Trailer Aid

[SJBrooks]

Hoping the NM winter doesn't last longer than normal, as we're anxious to use our new-to-us Fuzion 302 for the first time. In prep for doing so, one thing that comes to mind is how to best change a flat tire if needed.

Has anybody used a Trailer Aid flat tire ramp on a TH of this type (or similar two-axle model)? If you have, I'd appreciate any positive/negative feedback about it.

Thanks all,

Steve

[flybouy]

I don't have a TH but I do have a trailer aid. Mine is the plus I think, it has an extra peice in the saddle that raises it up a bit higher. I've used it to pull the wheels, and adjust the brakes and personally I wouldn't get under the trailer without it. Doesn't graon or show any signs of stress holding the weight and with the saddle for the tire it's not going anywhere.

[crash]

I use just a small 10 ton bottle jack it works great for me ,luck to me I have had only 1 blow out in the last 9500 miles we have put on our Raptor

[fla-gypsy]

I have used a Trailer Aid on my 2 axle 10k GVWR TT. Worked pretty good.

[sptddog]

I've never used it on my camper, but I've used it TONS of times on various horse trailers, including a 38' 4-horse with living quarters. Sometimes with the horses on it (on a busy interstate, sometimes you don't have a choice). It's very stable, and extremely easy to use. I wouldn't be without one in any trailer.

[SJBrooks]

As regards using a bottle jack, will putting it as far outboard on the axle as possible and jacking it up there cause any problems? Any time we'll use the camper it will be loaded to its max.

Thanks,

Steve

[Festus2]

I wouldn't recommend placing the jack directly on the axle. If you can find a flat spot at the junction of the axle and leaf spring, that would be a better place. Better yet, place it directly under the frame. You'll find specific instructions in the Dexter axle manual.

[SJBrooks]

The reason I asked about placing it under the axle is I've heard of others that use an "axle cradle" adaptor for their bottle jack, made of a half-circle piece of pipe (the cradle) which is welded to a full-circle piece of pipe (the neck) that fits the bottle jack. Has anybody made/used a cradle like this? Is there any problem using it on the axle as far outboard as possible?

Thanks again,

Steve

[MarkS]

I have a TrailerAid Plus. I used it once to adjust brakes. So, 4 lifts. I had to put an extra board under the TrailerAid to get the wheel off the ground. Even with the Plus.

It worked, but I did not feel good about it. The trailer seemed really high. I also needed a spotter. It was difficult to feel or see where the wheel was on the Aid.

I tried jacking the frame once. I ended up with such a tower of 2x4s that it did not feel safe. That's when I bought the TrailerAid.

Dexter says you should not use a bottle jack under the axel. But, I doubt that you would have a problem if you keep the jack close to the U bolts.

www.safejacks.com makes axel jack pads in several configurations. I just received the Axel Tube Pad version from them. I think I can put it between the U bolt pair, just inboard if the wheel. As soon as it warms up a little, I plan to grease the wheel bearings. Let you know how it works.

[Festus2]

Steve -
I've gone online and checked the Dexter Service Manual and here is what it says: 'CAUTION' Do not lift or support the trailer on any part of the axle or suspension system".

Maybe this is a PTA disclaimer on their part to protect themselves in case of an accident or an out to void your warranty should it be proven that you did place a jack under the axle.

In any case, there is a warning from the axle manufacturer about using a jack on the axle - cradle or no cradle. I guess we can ignore the warning or find a safer place to put the jack.

[SJBrooks]

Festus2,

Thanks for the reply. I agree it would be more ideal to jack on the frame, but the issue (for me, at least) is how to do that with the kind/size of jack that I'd carry in my camper while traveling.

Has anybody jacked a loaded 16,000 lb 5er on the axle without any damage?

Thanks again all,

Steve

[chartrand]

Why not just use leveling blocks to do the same thing as the trailer aid. Most people already have them.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[bg71361]

Originally Posted by chartrand

Why not just use leveling blocks to do the same thing as the trailer aid. Most people already have them.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Bingo! It's the KISS method