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Thread: Lifting a trailer
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11-29-2020, 11:17 AM #1
Lifting a trailer
There have been many discussions on the correct way to lift a trailer for tire changing or maintenance. The manufactures say only lift by placing the jack on the frame. Many have successfully used the Trailer-Aid device. I have always used a bottle jack and placed a piece of wood, or now, a fabricated piece of angle iron, carefully placed on the 2 U-bolts that connect the axle with the leaf springs. I've never seen evidence this has damaged my axle tubes.
However, on this forum and others, there appears to be more frequent reports of leaf springs breaking. This has been pretty uncommon in the past, but I'm guessing this is a result of lower quality suspension components being used throughout the industry. I am now wondering if my using a bottle jack to lift my trailer by essentially putting all the pressure (weight of trailer) on a spring is a good idea??2020 Reflection 273MK
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11-29-2020, 11:51 AM #2
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I've lifted a lot of trailers from the axles, never seemed to have a problem.
2018 Solitude 375 RES 2022 F450 Powerstroke Dually
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11-29-2020, 12:10 PM #3
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11-30-2020, 07:27 AM #4
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Frank & Jolynn Martin
Litchfield, MN
Mabel & Bailey, Golden Retriever Fur Kids
2019 RAM 3500 CTD, CC, LB, B&W Turnover Ball, AirLift 5000 Bags
2019 Solitude 3350RL S-Class, 4440# CCC, Reese 20K GooseBox, 8K EOH Disc brakes, RV Airflow, SoftStartRV, 2-206AH SOK batteries, Victron Multiplus II, Victron 30A DC2DC,790W of Solar, Flex Armor Roof, Blu Tech Water Filtration, BlazeCut Fire Suppression
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11-30-2020, 07:59 AM #5
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Marcy & Gary
2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
2003 F350 - retired
Michigan
We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/
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11-30-2020, 09:21 AM #6
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Keep in mind manufacturer manuals are written as much, if not more by attorneys as engineers. Having said that one does have to be careful. Lifting near the U-Joints as mentioned in previous posts is a common and safe practice. Lifting from the frame certainly is a very safe option, but requires a whole lot more lifting due to the suspension drop.
Regards, Bruce, Lin An, Kenji & Suki (Our two Akitas)
2019 Solitude 310GK-R
2015 Ram 3500 Big Horn CC, TD, Aisin Tranny, DRW
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11-30-2020, 04:59 PM #7
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Well, I'll be the first to say it. I use the hydraulic jacks to lift the trailer. If I'm taking off both tires, I'll back it up with a jack stand, but I can't see how any jack on the planet is safer than the hydraulic system that can easily lift the entire trailer and also is designed to keep it lifted indefinitely. I stopped even carrying a jack big enough for the trailer, can't imagine a reason I'd need to pull both tires at the same time on the road, so just use the hydro, lift up that side, pull one tire, replace it, keep going. I did my ComfortRide install that way too (although, as mentioned, I did use a jack stand that time because I was home and had them right there).
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12-05-2020, 02:53 PM #8
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12-05-2020, 05:14 PM #9
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I have also lifted from the axle between the U-bolts. After talking to a Lipert "engineer" who warned me of the chance of flattening the tube I made a saddle for my jack to match the diameter of the tube. Never had a problem, but these axles are too light anyway and GD should upgrade them.
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12-05-2020, 05:46 PM #10
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