Jacking up a double axle trailer involves carefully distributing the load and employing specific techniques to ensure safety and prevent damage. Using a bottle jack strategically placed beneath the trailer’s frame, preferably near the axle that needs attention, while chocking the wheels of the opposite axle, allows for controlled and safe lifting.
Understanding the Basics of Double Axle Trailer Lifting
Double axle trailers, designed for heavier loads and improved stability, present unique challenges when it comes to jacking them up. Unlike single axle trailers where the process is relatively straightforward, lifting a double axle trailer requires a more nuanced approach to avoid bending axles, damaging the frame, or, worst of all, causing an accident.
The key lies in understanding the weight distribution and selecting appropriate jacking points that can handle the load safely. It’s also crucial to use the correct type of jack and employ proper safety precautions, including wheel chocks and potentially safety stands. Neglecting these steps can lead to serious consequences.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before you even think about touching your trailer with a jack, ensure you have the following items readily available:
- Heavy-Duty Bottle Jack: Choose a jack with sufficient weight capacity – exceeding the combined weight of the axle you’re lifting and its share of the trailer’s total weight. Underestimating the weight is a critical error.
- Wheel Chocks: These are indispensable for preventing the trailer from rolling during the jacking process. Invest in quality, robust chocks.
- Safety Stands (Jack Stands): Once you’ve raised the trailer, immediately place safety stands beneath the frame. Never rely solely on the jack to support the weight.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grease, and potential cuts.
- Wooden Blocks (Optional): These can be used to increase the jack’s reach if necessary or to provide a more stable base on soft ground.
- Torque Wrench (If removing wheels): For re-tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Owner’s Manual: Contains valuable information regarding your specific trailer model, including recommended jacking points.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up Your Double Axle Trailer
This process should be executed with meticulous care. Rushing can lead to mistakes and potential hazards.
Preparation is Key
- Choose a Level Surface: Ensure the trailer is parked on a hard, level surface. Uneven ground can compromise the jack’s stability and increase the risk of the trailer shifting.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Set the trailer’s parking brake firmly.
- Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind and in front of the wheels on the axle opposite the one you intend to lift. This prevents any movement during the jacking process. Chocking the wheels is non-negotiable.
- Locate the Jacking Points: Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual or look for reinforced sections of the frame near the axles. These are the designated jacking points.
The Lifting Process
- Position the Jack: Place the bottle jack directly under the designated jacking point on the frame. Ensure the jack is stable and properly aligned. Use wooden blocks under the jack if needed to gain additional height or stability.
- Raise the Trailer: Slowly and steadily begin jacking up the trailer. As you raise it, constantly monitor the jack’s stability and the frame for any signs of bending or stress.
- Insert Safety Stands: Once the trailer is raised to the desired height, immediately place safety stands beneath the frame, close to the jack. Make sure the stands are properly positioned and locked into place.
- Lower the Trailer onto the Stands: Slowly lower the trailer onto the safety stands. This relieves the pressure on the jack and provides a much more secure support system.
- Verify Stability: Give the trailer a gentle shake to ensure it’s stable on the safety stands. If there’s any wobble or instability, readjust the stands until the trailer is securely supported.
Lowering the Trailer
- Raise the Trailer Slightly: Use the bottle jack to slightly lift the trailer off the safety stands.
- Remove the Safety Stands: Carefully remove the safety stands.
- Slowly Lower the Trailer: Slowly and carefully lower the trailer back to the ground.
- Remove the Jack and Chocks: Once the trailer is resting securely on all wheels, remove the jack and wheel chocks.
Safety Precautions: Your Paramount Concern
Safety is paramount when working with heavy machinery like a trailer and a jack. Ignoring safety precautions can lead to serious injuries or even death.
- Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack. Always use safety stands.
- Ensure the jack is rated for the weight of the trailer. Overloading the jack can cause it to fail.
- Never allow anyone to be near the trailer while it’s being jacked up or lowered.
- Inspect the jack and safety stands for any signs of damage before each use.
- If you are uncomfortable performing this task, seek professional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What happens if I jack up the trailer on the axle itself?
Jacking directly on the axle tube, especially on a double axle trailer, can damage the axle. Axles are designed to withstand vertical loads from above, not concentrated lifting force from below. This can lead to bending or even cracking the axle, compromising its integrity and potentially leading to a catastrophic failure on the road. Use only the designated jacking points on the frame.
FAQ 2: Can I use a scissor jack instead of a bottle jack?
While scissor jacks are often included with vehicles, they are generally not suitable for lifting a double axle trailer. They typically lack the necessary weight capacity and stability. Bottle jacks are much more robust and designed for heavier lifting tasks.
FAQ 3: What if I don’t know the exact weight of my trailer?
Err on the side of caution. Always overestimate the weight of your trailer when choosing a jack and safety stands. Check the trailer’s VIN plate, which usually lists the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The jack and stands should be rated to handle at least this weight, ideally more.
FAQ 4: How high should I lift the trailer?
Lift the trailer only as high as necessary to perform the required maintenance or repairs. Unnecessary lifting increases the risk of instability. Generally, just enough clearance to remove a wheel or access the underside components is sufficient.
FAQ 5: What if the ground is soft or uneven?
If the ground is soft, place a large, solid piece of wood (like a 2×12 plank) under the jack and safety stands to distribute the weight and prevent them from sinking. Leveling the jack is crucial for safe operation. Avoid jacking on extremely uneven or unstable surfaces altogether.
FAQ 6: How do I choose the correct jacking points?
Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual. It will specify the designated jacking points. If you don’t have a manual, look for reinforced sections of the frame near the axles. These areas are typically designed to withstand the concentrated lifting force of a jack.
FAQ 7: How often should I inspect my trailer jack?
Regularly inspect your jack before each use. Look for signs of damage, such as leaks, cracks, or bent parts. A damaged jack is a safety hazard and should be replaced immediately. Lubricate the jack’s moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation.
FAQ 8: What should I do if the trailer starts to slip while I’m jacking it up?
Stop immediately! Lower the trailer back down, assess the situation, and correct the problem. Ensure the jack is properly positioned and stable, the wheel chocks are in place, and the ground is level. If necessary, reposition the trailer to a more suitable location.
FAQ 9: Can I use a hydraulic floor jack instead of a bottle jack?
A hydraulic floor jack can be used, but it may require a larger, flatter surface to operate effectively. Ensure the floor jack has sufficient reach and weight capacity for the task. As with a bottle jack, use designated jacking points and safety stands.
FAQ 10: Is it safe to work on the trailer while it’s connected to my tow vehicle?
It is generally not recommended to work on the trailer while it’s connected to the tow vehicle. The connection can introduce additional movement and instability. Disconnect the trailer and ensure it’s properly secured before jacking it up.
FAQ 11: What’s the best way to store my bottle jack when not in use?
Store your bottle jack in a dry, clean place to prevent rust and corrosion. Keep it upright to prevent leaks. Periodically cycle the jack through its full range of motion to keep the seals lubricated.
FAQ 12: Do I need to grease the axle bearings while the trailer is jacked up?
While having the trailer jacked up provides easier access, greasing axle bearings typically requires removing the wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific axle type. Make sure to re-torque the lug nuts to the correct specification after reinstalling the wheels.
By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, you can confidently and effectively jack up your double axle trailer for maintenance, repairs, and other necessary tasks. Remember, proper preparation and a methodical approach are the keys to success and safety.