Lifting a travel trailer is necessary for various reasons, from leveling at a campsite to performing essential maintenance and repairs. Understanding the process, utilizing the correct tools, and prioritizing safety are paramount to a successful and damage-free operation. This guide provides a detailed explanation of how to safely and effectively lift a travel trailer.
Why Lift Your Travel Trailer?
There are several key reasons why you might need to lift your travel trailer. Leveling is the most common. An unlevel trailer can cause discomfort, affect appliance functionality (refrigerators, for example, often need to be relatively level to operate correctly), and even lead to structural problems over time.
Beyond leveling, lifting is crucial for maintenance and repairs. Accessing the underside of your trailer for tasks like wheel bearing repacking, brake work, or plumbing repairs often requires lifting the trailer to provide adequate workspace and ensure safety. Similarly, lifting a trailer to change a flat tire is a necessity that every owner should be prepared for. Finally, some owners choose to lift their trailer permanently, sometimes called a “lift kit,” to increase ground clearance for off-road adventures or to accommodate larger tires.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Before you even think about lifting your travel trailer, make sure you have the right equipment. Using the wrong tools can be dangerous and can damage your trailer. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Heavy-Duty Jack(s): A bottle jack or hydraulic jack with sufficient weight capacity (always exceed your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)) is crucial. Consider the jack’s lifting range to ensure it can reach the trailer’s frame. Scissor jacks provided with trailers are often insufficient and should only be used for stabilization, not lifting.
- Jack Stands: These are non-negotiable. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack. Jack stands provide crucial secondary support and prevent catastrophic accidents. Choose stands with a weight rating exceeding your trailer’s GVWR.
- Wheel Chocks: Essential for preventing the trailer from rolling while lifted. Invest in quality chocks that grip the ground effectively. Place them on the wheels opposite the side you are lifting.
- Wood Blocks: These serve multiple purposes. Use them under the jack for a more stable base on soft ground. Also, use them under the jack stands to increase their height if needed.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grime, and potential injuries.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Torque Wrench: Necessary for properly tightening lug nuts after replacing a tire or performing wheel maintenance. Consult your trailer’s manual for the correct torque specification.
- Socket Set: For removing lug nuts and other fasteners. Ensure you have the correct socket size for your trailer’s lug nuts.
- Level: To ensure your trailer is properly leveled after lifting.
- Owner’s Manual: Contains important information about your trailer, including its weight, jacking points, and safety recommendations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Your Travel Trailer
- Preparation is Key: Park your trailer on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the side you intend to lift. Disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle.
- Identify Jacking Points: Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual or look for reinforced sections of the frame near the axles. Never jack directly on the axle, as this can damage it.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the identified jacking point. Use a wood block under the jack if necessary to provide a stable base.
- Lift the Trailer: Slowly and steadily raise the trailer with the jack. Lift only enough to achieve your goal – whether it’s changing a tire, leveling, or performing maintenance. Avoid over-lifting, as this can compromise stability.
- Position the Jack Stands: Once you’ve lifted the trailer to the desired height, immediately place jack stands under the frame near the jacking point. Ensure the jack stands are securely positioned on a solid surface (use wood blocks if needed).
- Lower onto Jack Stands: Slowly and carefully lower the trailer onto the jack stands. Ensure the weight is fully supported by the jack stands before removing the jack.
- Verify Stability: Gently rock the trailer to ensure it’s stable on the jack stands. If there’s any instability, readjust the stands until the trailer is secure.
- Perform Necessary Work: Now you can safely perform the required maintenance, repair, or leveling.
- Lowering the Trailer: To lower the trailer, slowly raise it with the jack, just enough to remove the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and then slowly lower the trailer to the ground.
- Final Checks: Remove the wheel chocks and double-check that everything is secure before moving the trailer.
Safety Precautions
- Never work alone. Having someone present can be invaluable in case of an emergency.
- Always use jack stands. This is the most crucial safety measure.
- Inspect your equipment regularly. Check jacks and jack stands for signs of wear or damage.
- Understand your trailer’s weight and weight distribution. This will help you choose the correct jack and jack stands.
- Never get under a trailer supported only by a jack. Repeat: Never get under a trailer supported only by a jack.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety glasses.
- If unsure, consult a professional. If you are not comfortable performing this task, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician.
FAQs: Lifting Your Travel Trailer
Here are some frequently asked questions about lifting travel trailers:
FAQ 1: Can I use the scissor jacks that came with my trailer to lift it for changing a tire?
No. While scissor jacks can be used for stabilization, they are generally not suitable for lifting the entire weight of the trailer to change a tire. They lack the necessary stability and lifting capacity. Use a proper bottle jack or hydraulic jack.
FAQ 2: Where are the best jacking points on my travel trailer?
The best jacking points are typically located on the trailer’s frame, near the axles. Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for the specific recommended jacking points. Avoid jacking directly on the axle itself, as this can cause damage.
FAQ 3: How high should I lift my travel trailer?
Lift the trailer only as high as necessary to accomplish your task. Avoid over-lifting, as this can compromise stability and potentially damage the frame. For leveling, lift just enough to bring the trailer level. For tire changes, lift enough to remove the flat tire and install the spare.
FAQ 4: What size jack do I need for my travel trailer?
The jack’s weight capacity should exceed your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer when fully loaded. You can find this information on the trailer’s data plate.
FAQ 5: Can I use wood blocks to extend the height of my jack stands?
Yes, using wood blocks under jack stands is acceptable if needed to achieve the required height. However, ensure the blocks are solid, stable, and large enough to fully support the jack stand’s base. Use multiple layers of smaller wood pieces can be unstable and is not recommended.
FAQ 6: What if my trailer is on soft ground?
If your trailer is on soft ground, use large, solid wood blocks under the jack and jack stands to distribute the weight and prevent them from sinking into the ground. Consider using leveling blocks designed for RVs.
FAQ 7: How do I know if my trailer is level?
Use a level placed inside the trailer, both front-to-back and side-to-side. You can also use a bubble level attached to the trailer’s exterior. Adjust the height of the jack on one side or use leveling blocks under the tires until the trailer is level.
FAQ 8: What torque should I tighten the lug nuts to after changing a tire?
Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for the correct torque specification for your trailer’s lug nuts. Using a torque wrench ensures that the lug nuts are tightened to the proper tension, preventing them from loosening or over-tightening.
FAQ 9: Can I leave my travel trailer on jack stands for extended periods?
While it’s generally safe to leave a travel trailer on jack stands for short periods (e.g., for maintenance), it’s not recommended for long-term storage. Extended periods on jack stands can potentially stress the frame. If storing for long periods, consider using wheel chocks and leveling blocks instead, or a combination of both.
FAQ 10: What if I have a tandem axle trailer?
Lifting a tandem axle trailer requires the same principles. However, it may be necessary to lift both axles simultaneously or sequentially to achieve the desired height or leveling. Pay close attention to weight distribution and ensure both axles are properly supported.
FAQ 11: My trailer has electric stabilizer jacks. Can I use those to lift it?
No. Electric stabilizer jacks are designed for stabilization only, not for lifting. Using them to lift the trailer can damage the jacks and potentially the trailer’s frame.
FAQ 12: I’m nervous about lifting my travel trailer. What should I do?
If you are not comfortable lifting your travel trailer, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician. They have the experience, equipment, and expertise to safely perform the task. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.