Jacking up 5th wheel

[Travler]

Is there a special way in lifting one side of the 5th wheel to inspect brakes? I was thinking just lift each axle.. Inspect brakes and grease bearings then lift the other wheel.. Should I have it attached to truck to eliminate stress on landing gear? Thanks in advance..

[concours]

I do mine 1 wheel at a time I chock the wheels that I'm not working on and put a jack stand under the frame by the wheel I'm working on never had a problem, I don't hook up the truck.

[chuckster57]

No need to hitch up to the truck. Couple of cautions:

If your going to jack up on the axle, be sure to use the most outboard spot you can. Try lifting where the springs are attached, if you lift the center of the axle you can change the arc and cause major issues.

If you use the frame to lift, pay attention to the shackles. Lifting high enough can cause the shackle to "flip" down. Not hard to flip back up but it can scare you when they "pop".

[papi]

Buy one of this it work perfect. The only bad thing is you have to hitch up to move your camper. Look at the pic.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by papi

Buy one of this it work perfect. The only bad thing is you have to hitch up to move your camper. Look at the pic.

^^^What I use.
Just did it last week. You might need a 1x6 under the Trailer Aid to get the other wheel off the ground though.
Don't use the grease fitting on the spindles. Remove the bearings, clean them, inspect for any corrosion or damage, repack the bearings with a grease approved by the axle manufacturer.
So why did I use my Trailer Aid last week? Confession: Last year I removed, cleaned, and repacked my bearings. Then I had that grease fitting staring at me and couldn't resist giving them a few shots. It's been bothering me ever since. I pulled the drums back far enough to insure the grease seal was intact and slid back with the drum and the brake shoes weren't covered with grease.

[rhagfo]

Just, work on one wheel at a time, bottle jack under spring location, good solid base under jack. While I am for safety, no need for jack stand under frame when raising one wheel a a time. I have never noticed the frame rise when jacking a single wheel about an inch off the ground.
Just be sure side is fully chocked.

No need to have hitched to TV if done correctly. I have had both of my 5er fully supported by cribbing and LG & jack Stands.

[dcg9381]

rhagfo,
Shocks and a lift... I like it.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by gearhead

^^^What I use.
Just did it last week. You might need a 1x6 under the Trailer Aid to get the other wheel off the ground though.
Don't use the grease fitting on the spindles. Remove the bearings, clean them, inspect for any corrosion or damage, repack the bearings with a grease approved by the axle manufacturer.
So why did I use my Trailer Aid last week? Confession: Last year I removed, cleaned, and repacked my bearings. Then I had that grease fitting staring at me and couldn't resist giving them a few shots. It's been bothering me ever since. I pulled the drums back far enough to insure the grease seal was intact and slid back with the drum and the brake shoes weren't covered with grease.

I switched from the Trailer Aid Plus to the Andersen Rapid Jack and don't need a 1 or 2 x 6 anymore.