"Lift the unit by the frame..."

[GypsyJoker]

We are new to trailer hauling and have a Grey Wolf 26RR with two 3500 lb. axles. The Lippert component manual that came with the trailer info advises to "Lift unit by the frame and never the axle or suspension. Do not go under unit unless it is properly supported by jackstands." The second part of the warning is obviously to ensure one's safety, but is it related to the first part? Is there a possibility of bending an axle or is there another reason for this caution?

[Bama Rambler]

Most of our RV's have hollow axles, so jacking on the bottom of an axle can bend the tube or warp the axle. The suspension components are not designed to be lifted on with a jack, so if you jack under it and the RV slips you could bend the hangers and cause pretty expensive damage.

[BBQGUY]

Yes, only lift the unit by the frame. Never jack on the suspension or the axle to lift the unit.


I prefer a jacking point about 1 foot in front of the axles and placing a properly rated jack stand between the jack and the axle then placing a second jack-stand behind the rear axle for added safety.

There is an exception; kind-of.
Say you are servicing the axle or changing a tire; you do not have to lift the unit where the tires are off the ground. You only have to lift the unit to take the weight off the axles and have some slack in the suspension. Now use a floor jack under the axle or spring at the U-bolt tie plate to lift the axle a few inches to clear the ground to service the tire/brakes/bearings. You a will only be lifting the weight of the axle and tire which will not damage the axle or the suspension.

[GypsyJoker]

Thanks for that info~! It all makes sense now that I looked under the camper and saw the round tube axles that look like they could be kinked or bent if they are hollow. Appreciate the thorough posts from FR forum members~!

[CedarCreekWoody]

The Jack stands go under the frame, not the axle.

[GypsyJoker]

Thanks for that, CedarCreekWoody. Noticed when I raised the camper, both tires lifted almost simultaneously. So will put one jack stand under the frame in front of the axles and and one behind. Safety first~!

[Cajun Style]

For flats I use this jack!

[Restcure]

Torsion axles such as the Al-Ko units on our 2012 Rockwood can and should be supported by axle stands placed under each axle, close to the frame.










The jack, however, should still go under the frame.






Having the trailer hitched to the truck is good security.