Taking off a tire

[ggates]

Looking at removing one (or both) wheels (on one side) when not connected to the truck. This is my first 5th wheel and hydraulic stabilizer system. Any suggestions on how to do it? Can I use the stabilizer system to lift up the trailer? If so, do I do one side or the whole trailer? Or put jack stands under the front frame, bring up all stabilizer jacks, and then jack up one side with a floor jack? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[livinthelife]

Looking at removing one (or both) wheels (on one side) when not connected to the truck. This is my first 5th wheel and hydraulic stabilizer system. Any suggestions on how to do it? Can I use the stabilizer system to lift up the trailer? If so, do I do one side or the whole trailer? Or put jack stands under the front frame, bring up all stabilizer jacks, and then jack up one side with a floor jack? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

When we replaced our tires, we jacked up one side at a time. We were told it's best to use an actual jack, and not the landing gear/stabilizers to raise the trailer off the ground.

[ggates]

Does that mean you put jack stands under the front frame and retracted the landing gear?

[livinthelife]

Does that mean you put jack stands under the front frame and retracted the landing gear?

No, we didn't retract the landing gear. But we just left it where it was. Our rig was in storage, with landing gear down, when we raised the trailer to remove tires. When we removed the 2 tires on one side, we put the spare on one of the axles, and then lowered it just enough that the spare was taking some of the weight while the tires were off being replaced.

As to where to place the jack, I can't recall specifically where it was placed. I'm sure others here can help with that. It was somewhere around where the wheels were, not all the way forward.

[ggates]

No, we didn't retract the landing gear. But we just left it where it was. Our rig was in storage, with landing gear down, when we raised the trailer to remove tires. When we removed the 2 tires on one side, we put the spare on one of the axles, and then lowered it just enough that the spare was taking some of the weight while the tires were off being replaced.

As to where to place the jack, I can't recall specifically where it was placed. I'm sure others here can help with that. It was somewhere around where the wheels were, not all the way forward.

Thanks for advice

[JKellerJr]

Looking at removing one (or both) wheels (on one side) when not connected to the truck. This is my first 5th wheel and hydraulic stabilizer system. Any suggestions on how to do it? Can I use the stabilizer system to lift up the trailer? If so, do I do one side or the whole trailer? Or put jack stands under the front frame, bring up all stabilizer jacks, and then jack up one side with a floor jack? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

I just lifted the whole trailer off the ground with the hydraulic jacks. They are plenty strong enough. I pulled all four tires at once to get them changed. Early literature on the system from lippert actually listed that as an advantage for changing a flat. I imagine the lawyers got involved and put a stop to it incase of a hydraulic failure. I wouldn't work on it without jack stands for safety though. But for the lifting I will always use the onboard jacks. The system is set up to lift evenly and not twist the frame so I think its better for the unit that way.

[ggates]

I just lifted the whole trailer off the ground with the hydraulic jacks. They are plenty strong enough. I pulled all four tires at once to get them changed. Early literature on the system from lippert actually listed that as an advantage for changing a flat. I imagine the lawyers got involved and put a stop to it incase of a hydraulic failure. I wouldn't work on it without jack stands for safety though. But for the lifting I will always use the onboard jacks. The system is set up to lift evenly and not twist the frame so I think its better for the unit that way.

I was hoping it could be that simple. But roger the statement about jackstands when working on it. Thanks.

[JKellerJr]

I was hoping it could be that simple. But roger the statement about jackstands when working on it. Thanks.

Just be aware, the official word is don't do it. So its your responsibility if something goes wrong.

Also, If you lift all 4 at the same time you may flip the shackles. Not a big deal just will sound bad. Mine have always flipped back on their own when setting it back down.

[Capt Jim]

I just lifted the whole trailer off the ground with the hydraulic jacks. They are plenty strong enough. I pulled all four tires at once to get them changed. Early literature on the system from lippert actually listed that as an advantage for changing a flat. I imagine the lawyers got involved and put a stop to it incase of a hydraulic failure. I wouldn't work on it without jack stands for safety though. But for the lifting I will always use the onboard jacks. The system is set up to lift evenly and not twist the frame so I think its better for the unit that way.

I can't count the number of times I have done this, although I normally only do one side at a time. Yes, Lippert has to say "Don't do this" for liability reasons. When possible, I like to be hitched to the truck for added stability. I you're doing anything more than changing a flat use jack stands.

Safe Travels.

Jim