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Post by kent4niners on Dec 10, 2014 19:00:52 GMT -5
I'm interested in finding a hydraulic bottle jack and jack stands to be able to work on/under my KZ Sportsman. I've been trying to research online but not found one that can lift the trailer high enough or sturdy enough to safely raise trailer. Any recommendations? |
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Post by vagov on Dec 16, 2014 23:30:11 GMT -5
I would be alittle leery to raise the camper using a jack on the frame. It may be better structurly to drive up on some lynx blocks or wood planks to get ground clearance
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 17, 2014 9:51:21 GMT -5
Check out Harbor Freight. I use the larger jack stands and a floor jack. Any jack may need a block under or over it to reach the desired height. I don't like bottle jacks because they are rather tippy and have a small single point contact that can cause damage to a thin frame.
What ever you use, jack it up in small increments from side to side. Protect that thin frame with a good block of wood that will spread the load. Do your jacking as close to the axles as you can to prevent bending of the frame.
To just work on one spindle, a simple scissors jack under the spring area works great, but you need to make a wood block to spread the load.
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Post by johnr on Dec 17, 2014 13:05:35 GMT -5
If you're simply working under the trailer, have you thought about those Rhino Ramps? Rhino RampsOnce you're on them, you could use jack stands for extra protection. How high are you looking to raise the trailer, or what are you trying to work on? If you're looking at doing wheel bearings, I use a floor jack. |
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Post by kent4niners on Dec 17, 2014 13:47:59 GMT -5
I'm new to travel trailers. My thoughts are to equip myself with items and accessories I might need on the road or in an emergency...like changing a tire....that was my first thought on a jack and stands. However, after reading the above ideas it might be best with a flat to call my insurance carrier road side service and forego any headache or labor. I also wanted to install a power tongue jack and remove the crank jack, so I thought a jack and stands could assist in that project. Now I may raise the trailer using the crank jack high enough to use a wood block so I can install the power tongue jack. All your replies are helping this novice get down the road better equipped and with greater safety...thanks
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Post by shortlance on Dec 17, 2014 14:46:01 GMT -5
I have found that when you are camping and run into problems there are always many seasoned campers that are always ready to help you out and if you don't have what you need chances are they will and will be more then happy to share. I have found that 99% of the campers are the best people you will ever find.
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 17, 2014 18:16:05 GMT -5
To install the power tongue jack, just hook up to your tow vehicle and change it out.
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bluegrass
Seasonal RV’er
2019 1500Durango 259rdd
Posts: 177
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Post by bluegrass on Dec 17, 2014 21:39:56 GMT -5
For changing a tire....while traveling in VA, we experienced a flat. That section of VA State highway had a State road crew just designated to help with highway breakdowns...wonderful service. Anyway, he brought out from his truck a section of 4x4 just long enough with an angle cut on one end to accommodate one of the tires. We drove the good trailer wheel up on the block, perfect height for changing the flat out. We made a block of our own as soon as we returned home, we use it under our tongue jack if there is a huge slope in the campground...could be used in an extreme leveling situations also.
Good luck.
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wi1dbi11
Weekender RV’er
2010 Durango 2013 Chevy 2500
Posts: 64 
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Post by wi1dbi11 on Dec 17, 2014 22:30:46 GMT -5
Things/tools for your RV.
With Aluminum wheels you'll need a 6 point deep well socket to fit the wheel lug nuts. Also, strongly, suggest a torque wrench. You may need a 4" extention. There is also a plastic ramps. One is marketed by Andersen Hitches They show a ramp/wedge that doesn't even require a jack. (www.andersenhitches.com)
On trailers with dual axle, simply put wedge under the good tire and either pull away or back up depending on whether using the front or rear. You can also use the plastic blocks and build a ramp. Purchase a light weight rolling jack. It's just easier to raise the trailer up on the good tire on a ramp than to jack it clear up. Also, search You-Tube there are several videos on changing tailer tires
Also, Check your spare, If it is steel rim (more than likely) and if the wheels on your unit are aluminum. Chances are that the angle of the chamfer is different. If so, buy 6 lug nuts to fit your spare. Make sure you get a socket to fit them.
Another tool for your tool kit should be a brake spoon. Unless, you have a higher end trailer. The trailer brakes are not self-adjusting. So about every 4000 to 5000 miles they need to be adjusted.
WildBill
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Post by johnr on Dec 18, 2014 8:04:21 GMT -5
I'm going to have to check out some of that Andersen stuff. Does anyone use the leveler and chock? Any thoughts? What if you need to go up higher than 1 leveler will go?
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Post by joecamper on Dec 18, 2014 13:21:38 GMT -5
It won't apply to all the rigs out there, but if you have power jacks you can lift the side with the flat with the jacks. I've done that several times with my Durango.
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Post by kent4niners on Dec 18, 2014 18:27:36 GMT -5
All good ideas. I'll hook the trailer up to my tow vehicle to install the power jack. I have only one axle on the trailer so the ramp wedge won't work. I question using the tongue power jack to lift the trailer, so as, to change the tire. Does that work? I already purchased a torque wrench with a deep socket set. I'm not hesitant to ask others for help or call road side service if needed. I think I have self-adjusting brakes on the 2014 KZ Sportsman 190 but need to verify. Great group of KZ owners on this forum.
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 18, 2014 19:09:00 GMT -5
Again, to just jack up one wheel for a tire change, get a scissors jack. You may already have one in your truck or other car. If you jack under the axle, it only needs to be lifted enough to allow for a tire change. Jacking on the frame is a much higher lift as you also take up the spring travel. Never use the tongue jack and the stabilizer jacks to lift the trailer. When you have a flat, the distance between the axle and the ground will be small, that is one reason that I suggest a scissors jack. If you have leaf springs and they are under the axle just place the jack on the plate directly under the axle. If the axle is below the springs, it would be best to make up a block that contacts both the axle tube and the u-bolts. The axle tubes are thin and can be indented if there is just a single point contact. You need to get a jack and practice using it while pretending that the tire is flat. Calling road service is the last thing you want to do. Do you think that the kid in the truck will take the proper care? This jack will be just fine for your 190: jack |
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