Proper jacking point

[huhhhhh]

On a triple axle where is the proper point to jack when changing a tire. I think I read it should be done on the frame but wasn't too clear where. I've see others place the jack under the axle as close as they can get to the drum. Looking for the proper jack placement.

[chuckster57]

Frame is the preferred place. Does your trailer have auto level? If so just use manual mode and lift that side off the ground.

[rhagfo]

Well I have worked on my own vehicles for over 50 years. If I jack on the frame I need to raise the frame nearly a foot to get a flat tire off the ground. On top of that the jack needs to start about a foot to 18" off the ground to start with.

I place a bottle jack directly under the spring location on the axle tube, and only need to raise about six inches with the jack on ground!

[notanlines]

Huhhh, you've brought up the only discussion on this board that beats which pickup brand is better! (Ford, of course)
Chuckster is voicing what is in the owner's manual from the axle manufacturer because some idiots down the road have jacked up the wheels in the middle of the axle, thereby bending said axle.
Rhagfo covered the method preferred by most members. Certainly a tried and true solution.
What is about to come up on the board will be a number of members using pieces of plastic sold on the 'net and at CW which when driven upon raise said wheel off the ground usually suitable for tire changing.
Take your pick. I jack on the area where the spring meets the axle.

[xrated]

Well, since you mentioned it notanlines, I do have the Anderson Rapid Jack, and I tried it out a couple of weeks ago in the driveway. It works perfectly in my application and lifted the "flat" tire about an inch off of the ground......about the perfect height for changing out a flat. From what I've read, depending on the spacing of the wheels on a tandem axle setup, center to center distance, it may not work for some trailers......but it did for mine. I'm happy, as it is much easier than crawling under the trailer to place a bottle jack. BTW, I also have a 12 Ton bottle jack that I will be carrying in the tool box of my truck, just in case something doesn't quite work out on the Rapid Jack system. To me, it's pretty cheap insurance to have a reliable backup method.

[WaltBennett]

What I've found works when I've the time is to jack a few inches on the frame and then jack the axle at the U bolt off the ground. Changing a tire on the road may be different, and the only single place I'd jack would be on the U bolt.

[Desert185]

Jacking on the frame is the recommended method by the manufacturer, but on the shoulder of the road it might not be the most practical. If you jack on the spring ubolt close to the tire with a bottle jack you will only compress the spring and not lift the trailer. On a soft shoulder, at a possible angle, I think that makes more sense than jacking on the frame for a higher amount of lift to clear the tire off the ground. You have to decide what is best for you.

[sourdough]

The less height the better, particularly on a slanted road side. I carry 2 bottle jacks, boards, etc. etc. I also carried one of those Trailer Aid Plus ramps you drive the good tire up on. Found it wasn't tall enough. Put a 2x on top of it (when placed under it it just slid) and the tire barely came off flat. Had to use my small shovel to dig out under the wheel to get the spare back on it so I'm not so sure about it. It IS a lot more stable than suspending things in the air on a bottle jack IMO.