replacing tires

[kingfisher24]

what is the correct way to lift trailer to raise both tires off the ground so as to replace both tires???

thanks

[dznf0g]

Most agree that it is best to lift by the axle mounting plate between the wheels.
Search on "jacking" and I'm sure you will find a lot of posts on the subject.

[68 TWind]

I like to use a short piece of 4x4 between the jack pad (3 ton floor jack) and the frame. Distributes the load over a larger area.

[SteveH]

There is supposed to be a spot under the frame behind the wheels and axles marked as the place to lift. However, many trailers more than a few years old are missing the markings.

That being said, I usually jack on the bottom of the axle plate between the wheels as "dznf0g" has suggested.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

I like to use a short piece of 4x4 between the jack pad (3 ton floor jack) and the frame. Distributes the load over a larger area.

I agree with this if you are using a floor jack with a rather large lifting pad. I wouldn't do it with a bottle jack with a tiny pad. Makes for a really shaky setup.

[KL's 77]

I just did this by placing the truck scissor jack behind (toward bumper) the back tandem and in doing this keeps the jack out of the way of wheel changes.

[dznf0g]

Careful with the truck scissors jack. They are designed to lift a CORNER of the specific vehicle in which they are installed. So their rating may only be 2000 lbs. or so. Know the weight of your trailer! If I lift one side of my trailer it's about 4000 lbs. NOT a good idea with the truck jack. I have seen many a scissor jacks misused and collapse. They are not a duty jack, but rather a very occasional use emergency jack.

[SteveH]

Not a scissors jack, but I have lifted one side of my '01 25' several times with the truck screw jack from my GMC 3/4 ton with no problems. It didn't even seem to be in a bind at all....don't know, but could be the 3/4 toners have stronger jacks than the 1/2 tons?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Not a scissors jack, but I have lifted one side of my '01 25' several times with the truck screw jack from my GMC 3/4 ton with no problems. It didn't even seem to be in a bind at all....don't know, but could be the 3/4 toners have stronger jacks than the 1/2 tons?

Probably...just know your trailer weights. Look for a label on the jack....or in the owner's manual. I'm not sure they list a capacity or not. I still believe most, if not all, jacks included in a vehicle are not designed of the duty cycle of constant use. They are meant for emergency use.

[KL's 77]

I forgot to mention that after I lifted the trailer, and I've done this many
times, I put under two (2) 3000lb harbor freight jack stands and lowered
the trailer onto those while I did the wheel work. No I would not trust
a half-ton truck scissor jack for any length of time. Thanks for clarifying
that.

Ken