The right way to lift

[ldiaz791]

After reading through several several sites regarding the right and wrong way to lift my 5th wheel I ruled out the frame simply cause on my 5th wheel the frame is too high. So I ask if this way (see attached pic) would be right and not damage my axle.

[travelin texans]

Been doing it that way for 40+ years. The only difference is I usually place a piece of 2x4, or something, between the jack & ubolts. You shouldn't have any issues doing it as shown.
As you stated the frame is very high, to me it's much safer to jack as shown rather than adding another 18"+/- of blocks under the jack then getting even higher before the tire leaves the ground.
I would try to jack it "up" rather than sideways though! LOL!

[fjr vfr]

Looks good, but I might put a block in between.



Are you trying to get all 4 wheels off the ground together?
Do you plan to add jack stands under the frame?


If you don't mind I have a question of my own to add.


Can the front landing jacks be used to support the front if the wheels are off the ground while jack stands are under the frame in the rear?
Or is that to much weight transfer on them?

[travelin texans]

If you have the hydraulic level up system it's an easy way to raise the wheels off the ground with the push of a button.

[fjr vfr]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

If you have the hydraulic level up system it's an easy way to raise the wheels off the ground with the push of a button.

But some of us have a budget and can't afford all the bells and whistles.

[ldiaz791]

I'm not trying to lift all four, I'm just new at 5th wheel and planning my first long trip and looking ahead before I have to change a flat (hopefully not). As far as using the front landing levelers, I rather not on my 42' long 5th I don't think I would need to and don't think they are meant for that.

[ldiaz791]

I actually have the six point hydraulic levelers on mine but have heard against using them to lift???

[66joej]

I use a 2x4 block above an 8 ton bottle jack at the spring hanger U bolts. Been working for years with no problems. Chock wheels on the opposite side for safety. Loosen lug nuts before lifting wheel off the ground.YMMV

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by fjr vfr

But some of us have a budget and can't afford all the bells and whistles.

Just making a suggestion to those that have it!
Sorry for your lack of budget!

As to Keystones recommendation not to use the level up to lift with I'm sure that's more from the legal department rather than engineering. Mine sat on the 6 jacks alone, no tires/wheels, for 4 days while waiting on brake assemblies with no problems & felt just as stable as with wheels.

[Fireman286]

Easiest way I have found to change a tire is to use the wooden blocks I have to level the trailer. Just build a stack tall enough to raise the flat tire off the ground and get to work.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by ldiaz791

I actually have the six point hydraulic levelers on mine but have heard against using them to lift???

The only warning that I am aware of is Lippert says to use jack stands if your going to be working underneath the trailer.

[cenders]

Originally Posted by ldiaz791

I actually have the six point hydraulic levelers on mine but have heard against using them to lift???

The system will lift tires clear off the ground if needed to make the trailer level.

[jimborokz]

I find the best way if I have a flat is to call roadside assist. It seems at this age my biggest hurdle is getting the spare out from under the trailer. When I try to pull it out, it just drags me under.

[dadnjesse]

I take a piece of 4x4 and notch it out so the axle sits in the notch and then the jack is under the 4x4 that way its less likely to slip out.

[ctbruce]

Originally Posted by dadnjesse

I take a piece of 4x4 and notch it out so the axle sits in the notch and then the jack is under the 4x4 that way its less likely to slip out.

Do you put that on the axle tube or under the u bolts that attach the springs to the axle? Jacking on the axle tube is not a good idea.

[ChuckS]

Your Lippert six point hyd leveler system will raise the entire fifth wheel off the ground
Safely if desired.

The front LG are each rated at 14K lbs each ...
I use my levelers to remove tires and repack bearings all the time. Waste of time to drag out a bottle jack