Jack recommendation for mid-profile 5th wheel?

[TxCowboy]

Since we're talking Tires and Wheels, thought this might be a good place to ask about jacks and tire rotations! :angel:

Which jack would you recommend for a mid-profile 5th wheel?

And, as my 5R will be sitting in a RV park for a couple of years (think "condo"), how often should I jack up the RV and spin the tires to avoid flat spots?

Thanks, all!

 

[Bighurt]

I'm not sure if there is even a prescribed tire rotation in the manual. This is probably due to trailer tires not seeing the actual mileage necessary. In fact typical trailer tires are replaced due to age before ever getting to the magic mileage mark.

As you can tell by my signature, I have a fairly heavy collection of trucks so the smallest jack I actually own is a 2 1/2 ton trolley. As its worthless in my shop I just keep it in the RV, To lift a single tire for tire change 2-4 ton bottle or trolley jack is plenty sufficient. And light enough not to become an issue. I keep a 20 ton bottle in my big truck, that's a two hand lift into the cab.

Your running gear is considered part of the leveling/foundation when parked. So the best bet their is just to place the axle tubes on jack stands once set up. Think mobile home... you could even go as far to store the tires somewhere else.

If that's not your plan I would jack up each tire and rotate them a few degrees ever few months.

Cheers

 

[brianharrison]

As mentioned by Bighurt I would suggest bottle jacks for raising up your rig to change tires, IF needed - ie flat.

Tire technology today is advanced and I do not subscribe to the "flat spot" syndrome any more. Old bias ply tires maybe.

My recommendaiton would be to protect the tires from UV rays by covering them with a good quality cover, and keep them properly inflated with the recommended inflation pressure listed on the side wall of your specific tire. They will last at least a couple of years in this state with full trailer weight on them.

I would recommend checking the tires over very well by a trained tire technician before the rig is pullled anywhere of distance, after a prelonged storage time.

Take care,
Brian

Edit: Here is the Lippert Bulletin for jacking up a frame to change a tire --> http://www.lci1.com/LIP/6-7-10-0134.pdf

 

[TxCowboy]

Edit: Here is the Lippert Bulletin for jacking up a frame to change a tire --> http://www.lci1.com/LIP/6-7-10-0134.pdf

Did I read that right? You need an 8 to 12 ton jack to change a tire? O.O

 

[caissiel]

I have been jacking my BC on the frame with my 6 ton jack. A bigger jack will allow less stress on the jack lever

 

[brianharrison]

Did I read that right? You need an 8 to 12 ton jack to change a tire? O.O

I assume the Bulletin is generic for most Lippert frames - the 8 to 12 ton bottle jack is overkill for the majority of trailers/5th wheels, however as mentioned a 6 ton would be the smallest I would use on my 16K trailer (4 ton would be cutting it close, IMHO).

Take care,
Brian

 

[porthole]

I used a low profile 20 ton bottle jack.
Overkill? Not really. Laying on your side trying to jack a trailer you might be trying to lift 4-5000 pounds. Why not use a jack the makes it a whole lot easier and less stress on your arm - pushing in a direction you may not be accustomed too, e.g. to the side instead of straight down.

Got mine at Tractor Supply

 

[lwmcguir]

I used a low profile 20 ton bottle jack.
Overkill? Not really. Laying on your side trying to jack a trailer you might be trying to lift 4-5000 pounds. Why not use a jack the makes it a whole lot easier and less stress on your arm - pushing in a direction you may not be accustomed too, e.g. to the side instead of straight down.

Got mine at Tractor Supply

Use one of these along with the drive on jack for the other axle, works great

 

[TxCowboy]

I used a low profile 20 ton bottle jack....Got mine at Tractor Supply

Duane, is this the one?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicl...amps/jacks/big-red-20-ton-bottle-jack-0116487

 

[porthole]

Duane, is this the one?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicl...amps/jacks/big-red-20-ton-bottle-jack-0116487

Not sure, will check when we get home from the current rally. With the Level Up I no longer need to carry the bottle jack.