Whether you’re gearing up for a summer road trip or doing seasonal maintenance, knowing how to safely jack up your travel trailer or fifth wheel is a must-have skill for every RVer. From tire changes to inspecting brakes and axles, lifting your trailer the right way ensures your safety and prevents costly damage.
But not all trailers are created equal. Traditional bumper-pull travel trailers and fifth wheels have different jacking needs, weight distributions, and recommended tools. Plus, there are game-changing tools on the market — like the Trailer Aid Camco Tandem Tire Changing Ramp — that can make your life a whole lot easier, especially when you’re dealing with tandem axle trailers.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- How to jack up your trailer safely and correctly
- The difference between travel trailers and fifth wheels when it comes to lifting
- How to use the Trailer Aid Camco ramps for tandem tire changes
- Frequently asked questions and must-know tips
Let’s dive in and make trailer maintenance something you can tackle with total confidence.
Why Knowing How to Jack Up Your Trailer Is Essential
Your trailer’s tires, axles, brakes, and undercarriage are crucial to safe RV travel. Ignoring them can lead to dangerous breakdowns or uneven wear. But lifting these beasts isn’t like jacking up a compact car — trailers can weigh between 3,000 and 15,000+ pounds, depending on their size and what you’ve packed.
The Risks of Improper Lifting
- Structural damage to the frame or axles
- Injury from a collapsing jack
- Unstable support that could shift during maintenance
Using the right equipment — and knowing your trailer’s specs — can help you avoid all of that.
Tools You’ll Need for the Job
Before getting started, gather these essentials:
- 12-ton bottle jack (or stronger)
- RV-rated jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Jack pads or wood blocks (for support on uneven ground)
- Torque wrench & lug wrench
- Safety gloves & goggles
- Trailer Aid Camco Ramp
- Yellow model (4.5-inch lift)
- Plus Black model (5.5-inch lift)
💡 Tip: The Trailer Aid Camco Tandem Tire Changing Ramp is a smart, lightweight solution for raising one wheel of a tandem axle trailer, making tire changes a breeze.
How to Jack Up a Traditional Travel Trailer for Maintenance
Step 1: Prep the Site and Trailer
- Park on level, solid ground.
- Engage the tow vehicle’s parking brake.
- Chock the wheels on the opposite side.
Step 2: Use the Trailer Aid Camco Ramp for Tire Changes
If you’re simply changing a flat tire on a tandem axle trailer, the Trailer Aid Camco ramp is an excellent option.
- Place the ramp in front of or behind the good tire (not the flat).
- Carefully drive the trailer up onto the ramp.
- Once the trailer is elevated, the flat tire lifts off the ground, allowing safe and quick removal.
Choose your model:
- Yellow ramp: 4.5-inch lift – perfect for standard clearance trailers.
- Black Plus ramp: 5.5-inch lift – ideal for trailers with larger tires or more clearance needed.
✅ Advantages of Trailer Aid Ramps:
- No jack required
- No need to crawl under the trailer
- Compact and easy to store in your RV
Step 3: For Underbody Work or Non-Tire Maintenance
- Locate the proper jacking point near the axle spring perch or main frame rail.
- Place a bottle jack on a jack pad or wood block.
- Slowly raise the trailer until the wheel clears the ground.
- Place RV-rated jack stands under the frame.
❗Warning: Never place the jack under the axle tube or stabilizer jacks.
How to Jack Up a Fifth Wheel Trailer for Maintenance
Fifth wheels have a different weight distribution and may need additional support due to their heavier frame.
Step 1: Safety and Stabilization
- Lower the front landing gear.
- Disconnect the tow vehicle if needed.
- Chock the wheels securely on the opposite side.
Step 2: Using Trailer Aid for Tire Changes
The Trailer Aid Camco Plus ramp (Black) with the 5.5-inch lift is perfect for heavier fifth wheels with tandem axles.
- Position the ramp beside the tire that’s still inflated.
- Drive the trailer slowly onto the ramp, lifting the opposite tire for easy removal.
This is an excellent quick-fix for blowouts or roadside tire changes.
Step 3: Full Maintenance Jacking
- Use a 12–20-ton bottle jack.
- Lift from the spring perch or main frame rail, avoiding suspension and slide-out mechanisms.
- Once raised, insert heavy-duty jack stands for support.
Key Differences: Traditional Travel Trailer vs. Fifth Wheel
| Feature | Travel Trailer | Fifth Wheel |
| Hitch Style | Rear bumper-pull | Over-bed gooseneck |
| Weight Range | 3,000–8,000 lbs | 7,000–15,000+ lbs |
| Trailer Aid Ramp Use | Yellow (4.5”) best fit | Black Plus (5.5”) recommended |
| Jacking Equipment | 12-ton bottle jack | 12–20-ton bottle jack |
| Setup Time | Faster & simpler | More prep and gear required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Trailer Aid on gravel or soft ground?
Yes, but place plywood or leveling blocks underneath for stability. Avoid using it on loose or muddy surfaces.
Do Trailer Aid ramps work with triple-axle trailers?
They are not recommended for triple-axle trailers, as the lift may not be sufficient across three wheels.
Is it safe to crawl under the trailer when using Trailer Aid?
No. Trailer Aid is ideal for tire changes only. For undercarriage work, use proper jacks and jack stands.
What if my tire doesn’t lift high enough with the yellow ramp?
Upgrade to the Camco Plus (black) ramp for an extra inch of lift. Alternatively, add a wood block beneath the ramp if the surface is stable.
Top Safety Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using stabilizer jacks as a lift point
- ❌ Not using wheel chocks
- ❌ Skipping jack stands after lifting
- ❌ Using the wrong ramp height
- ❌ Lifting on sloped or soft terrain
Safety Tips Recap
- Always read your RV’s manual before lifting.
- Use Trailer Aid ramps for quick, safe tire swaps.
- Never go under the trailer without jack stands.
- Check torque specs after reinstalling wheels.
- Store your ramp and jack tools in an easy-access spot in your rig.
Conclusion
Routine maintenance is the foundation of a reliable and safe RV experience, and knowing how to lift your trailer is a key part of that process. Whether you’re traveling with a bumper-pull travel trailer or a larger fifth wheel, having the right tools — and using them the right way — makes a world of difference.
The Trailer Aid Camco Tandem Tire Changing Ramp is a fantastic addition to your RV toolkit. With quick lift options, no jack required for tire swaps, and compact storage, it’s a must-have for anyone who travels with a tandem axle setup.
Remember: Safety first, tools second, and confidence always. With this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of RV maintenance.
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