If you’re a caravan owner, you know the importance of proper maintenance to ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition. One essential aspect of caravan maintenance is being able to jack it up safely and effectively.
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Whether you need to change a tire, perform an inspection, or do some repairs, jacking up your caravan requires some care and attention to avoid damaging your vehicle or causing injury.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some practical tips and advice on how to jack up a caravan safely.
How to jack up a caravan safely
When jacking up a two-wheel caravan, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent it from slipping or tipping over. If the caravan is lifted on one wheel only, it can become unstable and may start to slip in a circular motion.
This can be extremely dangerous, not only for the caravan itself but also for anyone nearby. To prevent this from happening, it is important to secure the caravan by hooking it up to the towing vehicle and applying the brakes to the car.
This will help to keep the caravan stable and prevent it from slipping or tipping over while it is being jacked up. We have created a simple graphic to remind you (see below)
Tools and equipment needed for jacking up a caravan
To jack up a caravan, you will need several essential tools to ensure that the process is safe and effective.
The most crucial tool is a hydraulic jack or trolley jack capable of lifting the weight of your caravan.
It is important to choose a jack that can handle the weight of your caravan and is easy to maneuver.
Additionally, you will need wheel chocks to prevent the caravan from rolling when it is lifted off the ground. Safety stands are also necessary to keep the caravan stable and secure while it is lifted.
A torch could be handy for working in poorly lit areas.
Overall, having the right tools and equipment is critical to ensure that the process of jacking up your caravan is done safely and efficiently.
Specialist Equipment To Jack Up Your Caravan
The Kojack Stability, Lifting & Levelling range is a great solution for those who want a simple, easy-to-use system to help lift and level their caravan.
Kojack Lifting is a unique product that solves the problem of not having jacking points on your caravan. This can be a major issue for caravan owners, especially if they need to change a tire or perform maintenance.
The Kojack Lifting element is a bolt-on attachment that fits into pre-existing holes on your caravan’s chassis and stays there permanently. This makes jacking up your caravan much easier and safer.
In addition, the Kojack Levelling range offers a variety of devices and aids that make levelling your caravan a breeze.
These tools help ensure that you get the perfect pitch every time, which is especially important for those who like to camp on uneven surfaces.
The Kojack Levelling range includes a selection of products that are designed to work with your caravan’s wheels, including chocks and ramps.
With Kojack, you can easily level your caravan and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
- KoJack Hydraulic Caravan Jack with Spirit Level
Can You Use A Trolly Jack To Jack Up The Caravan?
You can use a small trolley jack to jack up your caravan, which can be a cost-effective option compared to purchasing a specialised jack.
However, it is important to note that there are pros and cons to using a small trolley jack for this task.
Pros of using a small trolley jack:
- Cost-effective compared to specialised jacks
- Small enough to carry in the front of the caravan
- Can be used for other purposes, such as lifting other vehicles or heavy items around your home
Cons of using a small trolley jack:
- Difficult to get into position, especially if you have a motor mover fitted
- May not be strong enough to lift larger caravans
If you choose to use a small trolley jack to lift your caravan, it is important to safely jack it up at the correct point.
The ideal location to place the jack is on the axle where it meets the chassis. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Ensure that your caravan is parked on a level surface and attach to the towing vehicle with the handbrake engaged.
- Use wheel chocks to prevent the caravan from rolling when it is lifted off the ground.
- Locate the correct jacking point on the caravan’s chassis.
- Position the trolley jack under the caravan’s axle, making sure it is centered and secure.
- Slowly pump the jack to lift the caravan, being careful not to exceed the jack’s weight limit.
- Place safety stands under the caravan to provide additional support.
- Carry out the necessary maintenance or repairs.
- Reverse the process to lower the caravan back down to the ground.
- 2 tonne trolley jack is lightweight
- Compact heavy duty unit with all steel construction
- Portable and easy to operate with swivel castors
- Lifting range is 135 mm to 330 mm
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Jacking Up A Caravan
There are several common mistakes that people make when it comes to jacking up a caravan. These mistakes can be dangerous and may cause damage to your caravan, so it is important to be aware of them.
Don’t Use Your Cars Jack To Jack Up Your Caravan
One common mistake is using the car’s scissor jack to lift the caravan. While this may seem like a convenient option, it is not recommended as the car’s scissor jack may not be strong enough to lift the weight of the caravan.
Corner Steadies Are Not Jacks
Another mistake is using the corner steadies as a jack. While they may look sturdy enough to hold the weight of the caravan, corner steadies are not designed to lift the caravan and may become damaged or even break under the weight.
Placing your trolley jack under the chassis instead of underneath the axle is another common mistake. While it may seem like the obvious choice, placing the jack under the chassis can damage the caravan’s structure.
If your trolley jack doesn’t fit under the minimum height of the caravan, you should avoid attempting to lift it as it can cause instability and make it difficult to control the movement of the caravan.
Avoid Jacking On Soft Ground
Another common mistake is attempting to jack up the caravan on soft ground. It is important to only attempt to jack up the caravan on hard ground as soft ground can cause the jack to sink or become unstable, putting you at risk of injury.
If you do need to jack up the caravan on soft ground, avoid using wood which can easily slip or crack.
Removing Your Caravans Wheels For An Extended Period Of Time
Removing your caravan’s wheels for an extended period of time can be necessary for security reasons when staying on a caravan site for an extended period of time.
However, it is important to ensure that you take the appropriate measures to keep your caravan stable and secure during this time.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you should never leave your caravan on jacks for an extended period of time. Instead, many people use axle stands to support the caravan.
It is also important to take additional precautions to protect your caravan while the wheels are removed.
For example, you may want to cover the wheel hubs to protect them from the elements or install additional security measures to prevent theft.
In summary, while removing your caravan’s wheels for an extended period of time can be necessary for security reasons, it is important to take the appropriate measures to keep your caravan safe and stable during this time.
Using axle stands and taking additional precautions can help ensure that your caravan remains in good condition and protected from potential damage.
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33 Aintree Way, Dudley, DY1 2SL
Phone 01384 660150
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