So dumb newbie question:
I want to adjust my wheel bearings before we head off on our maiden voyage. Do I need to have the fifth wheel hitched in order to take the pressure off the front stabilizers when jacking up the wheels? Or is it okay to have it unhitched and front levelers down?
Thanks!
Browntrout73 wrote: So dumb newbie question:
I want to adjust my wheel bearings before we head off on our maiden voyage. Do I need to have the fifth wheel hitched in order to take the pressure off the front stabilizers when jacking up the wheels? Or is it okay to have it unhitched and front levelers down?
Thanks!
What kind of adjustment do you plan to make?
All I have ever heard of or done is checking them for wear and repacking them with grease as needed. As far as jacking the fifthwheel, I would hitch it and then jack, just to prevent any chance of bending or binding the front stabs as the angle of the frame changes when you jack it. Hopefully someone w/ a 5er will respond to that part of your question (I have a TT).
2011 Silverado Crewcab 4x4
2012 Passport 238ML
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Mines a pull TT, but I NEVER jack unless TT and TV are connected. If it ever moved .....
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2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Hitched is safest. More to be sure that the trailer doesn't move as you lift it than to protect the front jacks (which are sturdier than you seem to think). With the pin locked in the hitch and the truck in park, it is stable.
Do NOT jack under the axle tubes. They will kink and put the wheels out of alighment. The jack (bottle or floor type) can be placed under the spring perch (the pad that connects the axle to the springs) or directly in front of the front spring hanger bracket (or directly behind the rear spring hanger bracket for the rear wheel). A piece of 2x4 about 8" long between the jack and the frame spreads the load a little if that makes you more comfortable.
I, too, am not sure just what you plan to "adjust". Bearing retainer nuts are either set up correctly or you have wheel wobble. They don't develop end play after they are set.
You are better off to spend your time (and money) getting rid of the cheap tires that come on almost all trailers and getting LT (Light Truck) replacements.
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