Jacking up my RPod for inspection

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   I'm surprised that the frame manufacturer even allows axle hangers to be welded on the frame!
But, yes, jack by the frame.  Preferably within a couple feet of the axle.  Be careful of the propane line and any wires which run along the frame.  Always use chocks on the opposite tire and make sure jackstands are in place (and bearing the trailer load) before you start working on the trailer.

Also, lock the trailer door and don't let anyone in the trailer while its in the air.  Someone walking around in the trailer while its on jackstands very well may bend the frame.

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Outbound Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767	Topic: Jacking up my RPod for inspection Posted: 10 May 2013 at 7:26pm
	I'm surprised that the frame manufacturer even allows axle hangers to be welded on the frame! But, yes, jack by the frame. Preferably within a couple feet of the axle. Be careful of the propane line and any wires which run along the frame. Always use chocks on the opposite tire and make sure jackstands are in place (and bearing the trailer load) before you start working on the trailer. Also, lock the trailer door and don't let anyone in the trailer while its in the air. Someone walking around in the trailer while its on jackstands very well may bend the frame.
	Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 10 May 2013 at 1:21pm
	You are correct, never use the stabilizers to lift the pod (or any camper, except large RVs with self-leveling systems). In a life-or-death situation I would risk it. The answer I've always given here, partly seriously, is "levitation". Some here have used thick boards to spread the load across the frame members evenly.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Bill-GA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Cumming, GA Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Posted: 09 May 2013 at 11:22pm
	After furpods response I went lookin. I found this in rpodnation.com under "jacks" topic : Only jack the Pod on the vertical axle flanges welded adjacent to the hubs. The round axle tube is not designed to have a jack apply a lift to it. A flat jack head would touch the round axle on only a small area. All of the weight of that side of the Pod would be concentrated on that very small area of axle. The axle flanges are welded up the side of the round axle tube spreading the weight around the axle tube. This is what I intuitively have been doing. Since my jack has a 4-5" cup (std on most auto jacks?) it fits nicely under the flanges. When camping, I've stowed a small scissor jack with crank handle that has a flat 3x5(?) head for changing a flat tire. I'm not sure that would span the flanges - I'll check when I do service. I assume of course, that using stabilizers to lift tire is a no-no? I also have GoodSam Roadside Assist which is probably the easiest but longest solution. I wonder how they would jack it up. Good to know about flanges to ensure they don't screw things up.
	Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 09 May 2013 at 10:18pm
	"Officially" The axle manufacturer says not to lift on the axle, and the trailer manufacturer says not to lift on the frame..

Bill-GA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Cumming, GA Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Posted: 09 May 2013 at 8:37pm
	The rain in Georgia is finally slowing down. I'm planning to check my wheels (brakes & grease). BUT, I've always used my hydraulic auto jack (3 ton) under axle under about where the risers were installed. I remember seeing something in the bearing discussion / materials that said use a block of wood under the framing beam to lift. That doesn't seem like the right place. Is there an official recommendation as to where to lift?
	Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV