Jacking up a 5th wheel

[Eidolon]

What is the proper way to jack up a wheel on a 5th wheel? I have a 2013 Crusader and would like to check the bearing situation, just in case. I know to block the other side but should I jack the frame only? If so, should it be hitched to the truck? Can I safely use the jack at the attachment point of the suspension and each axle? Inquiring minds want to know. There is absolutely no consensus on this, even including shop managers.

[Ford Idaho]

Camco Trailer Aid.

http://www.googleadservices.com/page...12%26veh%3Dsem

[Ninemmsig]

My mechanic advises to jack on the axle, as close to the wheel as possible, but never on the frame. The frame isn't strong enough to support the jack without bending. I've used that spot without problems. Good luck on your decision!

[Eidolon]

Thanks for the reply. I just found the info that came with the camper - it has Dexter axles and they don't want you jacking anywhere around the suspension. By the same token, it's not at all clear that the frame can support a point load of 4000+ pounds. You advice matches what I got from one shop manager.

[trbomax]

If the frame strength is that marginal and the "book" says not to jack anywhere on the axle or suspension,where IS the jack (s) supposed to go? Wouldnt you think that FR (who has so many warning and advisory stickers at their disposal anyways) would mark the proper place to jack on it?

[OldCoot]

If you have springs, you can jack on the springs between the U bolts. If you have torsion axles, you can jack between the axles on the steel framework the axles are attached to.

[lbrjet]

I jack between the wheels. I have a two in high cross member between the frame and the axles and this is where I place the jack.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Scotty]

Originally Posted by Eidolon

What is the proper way to jack up a wheel on a 5th wheel? I have a 2013 Crusader and would like to check the bearing situation, just in case. I know to block the other side but should I jack the frame only? If so, should it be hitched to the truck? Can I safely use the jack at the attachment point of the suspension and each axle? Inquiring minds want to know. There is absolutely no consensus on this, even including shop managers.

Having owned several 5ers and TTs I have always just jacked from the U bolt area on axle close to wheel and then just enough to lift tire from ground. Maybe wrong, but I figure the connection point for the springs to axle is where most of the weight already is so jacking at that point would seem to me to be the strongest. I know the jack placed under the U bolt could allow the trailer to roll off, but then again I'm not jacking that high and I'm certainly not laying under the axle being jacked up. Now if you trying to jack the whole side to remove both wheels or entire trailer that opens a whole other can of worms. I would jack the same way then use jack stands under each axle mount, not round part of axle itself. One thing I was told regarding 5ers is to connect to truck. This not only gives you an additional secure platform but can prevent possible damaging the 5th wheel landing gear due to applying an extra load on the opposite side landing gear. Makes sense so I just hooked to truck.

[brireey]

Scotty: Do you put a block across the two u bolts and jack on the Block? or do you put the jack directly on the axle?
I was also concerned on blocking the frame, I have the covered underbelly that attaches onto the frame flange and would destroy the underbelly cover if I jacked on the frame.

[hrlyguy2]

I carry a 3 ton jack and jack it up directly on the ubolts

[B and B]

I jack up on the frame between the axles on my Torsion axles. I also have the trailer on the pin on the truck. I do not trust the landing gear to take all the weight on one side, my trailer is parked on a incline as well.

[NCBBA11043]

Is there a Good Sam official on this site? With a lot of members having Good Sam Road Assistance . . . how do they do it when they get a call?

[palmetto rogue]

Here is what put it in perspective for me. The axle tubes are 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 inch thick for the 5000, 6000, and 7000 lb axles respectively. These are not heavy tubes but can withstand jacking near the wheel on if a block is used so single point contact is not made. I put a block under the u bolts and jack away with a bottle jack or use my floor jack at the same location.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by palmetto rogue

Here is what put it in perspective for me. The axle tubes are 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 inch thick for the 5000, 6000, and 7000 lb axles respectively. These are not heavy tubes but can withstand jacking near the wheel on if a block is used so single point contact is not made. I put a block under the u bolts and jack away with a bottle jack or use my floor jack at the same location.

Only good for spring suspensions, won't work on torsion suspensions.

[Gee Whiz]

I jack under the ubolts and use a flat piece of metal between the two

[silverback 35ts]

Originally Posted by Ninemmsig

My mechanic advises to jack on the axle, as close to the wheel as possible, but never on the frame. The frame isn't strong enough to support the jack without bending. I've used that spot without problems. Good luck on your decision!

While you are correct (the tech is correct) you should jack from the axel as close to wheel as possible, as jacking to close the center of the axel will bend and damage it.

But the frame is not strong enough? I sure hope not as the trailer will not be able to support it's own weight. People please understand that rv frames keep getting bigger as the weight of the coach keeps going up, they have to be safe to travel down the road for a extended amount of time (10 or more years) so the frame has to be able to support the coach, where are the springs attached to, the frame, and they only have a thin plate with a small bolt going through it and you are driving on that at 60 mph (or more) pounding it down the road.

I do wish more rv techs were certified!

Happy Camping

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by silverback 35ts

While you are correct (the tech is correct) you should jack from the axel as close to wheel as possible, as jacking to close the center of the axel will bend and damage it.

But the frame is not strong enough? I sure hope not as the trailer will not be able to support it's own weight. People please understand that rv frames keep getting bigger as the weight of the coach keeps going up, they have to be safe to travel down the road for a extended amount of time (10 or more years) so the frame has to be able to support the coach, where are the springs attached to, the frame, and they only have a thin plate with a small bolt going through it and you are driving on that at 60 mph (or more) pounding it down the road.

I do wish more rv techs were certified!

Happy Camping

You CANNOT jack on the frame of a Rockwood or Flagstaff light weight frame, PERIOD. The frames are not bigger or heavier, just the opposite, they are smaller and lighter. The suspension on these trailers is attached to a 2 x 4 steel tube framework that spreads the load across approx. 4'-5' of each fabricated I beam. You must jack on the steel tube framework or between the two torsion axles.

[Carrier]

After taking a good look at my Wind Jammer 3008 on where I would jack it up I have to agree with Oldcoot. The frame on this thing is really thin. Each to their own but if I am going to jack mine it will be doing it where Oldcoot suggests.

[furtrader]

Originally Posted by Eidolon

What is the proper way to jack up a wheel on a 5th wheel? I have a 2013 Crusader and would like to check the bearing situation, just in case. I know to block the other side but should I jack the frame only? If so, should it be hitched to the truck? Can I safely use the jack at the attachment point of the suspension and each axle? Inquiring minds want to know. There is absolutely no consensus on this, even including shop managers.

I find the safest and best way to change a tire or remove a wheel for maintenance is not to use any jack. You must use something to level your trailer (side to side), hitch trailer to truck, place your planks, Lynx levelers etc, behind or infront of the wheel you are not removing, and simply back or pull trailer onto you ramp. the other wheel will lift off the ground. The ramp only as to be 2-3 inches high. This way you avoid damaging your trailer,
with trailer hitched to truck no chance of trailer falling off jack. Have used method for over 30 years of towing RVs.

[lbrjet]

Fur, this method doesn't work with torsion axles, hence the discussion.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K