How to Safely Jack Up Your Camper for Maintenance or Repairs

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

How to Jack Up a Camper

Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors. But before you can start enjoying your camping trip, you need to make sure your camper is properly jacked up.

Jacking up a camper can seem daunting, but it’s actually a pretty simple task. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can get your camper ready for your next adventure.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right jack to safely lifting and lowering your camper. So whether you’re a seasoned camper or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about jacking up a camper.

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Step Tools Instructions
1 Leveling blocks Place leveling blocks under the camper’s tires to level it.
2 Jack stands Place jack stands under the camper’s frame, at least one per axle.
3 Vehicle jack Use a vehicle jack to raise the camper’s chassis off the ground.
4 Safety chains Attach safety chains from the camper’s frame to the vehicle’s frame.

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How to Jack Up a Camper?

Choosing the Right Jack

The first step in jacking up a camper is choosing the right jack. There are three main types of jacks used for campers: scissor jacks, bottle jacks, and electric jacks.

Scissor jacks are the most common type of jack used for campers. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Scissor jacks work by expanding a pair of metal arms to lift the camper.

Bottle jacks are a more heavy-duty option than scissor jacks. They are typically made of steel and have a larger lifting capacity. Bottle jacks work by pumping fluid into a cylinder to lift the camper.

Electric jacks are the most convenient type of jack for campers. They are powered by a battery and can be operated with a remote control. Electric jacks are typically more expensive than scissor or bottle jacks, but they are also the fastest and easiest to use.

When choosing a jack for your camper, you will need to consider the following factors:

  • Type of camper: The type of camper you have will determine the size and weight of the jack you need.
  • Lifting capacity: The lifting capacity of the jack must be able to support the weight of your camper.
  • Height: The height of the jack must be sufficient to raise the camper off the ground.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the right jack for your camper:

  • Read the owner’s manual for your camper to find out the recommended jack size and type.
  • Ask a qualified RV technician for advice on choosing a jack.
  • Purchase a jack from a reputable dealer.

Placing the Jack

Once you have chosen the right jack, you need to place it correctly. The following steps will help you safely and securely jack up your camper:

1. Park the camper on a level surface.
2. Locate the designated jack points on the camper. These are typically located on the front and rear axles.
3. Place the jack pads under the jack points. The jack pads should be at least 2 inches thick and made of a non-slip material.
4. Extend the jack until it is under the jack point.
5. Slowly turn the crank handle or press the button on the electric jack to lift the camper.
6. Continue lifting the camper until it is level.
7. Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the camper from rolling.

Here are some additional tips for placing the jack:

  • Make sure the jack is rated for the weight of your camper.
  • Never place the jack under the body of the camper.
  • Never lift the camper more than necessary.
  • Always use chocks to prevent the camper from rolling.

Safety Precautions

When jacking up a camper, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your camper. Here are some safety tips:

  • Never work under a raised camper.
  • Use a qualified helper to operate the jack.
  • Inspect the jack before each use.
  • Never exceed the jack’s rated capacity.
  • Never lift the camper more than necessary.
  • Always use chocks to prevent the camper from rolling.

By following these safety tips, you can safely and securely jack up your camper.

Jacking up a camper is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure safety. By choosing the right jack, placing it correctly, and taking safety precautions, you can safely and securely jack up your camper.

3. Raising the Camper

Steps for Raising the Camper

Raising a camper is a relatively simple process, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Here are the steps involved in raising a camper:

1. Park the camper on a level surface. This will help to prevent the camper from tipping over.
2. Engage the parking brake. This will help to keep the camper from rolling away.
3. Place chocks behind the wheels. This will help to prevent the camper from rolling forward or backward.
4. Attach the jack to the camper. The jack should be attached to a sturdy point on the frame of the camper.
5. Raise the camper until it is level. Be careful not to raise the camper too high, as this could damage the suspension.
6. Secure the camper in place. Once the camper is level, you can secure it in place using wheel chocks or blocks of wood.

Safety Precautions

When raising a camper, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Never raise the camper while someone is inside. This is a safety hazard and could result in serious injury.
  • Use a quality jack that is rated for the weight of the camper. A cheap or poorly-maintained jack could fail, causing the camper to fall.
  • Be careful not to raise the camper too high. This could damage the suspension or cause the camper to tip over.
  • Secure the camper in place once it is raised. This will prevent it from rolling away or falling.

4. Lowering the Camper

Steps for Lowering the Camper

Lowering a camper is the reverse of raising it. Here are the steps involved in lowering a camper:

1. Unsecure the camper from its current position. This may involve removing wheel chocks or blocks of wood.
2. Lower the jack until the camper is resting on its wheels. Be careful not to lower the jack too quickly, as this could damage the suspension.
3. Remove the jack from the camper.
4. Disengage the parking brake.
5. Remove the chocks from behind the wheels.

Safety Precautions

When lowering a camper, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Never lower the camper while someone is inside. This is a safety hazard and could result in serious injury.
  • Use a quality jack that is rated for the weight of the camper. A cheap or poorly-maintained jack could fail, causing the camper to fall.
  • Be careful not to lower the camper too quickly. This could damage the suspension or cause the camper to tip over.
  • Secure the camper in place once it is lowered. This will prevent it from rolling away or falling.

Raising and lowering a camper is a relatively simple process, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely raise and lower your camper without any problems.

How To Jack Up A Camper?

  • What is the safest way to jack up a camper?

The safest way to jack up a camper is to use a sturdy, well-maintained jack that is rated for the weight of the camper. The jack should be placed on a level surface and the camper should be chocked to prevent it from rolling. Once the jack is in place, raise it slowly until the camper is level. Never work under a camper that is supported only by a jack.

  • How high should I jack up a camper?

You should only jack up a camper high enough to allow you to access the wheels or undercarriage. Do not jack up the camper so high that it is unstable.

  • What do I do if the jack fails?

If the jack fails, you should immediately lower the camper and chock the wheels. If the camper is too heavy to lower manually, you should call for help.

  • What are the different types of jacks?

There are three main types of jacks used to lift campers: hydraulic jacks, bottle jacks, and scissors jacks. Hydraulic jacks are the most common type of jack used for campers. They are powerful and can lift heavy loads quickly. Bottle jacks are a smaller, more portable option. They are not as powerful as hydraulic jacks, but they are still capable of lifting heavy loads. Scissor jacks are the least powerful type of jack, but they are also the most compact. They are ideal for lifting small campers or for use in tight spaces.

  • How do I use a hydraulic jack to lift a camper?

To use a hydraulic jack to lift a camper, follow these steps:

1. Place the jack on a level surface and chock the wheels of the camper.
2. Insert the jack pad under the camper, directly under the frame.
3. Turn the crank handle to raise the jack until the camper is level.
4. Once the camper is level, you can safely work under it.

  • How do I use a bottle jack to lift a camper?

To use a bottle jack to lift a camper, follow these steps:

1. Place the jack on a level surface and chock the wheels of the camper.
2. Insert the jack pad under the camper, directly under the frame.
3. Turn the screw on the top of the jack to raise the jack until the camper is level.
4. Once the camper is level, you can safely work under it.

  • How do I use a scissors jack to lift a camper?

To use a scissors jack to lift a camper, follow these steps:

1. Place the jack on a level surface and chock the wheels of the camper.
2. Insert the jack pad under the camper, directly under the frame.
3. Step on the foot pedal to raise the jack until the camper is level.
4. Once the camper is level, you can safely work under it.

  • What are some safety tips for jacking up a camper?
  • Always use a sturdy, well-maintained jack that is rated for the weight of the camper.
  • Place the jack on a level surface and chock the wheels of the camper to prevent it from rolling.
  • Raise the jack slowly and carefully until the camper is level.
  • Never work under a camper that is supported only by a jack.
  • If the jack fails, immediately lower the camper and chock the wheels.
  • Call for help if you are unable to lift or lower the camper safely.

In this article, we have discussed how to jack up a camper. We covered the different types of jacks, how to choose the right jack for your camper, and the steps involved in safely jacking up your camper. We also provided some tips for troubleshooting common problems.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about jacking up your camper, please consult your owner’s manual or a qualified RV technician.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • There are three main types of jacks used to lift campers: hydraulic jacks, electric jacks, and mechanical jacks.
  • The type of jack you need will depend on the weight of your camper and the terrain you will be driving on.
  • When choosing a jack, be sure to consider the weight capacity, the lift height, and the ease of use.
  • To safely jack up your camper, follow these steps:
  • Level the ground and chock the wheels.
  • Place the jack under the frame of the camper.
  • Raise the jack until the camper is level.
  • Secure the camper with wheel chocks.
  • Lower the jack and remove the chocks.

By following these tips, you can safely jack up your camper and perform maintenance or repairs.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.