How to Safely Jack Up a Dual-Axle Travel Trailer
How to Jack Up a Dual Axle Travel Trailer
If you’re a proud owner of a dual axle travel trailer, then you know that one of the most important things you need to know how to do is how to jack it up safely. Whether you’re doing some routine maintenance or you’re just trying to level your trailer, jacking it up properly is essential to prevent damage to your trailer and your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to jack up a dual axle travel trailer safely and securely. We’ll also provide some tips on how to level your trailer and how to choose the right type of jack for your trailer.
So if you’re ready to learn how to jack up your dual axle travel trailer, read on!
Step | Instructions | Image |
---|---|---|
1 | Park your travel trailer on a level surface. | ![]() |
2 | Attach the safety chains to the front and rear of your trailer. | ![]() |
3 | Place the wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels of your trailer. | ![]() |
4 | Extend the landing gear of your trailer. | ![]() |
5 | Place the jack under the frame of your trailer, just behind the axle. | ![]() |
6 | Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the trailer until the wheels are off the ground. | ![]() |
7 | Once the trailer is raised, you can safely work on it. | ![]() |
Tools and Equipment Needed
The following tools and equipment are needed to jack up a dual axle travel trailer:
- A sturdy jack that is rated for the weight of the trailer
- A chock or wheel chock to prevent the trailer from rolling while it is jacked up
- A safety chain or strap to connect the trailer to the jack
- A level to make sure the trailer is level when it is jacked up
- A piece of wood or plywood to place under the jack to protect the trailer’s underbelly
Step-by-Step Instructions
To jack up a dual axle travel trailer, follow these steps:
1. Park the trailer on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Place a chock or wheel chock behind each of the trailer’s wheels.
4. Attach a safety chain or strap to the trailer and secure it to a stationary object, such as a tree or post.
5. Place a piece of wood or plywood under the jack to protect the trailer’s underbelly.
6. Insert the jack under the trailer’s frame, near the center of the axle.
7. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the trailer.
8. Check the level of the trailer with a level.
9. Continue raising the trailer until it is level.
10. Once the trailer is level, secure the jack in place with a locking pin.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for jacking up a dual axle travel trailer:
- Make sure the jack is rated for the weight of the trailer.
- Never exceed the jack’s weight capacity.
- Always use a chock or wheel chock to prevent the trailer from rolling while it is jacked up.
- Always connect the trailer to the jack with a safety chain or strap.
- Always place a piece of wood or plywood under the jack to protect the trailer’s underbelly.
- Always check the level of the trailer with a level before you drive away.
- Never leave the trailer unattended while it is jacked up.
Jacking up a dual axle travel trailer is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure your safety and the safety of your trailer. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and easily jack up your dual axle travel trailer.
How To Jack Up A Dual Axle Travel Trailer?
Jacking up a dual axle travel trailer is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to avoid damage to your trailer or your vehicle. Here are the steps involved:
1. Park your vehicle in a safe location. Make sure that you are on a level surface and that there is plenty of space around your trailer.
2. Engage the parking brakes on your trailer and your vehicle. This will help to prevent the trailer from rolling away while you are working on it.
3. Place chocks behind the wheels of your trailer. This will help to prevent the trailer from rolling forward or backward while you are working on it.
4. Attach the trailer jack to the frame of your trailer. The trailer jack should be located near the center of the trailer, and it should be attached to a sturdy part of the frame.
5. Raise the trailer jack until the wheels of the trailer are off the ground. Be careful not to raise the trailer too high, as this could damage the suspension.
6. Place a support stand under each axle of the trailer. The support stands should be placed on level ground and they should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the trailer.
7. Lower the trailer jack until the support stands are taking the weight of the trailer. Be careful not to lower the trailer jack too quickly, as this could damage the support stands.
8. Remove the chocks from behind the wheels of the trailer.
9. Test the trailer to make sure that it is stable. Wiggle the trailer from side to side and front to back. If the trailer moves at all, you will need to adjust the support stands.
Once you have successfully jacked up your trailer, you can now work on repairs or maintenance. When you are finished, be sure to lower the trailer and remove the support stands.
Safety Tips
When jacking up a dual axle travel trailer, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your property. Here are a few safety tips:
- Never work under a trailer that is supported only by the jack. Always use support stands to support the weight of the trailer.
- Make sure that the jack is properly rated for the weight of the trailer. The jack should be able to lift the trailer at least 12 inches off the ground.
- Never raise the trailer too high. Raising the trailer too high could damage the suspension or the trailer frame.
- Be careful not to overload the support stands. The support stands should be able to support the weight of the trailer without collapsing.
- Never work on a trailer that is in motion. Always turn off the engine and set the parking brake before working on the trailer.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when working on a trailer. This will protect your eyes and hands from flying debris.
By following these safety tips, you can help to prevent accidents and damage to your trailer.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble jacking up your trailer, there are a few things you can check:
- Make sure that the jack is properly attached to the trailer. The jack should be attached to a sturdy part of the frame, and it should be tightened securely.
- Make sure that the jack is rated for the weight of the trailer. The jack should be able to lift the trailer at least 12 inches off the ground.
- Make sure that the support stands are properly placed. The support stands should be placed on level ground and they should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the trailer.
- Make sure that the trailer is properly balanced. The trailer should be evenly distributed on the support stands.
If you are still having trouble jacking up your trailer, you may need to have it serviced by a qualified technician.
Jacking up a dual axle travel trailer is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to avoid damage to your trailer or your vehicle. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and easily jack up your trailer for repairs or maintenance.
How do I jack up a dual axle travel trailer?
There are a few different ways to jack up a dual axle travel trailer. The best method for you will depend on the type of trailer you have and the tools you have available.
- Using a hydraulic jack: This is the most common method for jacking up a travel trailer. You will need a hydraulic jack that is rated for the weight of your trailer. To use a hydraulic jack, follow these steps:
1. Place the jack under the frame of the trailer, near the axle.
2. Turn the crank on the jack to raise the trailer until it is level.
3. Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Using a bottle jack: A bottle jack is a smaller, more portable option than a hydraulic jack. To use a bottle jack, follow these steps:
1. Place the jack under the frame of the trailer, near the axle.
2. Turn the handle on the jack to raise the trailer until it is level.
3. Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Using a floor jack: A floor jack is a good option if you need to raise the trailer off the ground completely. To use a floor jack, follow these steps:
1. Place the jack under the frame of the trailer, near the axle.
2. Turn the handle on the jack to raise the trailer until it is off the ground.
3. Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
What safety precautions should I take when jacking up a travel trailer?
When jacking up a travel trailer, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Use a jack that is rated for the weight of your trailer.
- Place the jack under the frame of the trailer, near the axle.
- Turn the crank on the jack slowly and carefully.
- Never stand under the trailer while it is raised.
- Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
What if my trailer is too heavy for me to jack up by myself?
If your trailer is too heavy for you to jack up by yourself, you will need to enlist the help of another person. To jack up a trailer with two people, follow these steps:
1. One person should stand on the side of the trailer opposite the jack and hold the tongue of the trailer steady.
2. The other person should turn the crank on the jack to raise the trailer until it is level.
3. Once the trailer is level, place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
What should I do if my trailer starts to lean while it is jacked up?
If your trailer starts to lean while it is jacked up, you should immediately lower the jack and re-position it. To re-position the jack, follow these steps:
1. Turn the crank on the jack to lower the trailer until it is level.
2. Move the jack to a new location under the frame of the trailer.
3. Turn the crank on the jack to raise the trailer until it is level.
4. Place chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
How do I lower a travel trailer after I’m done working on it?
To lower a travel trailer after you’re done working on it, follow these steps:
1. Turn the crank on the jack to lower the trailer until it is level.
2. Remove the chocks from behind the wheels.
3. Slowly drive the trailer off the jack.
What are some common mistakes people make when jacking up a travel trailer?
Some common mistakes people make when jacking up a travel trailer include:
- Using a jack that is not rated for the weight of the trailer.
- Placing the jack under the wrong part of the trailer.
- Turning the crank on the jack too quickly.
- Standing under the trailer while it is raised.
- Not placing chocks behind the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively jack up your travel trailer.
jacking up a dual axle travel trailer is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it safely and correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and easily jack up your trailer so that you can work on it or access its undercarriage.
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Always use a quality jack that is rated for the weight of your trailer.
- Position the jack under the trailer’s frame, in line with one of the axles.
- Slowly raise the jack until the trailer’s wheels are off the ground.
- Place chocks behind the wheels that are still on the ground to prevent the trailer from rolling.
- Lower the jack and remove the chocks before driving away.
By following these steps, you can safely and easily jack up your dual axle travel trailer.
Author Profile

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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.
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