Safe jacking points dual axles

[Robert Pach]

I want to jack the trailer wheels off the ground to rotate them while greasing the wheel bearings. Where are the recommended jacking points and where not to jack the chassis?

[DocBrown]

That depends on the trailer model and the axles used. For example mine has Dexter Torflex axles and cannot be jacked up under the axles. It has to be on the frame mount. The type of axle can change from year to year also.

So, we need to know what trailer and what type of axle it has.

[oldmanAZ]

Welcome to the forum.

I haven't jacked my trailer tires off the ground yet so hopefully you'll hear from someone soon who has done it.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

That depends on the trailer model and the axles used. For example mine has Dexter Torflex axles and cannot be jacked up under the axles. It has to be on the frame mount. The type of axle can change from year to year also.

So, we need to know what trailer and what type of axle it has.

Actually they don't recommend jacking up any rig using the axle. Always use the frame.

[Robert Pach]

2012 JayFeather X19H. Dexter E-Z Lub axle.

[Route 66 Traveler]

I always jack mine under the frame, backed up by jack stands. I was told to never jack under any part of the axles or suspension. I have wooden blocks to help raise the jacks up high enough to get the wheels off the ground.

When I lube my Dexter E-Z Lube axles I always remove the tires first to keep from getting the expelled grease all over the wheel and tire...saves a lot of cleanup.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Robert Pach

2012 JayFeather X19H. Dexter E-Z Lub axle.

Right from the owner's manual:

Never raise the RV by placing the jack
under the axle, springs or any attachment
parts.

[Robert Pach]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I always jack mine under the frame, backed up by jack stands. I was told to never jack under any part of the axles or suspension. I have wooden blocks to help raise the jacks up high enough to get the wheels off the ground.

When I lube my Dexter E-Z Lube axles I always remove the tires first to keep from getting the expelled grease all over the wheel and tire...saves a lot of cleanup.

Thanks for your input on jacking and your experience with the E-Z Lube axles. I'm now ready to tackle the lube job. (I paid to have the bearings lubricated. That's when I discovered I had the E-Z Lube axles. I have a grease gun, so now I'm not going to pay for repacking bearings.)

[Route 66 Traveler]

My owners manual recommended using Lucas Red n Tacky #2, so that's what I have been using. It's bright red so it's easy to see when you are pushing out the old grease and it goes from a darker color to bright red...job done. I usually buy 5 tubes...takes about 1 per wheel. Also helps if you have a helper (and lots of paper towels) slowing rotating the wheel while you pump in the grease.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lucas-Oi...0005/202521504

[Tunce the traveler]

I place my bottle jack on the frame between the tires and 2 jack stands on the same frame just to either Side of the axle ( that works out to be near the outer edge of tires).

[bono]

Why wouldn't this be safe to jack up the trailer under the axles, where the spring leafs are attached to the axles? This is the place where the axles are getting a lot of abuse when towing. Why jacking up using this point would harm them?

I understand that manual may state not to use the axles. People are doing strange things, so in many cases manufacturers prefer to minimize the risk of user error. I am just trying to understand the logic behind this restriction.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by bono

Why wouldn't this be safe to jack up the trailer under the axles, where the spring leafs are attached to the axles? This is the place where the axles are getting a lot of abuse when towing. Why jacking up using this point would harm them?

I understand that manual may state not to use the axles. People are doing strange things, so in many cases manufacturers prefer to minimize the risk of user error. I am just trying to understand the logic behind this restriction.

That's my question. That should be a safe place to do it. I remember my dad jacking up his boat trailer under the spring mount. I think they (owners manual) mean on on the axles themselves. I get that, they could be damaged.

In my case there are no leaf springs. They are torsion bars, well rubber inside the axle as I understand. So they have to be jacked up on the axle mounts at the frame.

This is why I asked about what type of axle.

[RedHorse1]

I have an Anderson Rapid Jack and it won’t get the neighboring tire free of the ground because of the equalizer. Using a layer of 2x4 cribbing With the RJ on top gives me enough lift to raise a tire. I borrow my neighbor’s RJ and can do 2 at a time (one on each side).

[dhinkle57]

Originally Posted by Robert Pach

I want to jack the trailer wheels off the ground to rotate them while greasing the wheel bearings. Where are the recommended jacking points and where not to jack the chassis?

When I had new tires put on I was afraid the local tire shop would just shove a jack under the axle. So I drove up on leveling blocks to raise two of the tires off the ground and took them to shop to be changed.

[Marmot]

Never, ever use the axle as a jacking point. Always use the frame.

[KWDAILYD]

I have a 5th wheel and have always been told to Jack it up while attached to the tow vehicle. To never Jack in up with the weight on the landing gear. Is this also true?

[aplunkett]

Here’s how I do it:
I put the front jacks above level by about 10”. Then place the front jack stands centered under the frame rails at about 30% from front. Let the jacks down onto the jack stands and raise the rear jacks enough to get the jack stand under it and just lift the tires off the ground.

The weight of the front over hang, in front of the front jack stands, takes enough weight off of the rear jacks to allow this.

Then I position all four jacks so they are just on the ground in case of jack stand failure or unintended movement.

[KWDAILYD]

Aplunkett it looks like you have all 4 tires off the ground?

[GraftonGuns]

Robert, I use a floor jack and a piece of pressure treated 4"x 4" mine is about 16"long. I place the block right behind the leaf spring perch on the frame of the trailer and jack high enough to remove the wheel(s) I always use jack stands because I don't rely on just the jack. Feels safer as well.

[aplunkett]

They are just off the ground enough to roll