[Jack_Zzz]

I googled and gave up. :sad: I need to lift an entire 2-axle, 18ft, 2300 lbs cargo trailer for at least 12" to slide under to do some work.
How can I do that properly and safely (without being killed too much )

Obviously I don't have access to garage / shop lift.
I though about putting two 4'x4'x8 wooden posts under trailer's belly (one 4 ft from front / end of the trailer) and jack them up on both sides, later securing the trailer with additional jack stands (four - 1 at each frame corner). Is this a good idea?

Perhaps you can think about another trick?

Thank you,
J.

 

[660catman]

I used 4x4 cribbing when I changed my axle on my 26’ camper. I had one set behind the rear axle leaving enough room to change out rear axle. I also had one set ahead of the front axle. And of course I had the tongue jack utilized too. Basically had both wheels off the ground hanging.

I also just used that same cribbing to hold up my 6x12 cargo to add brakes and have room underneath to do the wiring.

All on a gravel driveway!


Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

 

[ukrkoz]

4 jackstands? Lift one corner up, jackstand, lift the other, and so on... If you do not have jackstands, use wooden railroad sleepers, or tie posts. Cut to suitable height. They are large, heavy solid chunks of wood. For 12 inches, each sleeper is standard 8.5' long. That's around 100'', so one will do and then some.

It's your life. I'd not trust 4x4. Too narrow a base. Won't hurt to hammer on some 2x2 at base, for extra stability. Especially if you will be sledging and tugging on it.

 

[Jack_Zzz]

4 jackstands? Lift one corner up, jackstand, lift the other, and so on...

I do. Considering trailer's length / weight, wouldn't this approach affect its frame? I read some opinions that trailers that size should be lifted by placing a jack under each axle (that's not a viable option), and jacking up by should be avoided.

It's your life.

Yup and it's the last one. Thus I am asking for recommendations. :smile:

Thank you,
J.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Has it got a tongue jack on it,..??

If so,..... Lower it all the way to the ground,......
Go to the back, 'n put blockin' under the back corners,.....
Now raise the tongue jack, All the way to it's top,......

If that's high enough, put blockin' under the front of the trailer, 'n probably a stack or 2 under the midway point somewhere,.....
Then take the tension off the tongue,....

 

[660catman]

When I said 4x4 cribbing here is a picture of what I used. First layer was 6x6 but I don’t have them in my possession right now. Pieces are 15” long.
There no way I would go under anything that I feel is unsafe. With all that I had my floor jack underneath it too.

Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

 

[ukrkoz]

That's a lot of 4x4s. But yes, stacked like that, sure.




OP, you got the point on trailer length. Do axle corners and 2 rear corners and then place vertical or stacked pieces of lumber under the tongue. Thus, you will have front end secured too, with what you have.

 

[DexterII]

I read some opinions that trailers that size should be lifted by placing a jack under each axle (that's not a viable option), and jacking up by should be avoided.

I don't know in what context you found this, but assume that it was in regard to changing a tire or otherwise servicing the trailer when it had a load on it, in which case yes, you need to be careful because it could be possible to bend the frame if you jack it from say the back corner of the bed. But in your case, you're going to have the wheels off the ground anyway, no load on the axle, hence no foul.

Ayuh,..... Has it got a tongue jack on it,..??
If so,..... Lower it all the way to the ground,......
Go to the back, 'n put blockin' under the back corners,.....
Now raise the tongue jack, All the way to it's top,......
If that's high enough, put blockin' under the front of the trailer, 'n probably a stack or 2 under the midway point somewhere,.....
Then take the tension off the tongue,....

I would lift it up with my tractor or skidsteer, but in the absence of those I would go at it just as Bondo suggested. Do it once, and if still not high enough you could repeat it. Can't get much simpler than that and it's every bit as safe as anything else. Regardless of how you go about it just keep an eye on your cribbing to make sure it's not leaning on you or anything like that.