should fail.

Tools and Equipment You May Require

Here are a few tools and pieces of equipment that you may need to jack up your travel trailer:

• Wheel chocks
• A wrench or socket set
• A drill (if using an electric tongue jack )
• A scissor jack or electric tongue jack
• An impact gun (optional)

Jacking Up The Trailer

Once you have the necessary tools and equipment, you’re ready to start jacking up your trailer. Here are the steps to follow:

• Place wheel chocks on both sides of the trailer’s wheels.
• Position the jack underneath the frame of the trailer. If using a scissor jack, make sure that it is placed as close to the center of the trailer as possible. For an electric tongue jack, position it directly under the tongue.
• Begin cranking the jack until it lifts the trailer off of its wheels. Continue cranking until there is enough clearance to place blocks or stands underneath the trailer’s axle(s).
• Once the trailer is securely supported on blocks or stands, lower the jack down and remove it from underneath the trailer.
• Repeat the process on the other side of the trailer.

It would help if you now had a good understanding of how to jack up a travel trailer. Just remember to take your time and use caution, and you’ll be able to do it with ease!

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How to Jack Up A Dual Axle Travel Trailer

If you have a dual axle travel trailer, you will need to jack up both sides of the trailer to change a tire or perform other maintenance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely jack up your dual axle travel trailer:

First, you must find a level spot to park your trailer. Once you have found a level spot, put on the parking brake and chock the wheels. This will help to prevent the trailer from rolling while you are jacking it up.

Next, you will need to determine where to place the jack stands. A good rule of thumb is to put them under the frame near the tires you will be working on. Once you have determined where to put the jack stands, set them.

Now it’s time to start jacking up the trailer. You will want to start by jacking up one side of the trailer at a time. Place the jack under the frame and slowly lift the trailer until the tire is off the ground. Once the tire is off the ground, go ahead and place the jack stand under the frame.

Repeat this process for the other side of the trailer. Once both sides are lifted, you can safely work on changing your tire or performing other necessary maintenance.

Read More >>  How Do You Use Stabilizer Jacks? (5 Easy Steps)

Now that you know how to jack up a travel trailer, here are some frequently asked questions that will help you troubleshoot any issues you may have.

What Are Some Signs That My RV Is Not Level?

If your RV is not level, you may notice your doors sticking, windows not opening or shutting properly, and cabinets falling open. You may also feel like the RV is rocking back and forth when you walk from one side to the other. If your fridge isn’t working properly, that’s another sign that your RV is not level.

How Do I Level My RV If It’s Not Level?

You’ll need to use your RV leveling jacks to raise or lower the trailer until it’s level. You can also use blocks to help level your RV.

What Should I Do If My RV Leveling Jacks Get Stuck?

If your RV leveling jacks get stuck, you can try using a WD-40 lubricant . You can also try tapping the jack with a hammer to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the jack.

Wrapping Up

Jacking up a travel trailer might seem daunting, but it’s pretty simple if you follow these steps. Just be sure to choose the right jack and take some safety precautions before getting started. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be jacking up your trailer like a pro in no time! Thanks for reading.

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