putting jack stands under the chassis - Page 2

wegone · 01-13-2023, 07:50 AM

Goodness, I can't think of any advantage to doing this at all.
It even makes me wonder if the suspension is that iffy, then what can we expect pulling it over rough highways?

Hugo-H · 01-13-2023, 08:46 AM

it ain't any problem driving it on highways, or others.
My Q is only, if Dexter advices to put it on jack stands under the frame, when storing for a longer period of time, there has to be a serious reason to it...

MaDMaXX · 02-15-2023, 06:45 PM

So where are you supposed to raise it up to change wheels? Discount tire just jacked mine up to switch to the spare and just did it under the axles close to the wheels.

fjr vfr · 02-15-2023, 10:57 PM

Make sure if Discount tire jacks it under the axle the jack should be very close to the wheel, ideally under the springs. If they go to far inward they can bend the axle.
It's okay as long as you stay close, best where the axle and springs bolt together.

Hugo-H · 02-16-2023, 01:38 AM

changing a wheel is a short term action... What I'm talking about, is long term storage, like for winterizing it, and relieving the tires and springs during the time of storage... Then I would place jack stands half way the front (between front axle and front of the trailer) and second half way the back (between rear axle and back of trailer)... When I changed my brake shoes a few months ago, I did put jack stands under the axle, almost near the springs...but that was only for a few days...

jasin1 · 02-16-2023, 02:59 AM

if i was that worried about the tires i would just take them off during the winter and store them in my garage…get a second set of old wheels and tires to leave on over the winter …or just remove the wheels and jack it up and block it with timbers over the winter so it isn’t so high up in the air..but this way could be a bit precarious to execute.

also if you think about it if you jack the entire trailer up off the ground and have the tires and suspension hanging to relieve stress…..aren’t you just causing opposite stress?… the weight of wheels and axles just hanging on the springs seems like a unnatural condition…i would think just jacking up a little or to take some of the weight off would be a happy middle ground

**flybouy** · 02-16-2023, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugo-H

it ain't any problem driving it on highways, or others.
My Q is only, if Dexter advices to put it on jack stands under the frame, when storing for a longer period of time, there has to be a serious reason to it...

I believe you are over thing the term "longer period of time". You may define that as several weeks, others several years. The only time I've seen a camper jacked up and supported by the frame is when it's used as a permanent set up. Otherwise, enjoy the exercise as it won't make a bit of difference to the unit. Don't believe that? Then go visit a salvage yard and look at vehichles that have set on wheels for decades, the springs aren't flattened out.

rhagfo · 02-16-2023, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjr vfr

Make sure if Discount tire jacks it under the axle the jack should be very close to the wheel, ideally under the springs. If they go to far inward they can bend the axle.
It's okay as long as you stay close, best where the axle and springs bolt together.

In the past when having Discount Tire replace they have placed the jacks correctly. It doesn't hurt to check them, as they need to do trailers in the parking lot.

As shown below this will not hurt a thing.

Max23 · 02-16-2023, 05:40 AM

Soo, I'm sure they have their reasons, maybe in the way or something I don't know. Maybe these are the only jacks they have, but, why wouldn't they just use 1 jack and put it on the frame between the two axles instead of 2 jacks? I mean, your right, the way its done there is totally fine, just curious as to their reasoning for 2 jack. Also, not stating this as a they don't know what they are doing, not at all. Again, works fine. Just a curiosity question. What's their reasoning?

**flybouy** · 02-16-2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

Soo, I'm sure they have their reasons, maybe in the way or something I don't know. Maybe these are the only jacks they have, but, why wouldn't they just use 1 jack and put it on the frame between the two axles instead of 2 jacks? I mean, your right, the way its done there is totally fine, just curious as to their reasoning for 2 jack. Also, not stating this as a they don't know what they are doing, not at all. Again, works fine. Just a curiosity question. What's their reasoning?

If you put one jack under the frame all the weight is supported at that single point. Jacking up under each axel distributes the weight along 3 points where the axel assembly mounts to the frame.

Max23 · 02-16-2023, 05:56 AM

Ok, ya, see that. I wasn't thinking about the fact that there isn't enough space in there to spread the weight out. So, stupid question, but hey, it's early in the morning here, coffee hasn't kicked in yet. LOL. And ya, this way is much faster than one at a time with a jack stand or something. Got it, thanks for waking me up!!!! LOL

**flybouy** · 02-16-2023, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

Soo, I'm sure they have their reasons, maybe in the way or something I don't know. Maybe these are the only jacks they have, but, why wouldn't they just use 1 jack and put it on the frame between the two axles instead of 2 jacks? I mean, your right, the way its done there is totally fine, just curious as to their reasoning for 2 jack. Also, not stating this as a they don't know what they are doing, not at all. Again, works fine. Just a curiosity question. What's their reasoning?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

Ok, ya, see that. I wasn't thinking about the fact that there isn't enough space in there to spread the weight out. So, stupid question, but hey, it's early in the morning here, coffee hasn't kicked in yet. LOL. And ya, this way is much faster than one at a time with a jack stand or something. Got it, thanks for waking me up!!!! LOL

The only "stupid questions" are the ones NOT ASKED. When I was teaching electrical courses in college I repeated that often, adding "if anyone admonishes anyone for asking a question they will be asked to leave. ALLWAYS ask if you have a question, that's how we learn.

**chuckster57** · 02-16-2023, 07:53 AM

Previous employer used single jack between the tires and a section of steel square tubing across both spring perches.

Hugo-H · 02-16-2023, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasin1

if i was that worried about the tires i would just take them off during the winter and store them in my garage…get a second set of old wheels and tires to leave on over the winter …or just remove the wheels and jack it up and block it with timbers over the winter so it isn’t so high up in the air..but this way could be a bit precarious to execute.

also if you think about it if you jack the entire trailer up off the ground and have the tires and suspension hanging to relieve stress…..aren’t you just causing opposite stress?… the weight of wheels and axles just hanging on the springs seems like a unnatural condition…i would think just jacking up a little or to take some of the weight off would be a happy middle ground

I can understand your way of thinking... but then, for what reason would a company like Dexter recommend for long term storage, to put the frame on jack stands, in order to release any pressure from wheels and springs?

MaDMaXX · 02-16-2023, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugo-H

I can understand your way of thinking... but then, for what reason would a company like Dexter recommend for long term storage, to put the frame on jack stands, in order to release any pressure from wheels and springs?

Missing definition - what is "long term" ?

Hugo-H · 02-16-2023, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaDMaXX

Missing definition - what is "long term" ?

...as I've mentioned before...long term is several months, for example time during winter...when TT is not in use..

MaDMaXX · 02-16-2023, 09:01 AM

I meant what does Dexter class long-term as? Not what do you want it to be.

Hugo-H · 02-16-2023, 09:02 AM

for them, Dexter, they refer to long term the same as i did...for example for winter season...so several months...

fjr vfr · 02-16-2023, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugo-H

for them, Dexter, they refer to long term the same as i did...for example for winter season...so several months...

It's obvious you're going to do it regardless any other opinions, so just do it.
It seems you're trying to convince yourself before going forward. No one is going to change your mind about it, so good luck have fun and don't hurt yourself.

notanlines · 02-16-2023, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjr vfr

It's obvious you're going to do it regardless any other opinions, so just do it.
It seems you're trying to convince yourself before going forward. No one is going to change your mind about it, so good luck have fun and don't hurt yourself.

Yep, I think this is where we’re headed with this thread. Never mind that tens of thousands of RV dealers all around the world NEVER do this.The mind is made up.

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