If you’ve never lifted a heavy vehicle before, it can be a scary experience. When your tyre has a puncture, 4WD gets stuck and you are out of town, or a trailer requires attention, you are left standing there with no idea of what to do. But, don’t despair, it’s not difficult if you have the correct hydraulic jack and a little care.
This guide is designed to take you through all of the information that you need to know when using hydraulic jacks on trailers, caravans and 4WDs. We will be simple and clear, even if you have never operated a jack before, you will know exactly what to do.
Why Hydraulic Jacks are the go-to choice?
The hydraulic jacks are popular due to its capacity to lift hefty loads with very little exertion. You press a leaver up and down, causing the lever to lift the weight incrementally. This is much easier than old fashioned screw jacks which require quite a bit of muscle effort to operate.
A caravan hydraulic jack should be able to raise thousands of kilograms with a smooth and steady lift. It is very important if you are driving a loaded caravan or a large 4WD as jerky lifting may cause injury.
Selecting the proper Jack for the job
Not all jacks are created equal. Before purchasing or use one, check the following three things.
Weight capacity.
Always use a jack with a capacity greater than the load it has to lift. If your caravan is 2,500kg, then your jack is just barely good enough. Try to have a little extra buffer so that the jack is not operating at full capacity.
Lift height.
Some will sit down to the ground and big 4WDs will be sitting much higher. When shopping for a jack be sure to look at the minimum and maximum height range for the jack to ensure that it fits under your vehicle.
The importance of preparing before lifting.
The quickest way to upsetting the step is to hurry through it. It’s a case of a little preparation goes a long way.
First, park on level ground on solid ground. Do not place a vehicle on a grassy surface, sand, gravel or incline when attempting to lift. The jack may tip over if the ground is soft or uneven when the vehicle is hoisted.
Second, apply the handbrake and put wheel chocks behind the wheels that are staying on the ground. This will prevent the caravan/trailer rolling when working under.
Step by Step: How to Lift Safely (English)
After setting up, take time to go through these steps in detail.
- Identify the right jacking point of your caravan, trailer and 4WD. Refer to the owner’s manual as jacking at the wrong point could bend or damage the chassis.
- Put the jack under the jacking point ensuring it is flat and centred.
- Slowly pump the jack handle. Observe the vehicle as it ascends and immediately stop if it appears to be leaning or wobbling.
- Lift only as high as you need. No need to lift the vehicle to any greater height than it is needed to be for the task.
The common pitfalls that people fall into.
Seasoned caravan and 4WD drivers can make mistakes here. Be careful of these mistakes.
- An undersized jack is an error of the greatest magnitude. May appear effective initially but can suddenly break down at times of stress.
- Placing a vehicle on a jack, rather than on a jack stand, is another risky practice. Jacks will loosen or lose pressure with time, always use a proper stand as back-up support.
Taking Care of Your Hydraulic Jack
With proper maintenance, a hydraulic jack for caravan and trailer use will last a lot longer.
Keep it in a dry area as moisture may rust and lead to seal damage. Release and check the level of hydraulic fluid on a regular basis, about every few months, and top up if low. Do not let moving parts become over lubricated and cause them to seize over time.
Final Thoughts
Lifting a caravan, trailer or 4WD with a hydraulic jack is a simple task once you understand the basics. Choosing the right hydraulic jack for trailers, checking your ground and jacking points, and always using a stand for extra safety will keep you protected while you get the job done.
Original Source: https://lifetrixcorner.com/how-to-safely-lift-a-caravan-trailer-or-4wd-with-a-hydraulic-jack/
