Jack placement when changing tires

[rak]

Where do you place the jacks when changing tires. I was told the only place is on the frame either in front of or behind the spring shackles. Any input would be great.
Thanks,
Dick

[Wrenchtraveller]

I put the jack under the axles and that is what tire shops do. I use a hydraulic jack right between the U bolts.I would NEVER lift my Montana by the frame to get the tires off the ground.

[LonnieB]

Me too Don, not only the Montana, but every trailer of every kind I have owned. Darn, I hope my fingers haven't said too much,lol.

[Cat320]

On my old TT, to get a tire off the ground, didn't need a jack, just drove the good wheel up on some blocks and the wheel that needed changing would come off the ground. Can we do that with these rigs or are they too heavy?

[LonnieB]

Cat, with this suspension you would need a lot of blocks, and even if it were possible, I wouldn't want the weight 2 axles and springs usually carry, transferred to 1 axle and spring. It could do extensive damage to both, not to mention the frame.

[indy roadrunner]

Dick, I asked that specific question to the Mor/Ride rep at the rally and he said to put the bottle jack right on the axle in between the u-bolts. With the mor/ride suspension if you tried jacking the frame to get the wheels off the ground you would almost need a crane. The Mor/Ride allows the axles to move farther than normal suspension systems - that is why they ride so smooth.

[rak]

Thanks everybody for the info. I forgot that Gary had said to put the jacks at the U bolts. This contradicts what the service guy at Mor/Ride said. I will put the jacks at the U bolts.
Have a great day.
Dick

[bsmeaton]

Not only does the axle point limit the height you have to raise the jack, I think it's a more secure point to set the cleat on the jack. I think all of the points on the frame are smooth, and I would worry about the jack slipping.

Brad

[sreigle]

On the axle at the u-bolts here, too. Last year in Utah I ran one wheel up on some boards so I could change the other wheel. The tire I ran up on the boards was fully inflated but looked nearly flat when on those boards. At that point I decided that's just too much weight on that axle and tire and I will not do that again.

[Sweetfire]

OK, here is a twist to this thread. I'm getting ready to put the Dexter Wet Bolt Kit on our 3295RK. I'm going to have to support the trailer while I undo the springs, shackles, and equalizer. So where do I put the jacks?

[LonnieB]

Dennis, with the front landing gear down, place one jack on each side, on the frame, about 6" aft of the rear spring hangers, with a steel or hardwood block between the jacks and the frame. Raise both jacks evenly to keep from twistig the frame, and to minimize the chances of jack slippage. The 6" spacing behind the spring hangers should give you enough room to work, but if not, you can move them back a little more, but I wouldn't go over 12".