Jacking up an RV trailer is essential for maintenance tasks, tire changes, and leveling on uneven terrain, demanding a careful and informed approach. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to safely and effectively lift your RV trailer, ensuring both your safety and the integrity of your valuable investment.
Understanding the Basics: Why and When to Jack Up Your RV
Before diving into the “how,” let’s establish the “why.” Knowing when and why you need to jack up your RV trailer is just as crucial as knowing how to do it correctly. You might need to lift your RV for several reasons:
- Tire Changes: A flat tire necessitates lifting the affected side to remove and replace the tire.
- Wheel Bearing Maintenance: Accessing and servicing wheel bearings requires lifting the trailer to remove the wheels.
- Brake Repairs: Similar to wheel bearings, brake repairs demand wheel removal and, therefore, jacking.
- Winterization and Storage: Lifting the trailer slightly during long-term storage can help prevent tire flat spots.
- Leveling: On uneven campsite terrain, jacking can supplement leveling blocks for a truly level living space.
- Axle or Suspension Repairs: These more complex repairs invariably require raising the affected area.
Attempting any of these tasks without properly jacking up your RV can be dangerous and lead to damage. So, prioritize safety and preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before attempting to jack up your RV, gather the following tools and equipment. Using the right tools is critical for safety and efficiency.
- RV Jack: This is the most important tool. Choose a jack specifically designed for RVs. Bottle jacks, scissor jacks, and hydraulic jacks are common options. Consider your RV’s weight capacity and the type of terrain you’ll be working on. Always consult your RV’s manual for recommended jack types and weight ratings.
- Jack Stands: Never work under an RV supported only by a jack. Jack stands are essential for safety. Use heavy-duty jack stands rated to support at least the weight of your RV’s axle.
- Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks on the tires opposite the side you’re lifting to prevent the RV from rolling.
- Torque Wrench: For re-tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grease, and sharp edges.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Leveling Blocks: To assist in leveling the trailer once lifted.
- Wood Blocks: For cribbing and extra support, especially on soft ground.
- Lug Wrench: To loosen and tighten lug nuts.
- Owner’s Manual: Contains valuable information about your RV’s jacking points and weight specifications.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Safe RV Jacking
Follow these steps carefully to safely and effectively jack up your RV trailer:
- Choose a Level and Stable Surface: Park your RV on as level and solid a surface as possible. Avoid soft ground, which can cause the jack to sink.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake is fully engaged.
- Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks firmly against the tires on the opposite side of the trailer from where you’ll be jacking.
- Locate the Jacking Points: Consult your RV’s owner’s manual to identify the designated jacking points. These are typically located on the frame near the axles. Incorrect jacking points can damage your RV.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack directly under the jacking point. Use a wooden block between the jack and the frame if necessary to protect the frame and distribute the weight.
- Raise the RV: Slowly and steadily raise the RV using the jack. Avoid jerky movements. Raise it only high enough to accomplish your task.
- Position Jack Stands: Once the RV is raised to the desired height, carefully place jack stands under the frame, near the jacking point. Ensure the jack stands are firmly seated and properly adjusted to support the RV’s weight. Never place jack stands under the axle itself.
- Lower the RV onto the Jack Stands: Slowly lower the RV onto the jack stands. Make sure the jack stands are securely supporting the weight before completely removing the jack.
- Double-Check Stability: Give the RV a gentle shake to ensure it is stable on the jack stands.
- Perform Your Task: Now that the RV is safely supported, you can perform the necessary maintenance or repairs.
- Lowering the RV: When finished, slowly raise the RV with the jack until the jack stands are no longer bearing the weight.
- Remove the Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
- Slowly Lower the RV: Slowly and gently lower the RV back to the ground.
- Remove the Wheel Chocks: Remove the wheel chocks.
- Torque Lug Nuts: If you removed a wheel, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque using a torque wrench. Re-check the torque after a short drive.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
- Never work under an RV supported only by a jack. Jack stands are non-negotiable.
- Always use wheel chocks.
- Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and jacking point locations.
- Ensure the ground is stable and level before jacking.
- Never exceed the weight capacity of your jack or jack stands.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- If unsure, consult a qualified RV technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What type of jack is best for my RV trailer?
The best jack depends on your RV’s weight and your personal preference. Scissor jacks are affordable and compact, but slower. Bottle jacks offer more lifting power but can be less stable. Hydraulic jacks are powerful and easy to use but are also the most expensive. Consider your needs and budget. Consult your RV manual for weight restrictions.
FAQ 2: Where exactly are the jacking points on my RV trailer?
The jacking points are typically located on the RV frame, near the axles. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for the exact locations. Using incorrect jacking points can damage your RV.
FAQ 3: Can I use a car jack to lift my RV trailer?
Generally, no. Car jacks are typically not rated for the weight of an RV trailer. Using a car jack could result in jack failure and serious injury. Always use a jack specifically designed for RVs.
FAQ 4: How high should I lift my RV trailer?
Lift the RV only high enough to accomplish the necessary task. Raising it excessively can make it unstable. Typically, you only need to lift it a few inches to remove a tire or access components.
FAQ 5: How do I prevent the jack from sinking into soft ground?
Place a sturdy wooden block or jack pad under the jack to distribute the weight and prevent it from sinking. A larger surface area provides more stability.
FAQ 6: What do I do if I can’t find my RV’s owner’s manual?
Contact your RV manufacturer or dealer. They may be able to provide you with a replacement manual or direct you to an online resource. You can also search online RV forums for information specific to your RV model.
FAQ 7: Can I use my leveling jacks as jacking points?
Leveling jacks are NOT designed for lifting the entire RV for maintenance. They are meant to stabilize and level the RV when it is already close to level. Using them as lifting jacks can damage the jacks and the RV’s frame.
FAQ 8: My RV has tandem axles. Do I need to lift both axles at the same time?
For some tasks, such as tire changes, you only need to lift the affected axle. However, for other repairs, it may be necessary to lift both axles to properly support the RV. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual or a qualified RV technician for guidance.
FAQ 9: What if the lug nuts are too tight to loosen?
Use a breaker bar for extra leverage. If they are still stuck, apply penetrating oil to the lug nuts and let it soak for a few minutes. As a last resort, consider using a lug nut removal tool specifically designed for stubborn lug nuts.
FAQ 10: How often should I check the torque of my lug nuts after changing a tire?
Check the torque of your lug nuts after the first 50 miles, 100 miles, and then again at your next service interval. This ensures they remain properly tightened.
FAQ 11: What is “cribbing” and when should I use it?
Cribbing is the process of building a stack of wood blocks to create a stable support platform. Use cribbing when you need to raise the RV significantly higher than what jack stands can achieve, or when working on soft ground. Always use high-quality, solid wood for cribbing.
FAQ 12: What should I do if I’m uncomfortable jacking up my RV?
If you are unsure about any aspect of jacking up your RV, or if you simply feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your safety and the integrity of your RV are paramount.