Tire Jack - what to get?

[gbraden]

I need to get a suitable jack for changing tires on my approx. 9,500 # 5th-wheel. What type and size jack do you recommend? Also, if you suggest a bottle jack, do some models have a larger, more stable base than others? Any other things to look for?



I just got through changing a tire using my old, cheep, 2 1/2 ton floor jack. Worked fine on my previous trailer, which was considerably lighter, but I really had to lean on it to raise the current one.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Glenn

 

[pmcnulla]

Jack to get

I use a 6 ton bottle jack that I got from Wally Mart. My 5th wheeler goes about 8500 and it works well. I have dual axles and help the situation by using two 2X12 boards. I offset them about 4-5 inches and either back on or pull the trailer forward to raise the trailer pre jacking. The other day, I did this before loosening the lug nuts so I had to reverse it in order to get them loose.

 

[lizzyhermit]

I have a bottle jack................

... ... but hardly ever use it. With the tandem axles I just pull up on my leveling boards with one tire and the 'tuther is off the ground..... especially works great on the shoulder of the Interstate (experience speaking). And this technique is greatly more stable with cars/trucks whizzing by... ... ... ... ... . !!

 

[LesStallings]

There are several versions of tire changing ramp type devices - the one I've got is from one of the internet tool suppliers. Just place it next to a good wheel, move the trailer forward (or back), lifting the flat tire off the ground. Mine is aluminum and rated to support the trailer weight.



Also be careful about the type of axles. Torsion axles can NOT be jacked on.

 

[RJOL]

Use a 12 ton bottle jack. Usually have to put in on top of a 4X6 block to get it to reach the frame, as I don't like putting all that lift pressure on the axle. One word of caution... I've had these cheap bottle jacks quit working even when they have not been used. I think the seals may dry up or something. Check yours out at the beginning of each tow season and you won't get a surprise when you need it...

 

[RustyJC]

I have no problem using a bottle jack under the spring plate on an axle with a piece of 2x6 as a load spreader. After all, the spring plate is already transmitting the weight carried by that particular tire from the 5ver through the frame, spring, spring plate and U-bolts and to the axle and tire. If the axle is mounted on top of the springs, jacking under the spring plate is actually relieving the tensile load on the U-bolts and picking it up as a compressive load at the spring plate which is pressing upward on the spring, just as it is in normal operation as it is pulled up against the spring by the U-bolts in tension.



Because of suspension travel, it takes a lot of jacking on the frame to bring a wheel off the ground - be sure your bottle jack has sufficient travel. And be careful - stability can be a problem when you're jacking that high!



JMHO - YMMV



Rusty

 

[WBusa]

For our dual-axle horse trailer we have long used a home-made version of the 'tire-changing ramp' LesStallings describes. Where I come from its called a cowboy jack. Basically just a stack of 2 x 6's (2 x 4's toward the top) nailed together, ramped on one side, with each layer of wood at 90 degrees to the previous layer to give it great strength. Drive one wheel up onto it (up the ramp side), and presto, the other wheel is in the air. Much easier on the horses (and you) than jacking up the trailer. Of course, even a fully loaded two-horse trailer is a LOT lighter than the monster rigs some of you folks pull, so your mileage may differ. When we're not towing, the cowboy jack makes a handy block to put under the tongue jack. I've seen some folks use 'em as steps into their campers. So let's see... its free (if you have some wood laying around your house), its incredibly easy to use, it offers the ultimate in stability and safety, and its handy in many other roles... what's not to love?



A tip: sometimes on loose sand/gravel, a cowboy jack wants to just scoot along in front of the tire, rather than letting the tire roll up onto it. I just take the biggest screwdriver out of my tool kit and stab it into the ground behind the jack to hold it still.



Found this picture on the web. Mine has more layers, but same idea.

#ad

 

[LesStallings]

WBusa, I guess I need to get my $29. 95 back!!! Your wood version makes sense. Maybe mine is lighter... yes, that why I spent the money! Sure.



Cheers!

 

[WBusa]

Yep, the aluminum ones are lighter... but if I get stranded in a snow storm I can burn mine for heat!

 

[cwsoules]

For seversal years I used the jack from my truck on my dual axle 10. 4K 5er and did not have any problems. I now have a 6 ton bottle jack which is easier to use. If you are going to be changing tires on your 5er get a breakaway torque wrench so you can set the stud tightness correctly and then check it periodically as you use your trailer.

 

[OTRPU]

Used to carry a 3. 5 ton floor jack, really handy for lifting things, but wrenched my back lifting it over the side of the bed. Bottle jacks take less room and are lighter. I rarely need to jack tires, and I haul trailers all day everyday. If I did the lumber ramps are the easiest way. Need to jack the trailer tongue up to get it on my hitch ball ever once in a while though. If I wasn't so lazy I'd lower the ball mount on the equalizer tow bar. Gonna have to get round to that one of these days.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[FMaurer]

Boy can I relate.

I go with the 2X12's staggered. I blew three brand new tires from South Jersey to Orlando. All in the same day. It felt very stable while trucks cruised past at 75 -80 mph. The tires were at pressure and nothing was overloaded. I took the tires to a friend once home and found that they were moulded wrong and blew off like retreads. My friend found me commercial grade trailer tires. The nice part about the 2x's they can be used for leveling for travel trailers and fifth wheels or used under the tongue or fifth wheel jacks to disconnect.

 

[R-N-R]

RV Leveling Blocks - The best of light weight and cross functionality? Unfortunately they lose in economical comparison.



-- Set of 4 $15. 29 Club Price

Reg. $16. 99



-- Set of 10 $32. 99 Club Price

Reg. $36. 65

 

[rweis]

In my RV manual it talks about being careful about jacking one axle (like the ramp jack effectively does). It puts the entire load of that side of the RV on a single axle / tire (because the other one is in the air for changing). They recommend jacking the frame in at least 2 places (1/3 down the frame, 2/3 down the frame, with a load spreader between each jack and the frame.



Just an idea.



Bob Weis

 

[FMaurer]

I also have the aluminum levelers/tire changers from Camping World. I don't get enough clearance. I use them with the 2x's to get the tire off the ground.



As for the manufacturer statement on excess weight on the supporting tire, I agree, but that tire is supporting the weight when a tire blows, or in my case when three blow.