Jacks and Jacking points

[g1]

The caravan handbook says to put the jack under the axle and behind the wheel. To do this a scissor jack is at such an angle it's a real struggle to turn the handle let alone lift the caravan. I've thought of a bottle jack but the tops of the ones I've seen are small and flat and the axle is round and , in my opinion, it just wouldn't be stable.

Is it OK to jack up under the caravan frame - what do people do to jack up safely to change a wheel or whatever ?

Thanks, Wes

 

[TD42]

It is usually better to buy a dedicated caravan lack these come with a couple of special jacking brackets that bolt to ready positioned holes already provided in the chassis, you will probably find that a bottle jack will not fit under the axle if you were to have a flat tyre.A small 2 ton trolly jack (sometimes on offer from ALDI

 

[Stephen_374341239]

I use a 2 ton trolly jack that came in its own carrying case. You can obtain these from Halfords Rac Shops and alike. The case makes it very easy to store and is not to heavy. When jacking up the caravan i tend to place the jack right behind the wheel under the chassi of the caravan between the jack and chassi a small bit of wood.Very very easy to use.One point always have the caravan connected to the towing car. Plus hand brakes on car and caravan on.

 

[xtrailman]

If you follow the axle tube towards the wheel, you will see were it bolts to a plate, on the otherside is the suspension arm.

I always jack under this plate, it is easily seen by the coupling bolts that connect both the front and rear chassis members.

I prefeer to jack here as i feel it is stronger than jacking under the axle tube.

In the past i have used a 2t bottle jack, or trolley jack, the

 

[xtrailman]

Forgot to mention, the bottom of the plate is about 1.5" wide, i usually put some rubber between the jack and plate to prevent any "damage" to the galvanised finnish.

 

[g1]

Thanks to all for your advice and suggestions. I'm really am surprised that this facility isn't built into the design of a caravan. I don't think owners should have to try things out or experiment in order to do such a basic thing as changing a wheel safely.

Cheers , Wes

 

[Sedo]

Wes

We bought a 'Kojac' jack when we changed vans just over a year ago.

It's a Pageant Burgundy so it's a reasonably sized van and the 'Kojac's been a great investment.

Jacking point plates fasten to Alko chassis in ready drilled holes, absolute doddle to fit and use.

Regards

Tomo