Jacking Up Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Jacking up a camper is a necessary skill for any RV owner, whether for maintenance, repairs, or emergencies. While the process may seem straightforward, there are several important considerations and safety measures to keep in mind. The first step is to ensure the camper is parked on a level and hard surface, and to chock the tires to keep it secure. Then, you'll need to position the jack in the correct location, which is typically near the frame or axle, depending on the type of trailer. Using the proper type of jack and ensuring it has the correct weight capacity are also crucial factors. Finally, when lowering the camper back down, it's important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damage or injury.

Jack placement

For campers with an enclosed underbelly, finding the frame for jack placement can be challenging. Some manufacturers, such as Airstream, indicate the jack placement by affixing a plate to the underbelly. If your camper does not have such an indication, you may need to feel around the underbelly to locate the frame. Alternatively, you can position the jack under the plate where the U-bolts connect to the axle.

When jacking up a camper, it is generally recommended to place the jack near the wheel you need to work on. This reduces the amount of lift required to get the tire off the ground. If you need to lift the entire camper, use a jack at each corner of the frame and then replace them with jack stands. Remember to use jack stands that are heavy enough to support your camper's weight.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest using two jacks, one in front and one behind the axles, for larger trailers. Additionally, always ensure that your camper is on a level and hard surface before jacking and use wheel chocks on the tires to secure it in place.

Preparing the camper

Before you start jacking up your camper, there are a few important steps to take to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. Firstly, make sure you have the right equipment. You'll need a jack—either a rolling jack or a bottle jack—and two jack stands that are heavy and strong enough to support your trailer. It's crucial to know your trailer's gross vehicle weight and the lifting ability of the stands. You should also avoid using any stabilizers or levelers that come with your trailer, as they're not designed for lifting.

Next, find a suitable location to perform the jacking. Ensure your camper is parked on a level and hard surface. If you're dealing with an emergency roadside repair and the ground is soft or slanted, use parking devices such as Trailer Aid to keep the wheels locked. Additionally, if your tow vehicle is attached, keep it turned off with the emergency brake activated and wheels chocked.

Now, you'll want to prepare the camper for jacking. Chock the trailer wheels on the side opposite to the one you plan to jack up. This will keep the camper stable during the process. If you need to access the underside of the camper, such as for brake maintenance, lower the jack located at the tip of the hitch to unhitch the trailer. You can also lower the four built-in stabilizer jacks if your camper has them.

At this point, you're almost ready to start jacking. Just remember, never place the jack on the axle or any suspension components. Always use the frame, and if you need to lift the camper higher, use wooden blocks securely attached to the jack or find a jack and stands that can provide the required lift.

Now you're fully prepared to start the jacking process! Remember to work within your capabilities and refer to your camper's manual for specific instructions pertaining to your model.

Lifting the camper

Before lifting your camper, ensure it is on a level and hard surface. Chock the tires on the side opposite that which you intend to lift. If you need to lift the camper because of a flat tire, chock the tires on the other side. If you are lifting the camper for maintenance, leave the camper attached to the tow vehicle with the parking brake set, the transmission in park, and the tongue jack down. Remove the ignition key from the tow vehicle for added safety.

Next, place the jack under the frame just behind the rear axle. Do not place the jack on the axle or any of the vehicle's suspension components. If you are using a rolling jack, place it under the frame close to the spring hanger. If you are using a bottle jack, place it under the frame either side of the axle mountings. If your camper has torsion axles, place the jack between the wheels, on the subframe that the axles are attached to.

If you need to lift the camper higher than the jack can manage, use wood to further lift it. Only use one piece of wood securely bolted to the jack. Do not place wood between the jack and the frame, as this setup is unstable.

Once the camper is lifted, place jack stands under the frame to support the weight. These should be ANSI-certified and exceed the weight of the camper. Lower the jack so the camper rests on the stands.

When you have finished your maintenance or repair, lift the jack back up to the camper, remove the stands, and slowly lower the camper back down to the ground.

Using jack stands

Jack stands are an essential safety component when jacking up a camper. They are used to support the weight of the trailer and ensure stability. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use jack stands when jacking up a camper:

Step 1: Prepare the Camper

Before attempting to jack up the camper, ensure it is parked on a level and hard surface. This will make the process safer and more manageable. Chock the trailer wheels on the side opposite to which you intend to lift. If you are changing a tire, for example, place the chocks on the other side. You should also leave the camper attached to the tow vehicle, with the parking brake activated and the transmission in park.

Step 2: Position the Jack Stands

Place the jack stands in an easily accessible location near the camper. The number of jack stands you need will depend on the weight of your camper and the lifting ability of the stands. Ensure you use stands that are ANSI-certified and have a weight rating exceeding the weight you will be placing on them. For added safety, it is recommended to use wooden blocks under and on top of the jack stands to prevent them from sinking into the ground and potentially damaging the trailer.

Step 3: Lift the Camper with the Jack

Position the jack in the appropriate location, as per the instructions in your owner's manual. This could be near the damaged tire, under the axle, or underneath the frame close to the spring hanger. Lift the camper until it is high enough to place the jack stands securely into position.

Step 4: Secure the Camper on the Jack Stands

Once the camper is lifted to the desired height, carefully lower it so that it rests securely on the jack stands. You can now remove the jack and proceed with any maintenance or repairs.

Step 5: Lower the Camper

After completing your work, position the jack(s) next to the jack stands and slowly lift them up to take the weight of the camper. Carefully remove the jack stands and slowly bring the camper back down onto the wheels. You can then remove the wheel chocks or stopping devices.

Remember always to use caution when jacking up a camper and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Safety precautions

Jacking up a camper is a potentially dangerous task, so it is important to take several safety precautions to avoid personal injury and damage to your vehicle. Here are some essential safety measures to follow:

Firstly, always follow the jacking instructions recommended by the manufacturer of your camper. Different campers may have specific requirements or recommendations for safe jacking practices. Stop the camper on level, firm ground, and set the parking brake. For automatic transmissions, put the transmission in "P", and for manual transmissions, put it in reverse. If necessary, block the wheels on the opposite side of the jack-up point.

Before raising the camper, ensure that the jack is properly positioned at the correct jack point. Improper positioning can damage the vehicle or cause it to fall off the jack, leading to potential injury. Never get under the camper when it is supported only by the jack; always use vehicle support stands. Additionally, do not place any objects on top of or underneath the jack while raising the vehicle.

It is also crucial that you do not start or run the engine while the camper is supported by the jack. Do not raise the camper with someone inside the vehicle. Ensure that no one puts any part of their body under the camper while it is jacked up, as this could result in serious injury.

Finally, do not use an inferior or damaged jack, as this may lead to harm or vehicle damage.

Frequently asked questions