How to jack up a Class A motorhome?

In this article, we will answer the following question: How to jack up a Class A motorhome? We will also explain how to properly use a motorhome jack and how to choose the best one. 

How to jack up a Class A motorhome?

To jack up a Class A motorhome you will have to follow some basic steps in order to ensure your safety and the correct operation of the motorhome jack:

1. Put the vehicle in a safe place. Park the motorhome on a flat and firm surface, without gravel or similar, so that the lifting point is level with the ground, thus preventing the jack from moving during use and causing an accident.

Set the parking brake to prevent the motorhome from rolling while you change the wheel.

2. Make sure the jack has adequate capacity. The motorhome jack you are using must be able to support the weight to be lifted. The lifting capacity is indicated on each jack. If what you need is to change a wheel, you do not need to lift the whole load, but half with a single anchor point. Therefore, if your vehicle weighs two tons, you need a jack with a capacity of at least one ton.

3. Where to place the jack? The normal thing is that there are two support points under the motorhome. You will easily identify them because they are two flat metal bars that run down both sides of the motorhome, running parallel to the side panels (the metal or plastic strips under the doors). Long they occupy the space between the front and rear wheels.

In some cases, there may be two more points of support, located just behind the front and rear bumpers.

However, the location of these support points is described in the motorhome manual, so it should be consulted there previously. Also, some vehicles come with a small notch or plastic block that indicates where the hydraulic jack should be placed.

4. Operate the motorhome jack. Once the main point is located, slide the jack under it until it touches the motorhome, move the crank or lever to pump the fluid, and continue until you feel the corner of the motorhome lift up enough to comfortably change the wheel or do the intended repairs. 

How to jack up a Class A motorhome to change a flat tire?

When on vacation the last thing you want is to experience a flat tire in your Class A motorhome. But if that happens, don’t worry  – lifting your trailer to change a flat tire is as easy as doing it on a car or trailer. With a few safety precautions, you can easily change your Class A motorhome tire and save money on AAA or another road service 

Things you will need:

• wood blocks
• 5 ton floor jack

Before seeing what are the steps to change a wheel there is an essential basic: having a spare wheel. It may seem obvious to you, but we know of readers who have decided to remove their spare wheels from the motorhome or motorhome because it took up a lot of space. We completely discourage this practice because eliminating elements that guarantee our physical integrity is never a good decision. Therefore, we assume that you have the wheel in the motorhome.

Here’s how to jack up the motorhome and change the flat tire:

1. Safety: If you have a flat tire, the first thing you should do is stay calm and stop the vehicle in a safe place. Stick as much as you can to the shoulder if you can’t get to any service road where you can avoid the passage of other cars, trucks and the like.

As indicated in the law, you must place a triangle in front and another behind 50 meters away. We insist at this point that it is VERY IMPORTANT that you really place them at 50 meters. This distance is not because yes, but because if you place the triangle at 50 meters it will be visible at 100 meters, a distance that the vehicle coming from behind allows it to manoeuvre without danger to be more careful with you, that you are stopped.

2. Get to work: With the reflective vest on (while placing the triangles as well), grab the tools and get out of the car or motorhome. You will need the cat, the key and patience if it is your first time. We recommend that, before placing the jack to raise the vehicle, you loosen the bolts of the wheel in question. You will appreciate it later.

Also, remove the hubcap from the wheel and put it in a safe place. In case you have wheels with rims, do not forget that you must have the wrench that will loosen the anti-theft screw if it has one.

3. Lift the vehicle: Set the jack and start to lift the vehicle with it. The idea is that that part of the car or motorhome remains in the air to be able to remove the flat tire and place the new one. Once at the top, remove all the nuts (be careful not to lose them!) And remove the wheel by pulling it slowly.

TIP: Place the broken wheel under the jack so that in the event of a jack failure the car will crash onto the wheel and not onto the ground.

4. The new wheel: Fit the new wheel by snapping the nut holes into place. Then, place the screws and tighten them slightly, without leaving them completely tightened. Once this is done, you see lowering the vehicle little by little with the jack until the wheel comes to rest on the ground as it was in step one.

5. Press and go: Well, now that we have the new wheel fitted and the car or motorhome on the ground, we just have to tighten the bolts as much as possible. With the key, you see pressing one by one but ALWAYS in the shape of a cross.

What types of motorhome jacks exist?

Motorhome jacks can be mainly divided into mechanical and hydraulic jacks. In this article, we will focus solely on hydraulics. Furthermore, this category can be divided into two types of jacks suitable for different circumstances: hydraulic floor jacks and hydraulic bottle jacks. Here we explain them:

1. Floor jacks – They are often found in professional auto shops and garages. Their lifting capacity varies depending on their design and material, but they are usually much stronger and more resistant than mechanical jacks. They have wheels for easy handling and movement.

Floor jacks are not compact and generally not suitable for transporting in your car. These jacks are relatively large and heavy, and should only be used on flat, hard surfaces. This makes them an excellent choice for workshops and home garages of all sizes.

2. Bottle jacks – It is named after its shape and size resembling a bottle. But don’t let that fool you, as these jacks are powerful and use a piston mechanism to lift a vehicle with just a few pumps. This makes them a popular choice when it comes to lifting tractors, forklifts, and other heavy machinery parts.

Bottle jacks, also called piston jacks, have one important but: their retracted height is only half the full lift height. They are not suitable for lower vehicles and sports cars, so they are only used for trucks, SUVs and other vehicles with much higher clearances.

Final thoughts

The last piece of advice we want to give you is that, if you have the option, don’t do any of the five steps above. If you have a roadside assistance service with your insurance, we always recommend calling professionals so that the final result is perfect and we avoid putting ourselves in danger.

If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.

FAQ on How to jack up a Class A motorhome?

Should I store my RV with the jacks down?

Yes, you should store your RV with the jacks down. This way, you relieve the tires and the suspensions of a lot of pressure. By using a jack stand kit, your RV is more stable and the weight of the tires is evenly distributed. 

Where should I store my RV when not in use?

When not in use, you should store your RV in a garage or at a specific RV storage (either indoor or outdoor). If keeping the RV outside, it is essential to cover it in order to avoid external damages, water leaks or mould. 

Should an RV be stored level?

It is recommended to store the RV at as level as possible.  This way, you relieve the tires and the suspensions of a lot of pressure. By using a jack stand kit, your RV is more stable and the weight of the tires is evenly distributed. 

What are the best hydraulic levelling jacks for a motorhome?

The best hydraulic levelling jack for your motorhome is made of steel since it resists greater weights. Second, you have to consider the lifting speed. This is measured in how many times you have to operate the device for it to charge its limit capacity and, in general, it is 10 times. 

References

• Correct Use of Stabilizing Jacks – YouTube
• How to Use RV Stabilizer Jacks to Prevent Bounce and Sway
• Best Sellers in RV Jacks & Stabilizers – Amazon.com