What kind of jack do you use for flats, etc?

[gparker]

I need a jack to carry around with the trailer in case of a flat or something. What is the best thing to get? A bottle jack has a very small " Head" on it and looks like it would phch throught the floor if the jack slipped, and an automative floor jack takes up alot of room. Suggestions?

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by gparker

I need a jack to carry around with the trailer in case of a flat or something. What is the best thing to get? A bottle jack has a very small " Head" on it and looks like it would phch throught the floor if the jack slipped, and an automative floor jack takes up alot of room. Suggestions?

With a two axle trailer, use a ramp of 2 by 6 or 8 or the yellow leveling blocks. Run one wheel up on the ramp and the other is suspended in mid air.

Bill

[ScottW]

Bill is correct. However I bought a 'trailer jack' years ago for a large horse trailer. It is space age plastic (aluminum ones available at higher cost), with metal 'feet'. It is a ramp with a platform on top that conforms to the wheel. Either pull up on it, or back up on it, depending on which tire is flat. Works great. Any camper place will have them, or look on line.
Hope you don't need it!
Rgds,
Scott

[dwightdi]

I use the leveling blocks while on the road and a Bottle jack with a 1/4" aluminum plate when around the house. Do not jack on the mounting plate that is between the wheels. It is too easy to slip off or bend the plate. Of course, do not jack on the axles.

[RDM16CCD]

My truck has a screw-type jack that is rated well over what my trailer weighs, and it works fine with my trailer, so I don't have to carry another one. I always have an assortment of yellow blocks and 2 X 6 boards along, so I position something under the 'jack here' label on the underside of the trailer for the jack to lift against ahd distribute the forces, and don't have any problems with the jack damagining the metal on the underside of the trailer.

My trailer is a single axle so I have no alternative - if I had a double axle I would use one of the methods others have mentioned above. Whatever method you decide on, it is good to practice at home so you know you have everything you need before having to try it for real, alongside a road somewhere!

Bob

[SteSpot]

Hello, I am wondering if a Good Sam Card Emergency Service card might work? pj

[Devoman]

Here is what I use if I ever get into trouble.
Trailer Aid

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by Devoman

Here is what I use if I ever get into trouble.
Trailer Aid

Devoman,
While I usually use 2X6 or 2X8 treated lumber to pull up on, I have been looking at that Trailer Aid for awhile now. Last week I hefted it while at Camping World and it is definately heavier and sturdier that it looks in the picture. I see one in the near future.

[thecatsandi]

I use my leveling boards for campgrounds. Works good for dual axles. Nothing extra to carry.

[SafeHarbor]

I use an inexpensive "Rhino" car ramp that I got at AutoZone. I've had to use it and it makes a great impression on the locals who want to help. But adjust your mirrors so you can see it!

They come in pairs for about $50, and I've used two of them on the Argosy when I re-tired it, but didn't want to tow it the tire dealer.(Yes, they were that old and bad.)

Lamar

[wheel interested]

We use a trailer-aid too like Devoman. You have to love having double wheels and being able to use this. We have never had to use it yet though.

Trailer Parts and Acc. trailer couplers

[gparker]

I am thinking the trailer aid or the home-made version of one looks like the way to go. I going to work on my brakes tomorrow so I will try it out. Thanks to all...
Greg

[Wayward]

Here is another style of quick change jack that works very well. These will work on single axle trailers too. I've used it with square and round axles.

Cabela's -- Quick-Change Trailer Jack


...........Scott

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by pjpoll

Hello, I am wondering if a Good Sam Card Emergency Service card might work? pj

only if you are sure the person responding knows how to drive a jack, and where to place it.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Wayward

Here is another style of quick change jack that works very well. These will work on single axle trailers too. I've used it with square and round axles.

Cabela's -- Quick-Change Trailer Jack


...........Scott

You shouldn't use that on a torsion axle Airstream, it can and probably will bend the axle. It can be used on the older Airstreams with spring axles.

[Action]

Interesting in that the Cabellas ad shows a leaf spring axle.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action