Jacking Up Tent Trailer

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Train - 21 Jul 2006 05:36 GMT

We recently purchased our first tent trailer, a 1989 Starcraft.
Unfortunately it did not include an owners manual. I would like to check
the bearings prior to taking it out on our first long camping trip, but I am
unsure on the recommended method for jacking up the trailer. Does anyone
have advice on how I should do this?

Trent

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tobe - 21 Jul 2006 14:25 GMT

I use a simple hydraulic "shop jack" from the local auto store, or Sears,
plus a jack stand (they sometimes come in a package, the jack plus two jack
stands). Pick any solid point on the frame near the axle. Chock the other
wheel and the front wheel. Jack it up enough so the wheel is off the ground
and put a jack stand under the frame for safety. One can also use a cinder
block on end (usually tall enough).

HTH

> We recently purchased our first tent trailer, a 1989 Starcraft.
> Unfortunately it did not include an owners manual. I would like to check
> the bearings prior to taking it out on our first long camping trip, but I
> am unsure on the recommended method for jacking up the trailer. Does
> anyone have advice on how I should do this?

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Tomes - 24 Jul 2006 05:49 GMT

All good words below here. I will add that I use my scissor jack from my
Sienna to do the lifting and it works fine.
Tomes

>I use a simple hydraulic "shop jack" from the local auto store, or Sears,
>plus a jack stand (they sometimes come in a package, the jack plus two jack
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>> am unsure on the recommended method for jacking up the trailer. Does
>> anyone have advice on how I should do this?

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Train - 25 Jul 2006 05:12 GMT

Am I right to assume that I should not have the stabilizing jacks extended
at this time?

> All good words below here. I will add that I use my scissor jack from my
> Sienna to do the lifting and it works fine.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>>> trip, but I am unsure on the recommended method for jacking up the
>>> trailer. Does anyone have advice on how I should do this?

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Andrew - 25 Jul 2006 05:20 GMT

> Am I right to assume that I should not have the stabilizing jacks extended
> at this time?

Absolutely not. You want to lift (or support) the trailer only in areas
that are meant to hold a load such as the tongue, axle or spring mounts.

I didn't see it mentioned but I found the easiest way to jack up the
trailer is under the axle. Not all trailers will allow wheel removal
when lifted this way though. I also try to lift when the trailer is
coupled to the tow vehicle. Much more stable.

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Jim Redelfs - 25 Jul 2006 13:18 GMT

> I also try to lift when the trailer is
> coupled to the tow vehicle. Much more stable.

...and SAFE.

Signature

:)
JR

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