How to Safely Jack Up a Tandem-Axle Travel Trailer

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

How to Jack Up a Tandem Axle Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are a great way to explore the open road, but they can also be a bit of a challenge to maneuver. One of the most important things you need to know how to do when you own a travel trailer is how to jack it up safely. This will come in handy when you need to change a tire, do maintenance, or just level your trailer.

In this article, we will discuss the different ways to jack up a tandem axle travel trailer, as well as the safety precautions you need to take. We will also provide tips on how to level your trailer once it is jacked up.

So whether you’re a new travel trailer owner or you’re just looking for a refresher, read on for all the information you need to know about jacking up your tandem axle travel trailer.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Two floor jacks Place one floor jack under each axle of the trailer.
2 Two chocks Place a chock behind each wheel of the trailer to prevent it from rolling.
3 Jack up the trailer Raise each jack until the trailer is level.
4 Place a support block Place a support block under each axle of the trailer.
5 Lower the jacks Lower the jacks until they are no longer supporting the trailer.

How to Jack Up a Tandem Axle Travel Trailer

Tools and Equipment Needed

To jack up a tandem axle travel trailer, you will need the following tools and equipment:

  • A hydraulic jack
  • Two safety stands
  • A chock block
  • A wheel chock
  • A lug wrench
  • A torque wrench
  • A stepladder
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Safety Precautions

Before you begin jacking up your travel trailer, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  • Make sure the trailer is parked on a level surface.
  • Engage the parking brake.
  • Set the chock blocks behind the wheels of the trailer.
  • Place the wheel chock in front of the front wheels of the trailer.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves.

How to Jack Up a Tandem Axle Travel Trailer

To jack up a tandem axle travel trailer, follow these steps:

1. Place the chock block in front of the front wheels of the trailer.
2. Place the wheel chock behind the wheels of the trailer.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard lights.
5. Place the stepladder under the frame of the trailer, near the front axle.
6. Climb the stepladder and attach the hook of the jack to the frame of the trailer.
7. Slowly raise the jack until the front axle of the trailer is off the ground.
8. Place the safety stands under the frame of the trailer, near the front axle.
9. Slowly lower the jack until the weight of the trailer is supported by the safety stands.
10. Remove the chock blocks from the wheels of the trailer.

Jacquing up a tandem axle travel trailer is a relatively simple task, but it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid injury. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely jack up your travel trailer and perform maintenance or repairs.

Here are some additional tips for jacking up a tandem axle travel trailer:

  • Use a jack that is rated for the weight of your trailer.
  • Never exceed the maximum lift height of the jack.
  • Slowly raise and lower the jack.
  • Never leave the jack unattended while it is supporting the weight of the trailer.
  • If you are unsure how to jack up your travel trailer, consult with a qualified professional.

Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials to jack up a tandem axle travel trailer:

  • A floor jack
  • Two 2x4s
  • A chock
  • A safety chain
  • A torque wrench
  • A lug wrench
  • A crescent wrench
  • A socket set
  • Penetrating oil
  • WD-40

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park the travel trailer on a level surface. Make sure that the trailer is in gear and the parking brakes are engaged.
2. Place the chocks behind the wheels of the trailer. This will prevent the trailer from rolling while you are working on it.
3. Attach the safety chain to the front axle of the trailer. The safety chain will keep the trailer from rolling forward if the jack fails.
4. Place the floor jack under the front axle of the trailer. The jack should be placed on a solid surface, such as a concrete pad or a piece of plywood.
5. Raise the jack until the front wheels of the trailer are off the ground. Be careful not to raise the jack too high, as this could damage the trailer.
6. Place the 2x4s under the rear axle of the trailer. The 2x4s will help to support the trailer once you lower the jack.
7. Lower the jack until the rear wheels of the trailer are resting on the 2x4s. Be careful not to lower the jack too quickly, as this could damage the trailer.
8. Remove the chocks from the wheels of the trailer.
9. Tighten the lug nuts on the front wheels of the trailer. Make sure that the lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque specification.
10. Lower the jack and remove the 2x4s from under the rear axle of the trailer.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble jacking up your travel trailer, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that the floor jack is rated for the weight of the trailer.
  • Make sure that the jack is placed on a solid surface.
  • Make sure that the jack is raised slowly and evenly.
  • If the jack is not raising the trailer evenly, you may need to adjust the chocks.
  • If the jack is not raising the trailer high enough, you may need to use a longer jack.
  • If the jack is not stable, you may need to add more support under the trailer.

Jacking up a tandem axle travel trailer is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it safely. By following these steps, you can safely and easily jack up your travel trailer.

How To Jack Up A Tandem Axle Travel Trailer?

  • Q: What do I need to jack up my travel trailer?

A: You will need a set of wheel chocks, a floor jack, a safety strap, and a torque wrench.

  • Q: How do I position the wheel chocks?

A: Place the wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer wheels on the side that you will be lifting. Make sure that the chocks are positioned securely so that the trailer will not roll.

  • Q: How do I lift the trailer?

A: Place the floor jack under the frame of the trailer, just behind the axle. Slowly raise the jack until the trailer wheels are off the ground.

  • Q: How do I secure the trailer?

Once the trailer is lifted, attach a safety strap around the frame of the trailer and the tow vehicle. This will help to prevent the trailer from tipping over.

  • Q: How do I lower the trailer?

Slowly lower the jack until the trailer wheels are touching the ground. Remove the safety strap and wheel chocks.

  • Q: What should I do if the trailer starts to tip?

If the trailer starts to tip, immediately release the jack and lower the trailer. Do not attempt to correct the tilt by yourself.

  • Q: How often should I jack up my travel trailer?

You should jack up your travel trailer every time you disconnect it from the tow vehicle. This will help to prevent damage to the trailer’s suspension and axles.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to jack up a tandem axle travel trailer. We have covered the different types of jacks that you can use, as well as the steps involved in the process. We have also provided some tips for safety and security.

We hope that this information has been helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Always use a weight-rated jack that is appropriate for the size and weight of your trailer.
  • Position the jack under the trailer’s frame, as close to the axle as possible.
  • Slowly raise the trailer until all of the wheels are off the ground.
  • Use chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling.
  • Lower the trailer slowly and carefully.
  • Never leave the trailer unattended while it is jacked up.

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.