Jack points

[Frank C]

2 hours ago, csevel said:

I think the results will vary with the EZ Flex as we DID in fact try it with the Rapid Jack which is 7" tall on an asphalt driveway and it did NOT lift the other tire off the ground at all.  Just saying.

Seems like we now have documented evidence from various owners that this method (ramp method) both does and does not work (Schrodinger’s Ramp? 🙂).

There are a lot of variables that haven’t been detailed as part of the tests done.  Things like trailer weight and trailer CG (center of gravity) depending on options,  tanks empty or full, tongue height when hooked to tow vehicle, weight of tow vehicle, using ramp on forward or rear axle, etc. all might be affecting how much the Dexter EZ Flex suspension articulates (and how much the trailer tongue raises also) when using a ramp, and whether or not the other tire lifts off the ground.

I’ll stick with my Army surplus HUMVEE scissor jack.  I can get both tires on the same side off the ground so I can also rotate the tires front to back when doing my bearing maintenance.  

[Hokieman]

29 minutes ago, FrankC said:

There are a lot of variables that haven’t been detailed as part of the tests done.  Things like trailer weight, tanks empty or full, tongue height when hooked to tow vehicle, etc. all might be affecting how much the Dexter EZ Flex suspension articulates when using a ramp and whether or not the other tire lifts off the ground.  

Agreed Frank, the ramp option might not always work.   In my test case, I don’t know the trailer weight at the time, but it was fully stocked and in dry camping mode.  Water tank and gray tanks both half full.   Trailer was connected to my F250 at normal, level height.   I chocked both of the opposite side wheels.   I think the variation in the results may be affected by the condition of the rubber bushings in the Dexter EZ-Flex.   My 2021 bushings are still relatively new, so perhaps less articulation because the rubber is less compressible.   The pic shows the linkage in the lifted position.  The point of my test was to try out an option for changing a flat tire using equipment I am already carrying.   I also carry a Humvee scissor Jack and an Agile adapter, based on your tests and recommendations (Thank you! ), detailed in related posts.   A third option is to just use the stabilizer levelers (not recommended by Oliver), but I think that may flip the shackles, and I’d rather avoid stressing the frame.    Coincidently, I got a flat rear tire on the TV 2 days ago, on a secondary road.  I was not towing the trailer.   The tire picked up a large lag screw.    Rather than use the sketchy, never used OEM bottle jack on a gravel & sand road shoulder, I used the Humvee scissor jack and the Agile adapter and quickly changed that tire with the spare.   So, in sum, my plan is to continue to carry the Humvee scissor jack w/ adapter, since it is suitable for both trailer & TV in unstable ground conditions. 

[routlaw]

2 hours ago, Mike D. said:

 Now tighten lug nuts completely. Lug nuts should be torqued to 120 ft. lbs. ”

And they are still recommending 120 ft lbs of torque. This really needs to be changed.

[MobileJoy]

8 hours ago, Mike D. said:

If you get the opportunity, perhaps you can discuss with OTT management  if they  will consider editing their owners manual so we can clear up the confusion on a key safety item.

Sorry, I left the area before I saw this. 

[Hokieman]

2 hours ago, MobileJoy said:

Sorry, I left the area before I saw this. 

That’s Ok,  I’ll give it a try and send Jason & Rodney an email.

[geO]

On 4/5/2022 at 11:24 AM, FrankC said:

I just use a good heavy duty scissor jack on some 4”x4” cribbing to lift the trailer (but mine does have the marked jack points on the steel subframe) and then after raising the trailer I put the stabilizer down just as a backup.  Chocks under the tires on the opposite side of course.  Doing my wheel bearing re-packing now. 

I found using Frank's method of lifting the trailer to be the easiest! 

[Hokieman]

2 hours ago, geO said:

I found using Frank's method of lifting the trailer to be the easiest!

I agree geO, Frank’s method is very good.   I haven’t had to do it yet, but if I were removing wheels at home to do maintenance, I’d use the equipment I have, which includes large floor Jack, Jack stands, wheel chocks etc.  all on a level concrete floor.   However, your original post and objective wandered off into roadside repairs, which is what my posts referred to.  How I will change a tire on the side of the road is different than how I will change it in my garage, due to the equipment & conditions. 

[geO]

Got it Mike. I think in an emergency situation I would use the side jack. Speed to me would equal safety in this case and even then my family would be away from the road out of the tow.

[geO]

Of course my warning triangles would also be deployed.