tire replacement

[dademt]

I just had a quick question while I was sitting at work doing nothing.  Can the regular jacks on the trailer be enough to lift it up so you could change a tire?  Granted, I have a TT but it shouldn't be that much different then the Hybrid's so I figured I would ask.

[chasd60]

My hybrid does not have jacks, it has stabilizers. The stabilizers are not made for lifting but stabilizing. Not sure what you have on yours?

[AustinBoston]

I just had a quick question while I was sitting at work doing nothing.  Can the regular jacks on the trailer be enough to lift it up so you could change a tire?  Granted, I have a TT but it shouldn't be that much different then the Hybrid's so I figured I would ask.

Except for a few very small trailers made a long time ago, the answer is no.  The stabilizers (what most of us have, even if they look like a scissor jack, are reallt just stabilizers) are not designed for leveling or jacking the trailer.  They are attached at a point where lifting the weight of the trailer runs the risk of warping or otherwise damaging the frame.

I use a bottle jack and a pair of jack stands that I lift the trailer with.  I place them on the frame behind the axle as close to where the springs attach as possible.

Austin

[dademt]

My hybrid does not have jacks, it has stabilizers. The stabilizers are not made for lifting but stabilizing. Not sure what you have on yours?

They are suppose to be "heavy duty jacks" for what that is worth.  
 
Austin: Thanks for the feedback.  I just figured I would ask before the inevitable day that I blew a tire on the road and had to change it.

[wavery]

It's a good question and I'm glad that people raise that question once in awhile. It is obviously something that people don't know how to handle (I didn't before I came to PUT).

If someone raises the trailer with the stabilizers (or at least tries) the weight of the axle is hanging from the center of the trailer as the trailer is supported by the extreme ends. Recipe for a bent frame (especially on the door side).

The chances of damage is probably less on a TT than a PU (however I don't know that for sure) because TTs have a sturdier frame and the lateral support of the closed box may offer more support. I still wouldn't do it though.

The other thing is, don't put the jack under the axle. There is a chance of bending the axle when lifting the entire trailer with it.

[dademt]

Thanks all, my first concern had been how safe it would be with using the built in jacks.  I really hadn't thought it out for the stresses of the trailer weight being supported by the ends and the damage that could do.  While thinking about it I would believe it still could be done given what the TT is built for but with the facts you gave, I now would most likely never try it.  Seems like there are just to many things that could go wrong and end up costing way more then even calling for road service if it came down to it.  As always, glad to take the advice of those who know way more then I.

[wavery]

Thanks all, my first concern had been how safe it would be with using the built in jacks.  I really hadn't thought it out for the stresses of the trailer weight being supported by the ends and the damage that could do.  While thinking about it I would believe it still could be done given what the TT is built for but with the facts you gave, I now would most likely never try it.  Seems like there are just to many things that could go wrong and end up costing way more then even calling for road service if it came down to it.  As always, glad to take the advice of those who know way more then I.

I think that is a mis-conception that many have. Those things on each corner are not jacks. I know that they look like jacks but they are merely stabilizers. I think if you look in your trailer's owners manual, it may tell you that.