How to Jack Up a Camper Trailer: The Complete Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

How to Jack Up a Camper Trailer

Camper trailers are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but they can be a bit of a hassle to get set up. One of the most important things to do when you’re setting up your camper trailer is to jack it up properly. This will help to level the trailer and make it more stable. It will also make it easier to connect the trailer to your tow vehicle.

In this article, we’ll show you how to jack up a camper trailer safely and efficiently. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right jack to lifting and stabilizing the trailer. 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 your camper trailer.

Step Instructions Image
1 Park your truck or SUV in a level spot.
2 Attach the safety chains to the truck or SUV.
3 Engage the parking brake on the camper trailer.
4 Place the jack under the camper trailer’s tongue.
5 Raise the jack until the camper trailer’s wheels are off the ground.
6 Place chocks behind the camper trailer’s wheels.
7 Lower the jack and disconnect the safety chains.

Choosing the Right Jack

The first step in jacking up a camper trailer is choosing the right jack. There are a few different factors to consider when making this decision, including the weight of the trailer, the type of terrain you’ll be using it on, and your own personal preferences.

Weight of the Trailer

The most important factor to consider when choosing a jack is the weight of the trailer. You’ll need to make sure that the jack is rated for a weight that is at least equal to the weight of the trailer, plus any additional weight that you’ll be carrying.

Type of Terrain

You’ll also need to consider the type of terrain you’ll be using the jack on. If you’ll be using it on uneven or soft ground, you’ll need a jack that has a wider base to provide more stability.

Personal Preferences

Finally, you’ll need to consider your own personal preferences when choosing a jack. Some jacks are easier to use than others, and some have features that you may find more convenient.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a jack for your camper trailer:

  • Capacity: The jack’s capacity is the maximum weight that it can safely lift. Make sure that the jack you choose is rated for a weight that is at least equal to the weight of your trailer.
  • Lift Height: The lift height is the maximum height that the jack can lift the trailer. You’ll need to make sure that the lift height is tall enough to allow you to work underneath the trailer.
  • Stability: The jack should have a wide base to provide stability, especially if you’ll be using it on uneven or soft ground.
  • Ease of Use: The jack should be easy to use, with features that make it quick and easy to raise and lower the trailer.
  • Durability: The jack should be made from durable materials that can withstand the elements.

Here are a few of the most popular types of jacks for camper trailers:

  • Scissor jacks: Scissor jacks are a popular choice for camper trailers because they’re easy to use and relatively affordable. They work by using a scissor-like mechanism to lift the trailer.
  • Screw jacks: Screw jacks are another popular choice for camper trailers. They’re a bit more difficult to use than scissor jacks, but they’re also more stable. They work by using a screw mechanism to lift the trailer.
  • Hydraulic jacks: Hydraulic jacks are the most powerful type of jack for camper trailers. They’re also the most expensive, but they’re also the easiest to use. They work by using hydraulic fluid to lift the trailer.

Safety Precautions

When jacking up a camper trailer, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Never work under a trailer that is not supported by a jack. Even if the trailer is only slightly off the ground, it’s still possible for it to fall and injure you.
  • Use a chock or wheel chock to prevent the trailer from rolling away. This is especially important if you’re working on uneven or soft ground.
  • Never exceed the jack’s rated capacity. Doing so could damage the jack and could also cause the trailer to fall.
  • Be careful when raising and lowering the jack. Make sure that the jack is stable before you start working.
  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.

By following these safety precautions, you can help to ensure your safety when jacking up a camper trailer.

Jacking up a camper trailer is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to choose the right jack and to take precautions to ensure your safety. By following the tips in this article, you can safely and easily jack up your camper trailer.

Raising and Lowering the Trailer

Once you have your jack in place, you can raise and lower the trailer. To raise the trailer, turn the handle on the jack clockwise. To lower the trailer, turn the handle counterclockwise.

Be careful not to raise the trailer too high. The trailer should be high enough so that you can easily access the wheels, but not so high that it is unstable.

When you are finished raising or lowering the trailer, be sure to tighten the safety pin on the jack. This will prevent the jack from accidentally lowering the trailer.

Securing the Trailer

Once the trailer is raised, you need to secure it in place. There are a few different ways to do this.

One way to secure the trailer is to use wheel chocks. Wheel chocks are blocks of wood or metal that you place behind the wheels of the trailer to prevent it from rolling.

Another way to secure the trailer is to use a trailer stabilizer. A trailer stabilizer is a device that you attach to the trailer tongue to prevent it from swaying.

You can also use a combination of wheel chocks and a trailer stabilizer to secure the trailer.

Here are some tips for securing your trailer:

  • Make sure that the wheel chocks are placed behind the wheels of the trailer and that they are securely in place.
  • Make sure that the trailer stabilizer is properly attached to the trailer tongue.
  • Do not exceed the weight capacity of the wheel chocks or the trailer stabilizer.
  • Be sure to check the trailer regularly to make sure that it is still secure.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your trailer is safely secured when you are not using it.

In this article, we have discussed how to jack up a camper trailer. We have covered the following topics:

  • Choosing the right jack for your trailer
  • Placing the jack under the trailer
  • Raising and lowering the trailer
  • Securing the trailer

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about jacking up a camper trailer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How do I jack up a camper trailer?

There are a few different ways to jack up a camper trailer, but the most common method is to use a hydraulic jack. Here are the steps involved:

1. Park the camper trailer on a level surface. Make sure the tires are chocked to prevent the trailer from rolling.
2. Locate the jack points on the trailer. These are usually located on the front and rear axles.
3. Attach the jack to the jack point. Make sure the jack is securely attached to the trailer before lifting it.
4. Turn the crank on the jack to lift the trailer. Lift the trailer until it is level.
5. Place a block of wood under the trailer axles to support the weight of the trailer. This will prevent the trailer from coming down if the jack fails.
6. Lower the jack and remove the block of wood.

What type of jack do I need to use?

The type of jack you need will depend on the weight of your camper trailer. For most trailers, a hydraulic jack will be sufficient. However, if you have a very heavy trailer, you may need to use a larger jack, such as a bottle jack or a floor jack.

How high should I jack up my camper trailer?

You should only jack up your camper trailer high enough to allow you to access the wheels and axles. This will usually be about 12 inches.

What should I do if the jack fails?

If the jack fails, the trailer will come down quickly. To prevent this from happening, you should always place a block of wood under the trailer axles to support the weight of the trailer. If the jack does fail, you can use the block of wood to prop up the trailer until you can get it repaired.

How do I lower a camper trailer?

To lower a camper trailer, simply turn the crank on the jack in the opposite direction. Lower the trailer until it is resting on the ground.

What are some safety tips for jacking up a camper trailer?

Here are some safety tips for jacking up a camper trailer:

  • Always park the camper trailer on a level surface.
  • Chock the tires to prevent the trailer from rolling.
  • Attach the jack to the jack point securely.
  • Never stand under the trailer while it is raised.
  • Use a block of wood to support the weight of the trailer if the jack fails.
  • Lower the jack and remove the block of wood before you leave the trailer.

    jacking up a camper trailer is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most people with a few basic tools. However, it is important to follow the steps outlined in this guide carefully to avoid damaging your trailer or yourself. By taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and easily jack up your camper trailer whenever you need to.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when jacking up a camper trailer:

  • Use the proper jack and safety equipment. Make sure that the jack you are using is rated for the weight of your trailer and that you have chocks or wheel blocks in place to prevent the trailer from rolling.
  • Position the jack correctly. The jack should be placed under the trailer’s frame, as close to the center of gravity as possible.
  • Raise the trailer slowly and steadily. Do not rush this process, as you could damage the jack or the trailer.
  • Lower the trailer carefully. Once the trailer is level, slowly lower the jack until the wheels are touching the ground.

By following these tips, you can safely and easily jack up your camper trailer whenever you need to.

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.