Lifting a travel trailer off the ground is typically achieved using leveling blocks, tongue jacks, and stabilizing jacks in a controlled and sequential process to ensure safety and stability. This action is primarily performed for leveling, tire changes, winterization preparations, or performing maintenance and repairs on the undercarriage.
Understanding the Why and When of Lifting Your Travel Trailer
Before diving into the “how,” it’s critical to understand why you might need to lift your travel trailer. This isn’t just about changing a flat tire (though that’s a common reason). Proper leveling is crucial for comfortable living, ensuring appliances like refrigerators function correctly, and preventing undue stress on the trailer’s frame. Winterizing often requires lifting one side to fully drain water systems. Routine maintenance, such as inspecting brakes or wheel bearings, also necessitates safely elevating the trailer. Understanding the specific reason dictates the methods and equipment needed. The approach for a quick tire change will differ significantly from a more involved leveling and stabilization procedure.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Lifting a heavy object like a travel trailer carries inherent risks. Prioritizing safety is paramount. Always:
- Use the right tools for the job. Never substitute makeshift solutions for properly rated jacks and supports.
- Consult your trailer’s manual. It contains specific instructions and weight limitations that are critical for safe operation.
- Work on a level and stable surface. Avoid soft ground or uneven terrain that could cause instability.
- Chock the wheels. This prevents accidental rolling during the lifting process, especially on inclines.
- Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack. Use jack stands or other approved supports once the trailer is at the desired height.
- Have a spotter. Another person can provide guidance and ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Wear appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves and eye protection.
Methods for Lifting a Travel Trailer
Several methods exist for lifting a travel trailer, each suited for different situations and purposes.
Leveling Blocks
Leveling blocks are typically used for minor adjustments to level the trailer on uneven ground.
- Placement: Position the blocks in front of the tires that need to be raised. Drive the trailer onto the blocks slowly and carefully until the desired level is achieved.
- Limitations: Leveling blocks are generally suitable for raising the trailer a few inches. They are not intended for significant lifts or for performing maintenance requiring extended access to the undercarriage.
Tongue Jacks
The tongue jack is located at the front of the trailer and is primarily used for coupling and uncoupling from the tow vehicle. However, it can also be used to lift the front of the trailer for leveling or maintenance.
- Operation: Extend the tongue jack until the front of the trailer is lifted to the desired height. Ensure the jack is resting on a solid surface, using a block of wood if necessary.
- Stabilization: After lifting with the tongue jack, use stabilizing jacks at the rear of the trailer to prevent rocking and ensure stability.
Stabilizing Jacks
Stabilizing jacks are located at the rear and sometimes the middle of the trailer. These jacks are not designed for lifting the entire weight of the trailer but are crucial for preventing movement once the trailer is level.
- Extension: Extend the stabilizing jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Do not over-extend, as this can damage the frame.
- Purpose: Stabilizing jacks primarily reduce bouncing and swaying inside the trailer, providing a more comfortable experience.
Hydraulic Jacks
For more significant lifts, such as changing a tire, a hydraulic jack is often required. These jacks are placed under the trailer’s frame near the wheels.
- Placement: Consult your trailer’s manual for the designated jacking points. These are reinforced areas of the frame designed to withstand the stress of lifting.
- Lifting: Slowly and steadily raise the trailer with the hydraulic jack until the tire is off the ground.
- Support: Immediately place a jack stand under the frame next to the jack. Never rely solely on the hydraulic jack for support while working under the trailer.
- Lowering: Carefully lower the trailer onto the jack stand and remove the hydraulic jack.
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing a Tire
Changing a flat tire on a travel trailer requires a systematic approach:
- Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels on the opposite side of the flat tire.
- Locate Jacking Point: Consult your trailer’s manual to find the designated jacking point near the flat tire.
- Position the Jack: Place the hydraulic jack under the jacking point.
- Lift the Trailer: Slowly and steadily raise the trailer until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Support with Jack Stand: Immediately place a jack stand under the frame next to the jack.
- Remove the Flat Tire: Loosen the lug nuts, remove the flat tire, and install the spare tire.
- Tighten Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the Trailer: Carefully lower the trailer onto the jack stand and remove the hydraulic jack.
- Final Tightening: Give the lug nuts a final tightening.
- Remove Chocks: Remove the wheel chocks and test drive the trailer at low speed to ensure everything is secure.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lifting travel trailers:
FAQ 1: Can I use a car jack to lift my travel trailer?
While a car jack might work in a pinch, it’s not recommended. Car jacks are typically designed for lighter loads and may not have the lifting capacity or stability required for a travel trailer. Using the wrong jack can lead to equipment failure and potential injury. Always use a jack rated for the weight of your trailer.
FAQ 2: Where are the jacking points on my travel trailer?
Jacking points are specifically reinforced areas on the trailer’s frame designed to withstand the stress of lifting. These points are usually indicated in your trailer’s manual. If you cannot locate the manual, look for reinforced steel plates welded to the frame near the wheels. Using any other point on the frame could cause damage.
FAQ 3: How high should I lift my travel trailer to change a tire?
Lift the trailer only high enough to remove the flat tire and install the spare. Excessive lifting can create instability.
FAQ 4: What if I can’t find a level surface to lift my trailer?
If a perfectly level surface isn’t available, use leveling blocks to compensate for the unevenness. Place the blocks under the wheels that need to be raised before jacking.
FAQ 5: Can I use the stabilizing jacks to lift the trailer for a tire change?
No. Stabilizing jacks are designed to stabilize the trailer, not lift it. Using them for lifting can damage the jacks and the trailer’s frame.
FAQ 6: What is the proper torque for tightening lug nuts on my trailer?
The correct torque specification will be in your trailer’s manual or the wheel manufacturer’s information. If unavailable, a general rule of thumb for standard trailer wheels is between 90 and 120 foot-pounds. Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
FAQ 7: How often should I check the lug nut torque on my trailer wheels?
Check lug nut torque after the first 50 miles of travel after changing a tire or removing the wheels. Subsequently, check them every 100-200 miles, especially on long trips.
FAQ 8: What if my trailer starts to slip while I’m lifting it?
Stop immediately. Lower the trailer slowly and carefully. Re-evaluate your setup, ensure the jack is properly positioned, the ground is stable, and the wheels are chocked securely.
FAQ 9: Can I use wooden blocks instead of jack stands?
While wooden blocks can provide some support, they are not as reliable or safe as properly rated jack stands. Jack stands are designed to withstand significant weight and provide a stable base.
FAQ 10: How do I maintain my jacks?
Regularly inspect your jacks for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or damage. Lubricate the moving parts with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them operating smoothly.
FAQ 11: Is it safe to lift a travel trailer in windy conditions?
Avoid lifting your trailer in windy conditions. The added wind force can create instability and increase the risk of accidents. Wait for calmer weather.
FAQ 12: Should I disconnect the shore power and water supply before lifting the trailer?
Yes. Disconnecting the shore power and water supply is a crucial safety precaution. This prevents electrical shock and potential water damage.