How to jack up a caravan

In this video I cover jacking up a caravan, which type of jack to use, where to put it on the vehicle and how to avoid giving yourself a nasty injury.

[@kisilvan]

Great vid thanks. Learnt alot from that

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Glad it was useful :)

[@Muddygig]

There are some handy tips here. Just to help with a few extra. Before any change of a wheel make sure you are in a safe as possible position if possible drive slowly to a safe location even if you think it may ruin the tyre, keep safe it’s just a tyre. Always jack on a secure surface and as flat as possible. A good practice as routine maintenance is to remove each wheel nut ( one at a time ) this works for cars too, and place copper grease or other lubricant on your nuts or bolts and replace therefore when or if the time comes you know you can undo your wheel nuts. Personally I use a power bar with correct socket rather than a wheel nut spider tool ( the 4 way tool). Which jack ? yes I agree a bottle jack is a good option with plenty of capacity over what you need BUT ! , I do agree with others getting one under the chassis with a tyre down can be impossible. The solution could be use a ramp or pull it onto a piece of wood, I have a levelling air bag that does the trick. I haven’t got the alco bracket and jack but they are designed for the job ! and personally I’m disappointed that these brackets are not fitted from the factory but I suppose it’s cost and a few extra kilograms. Good safety advice on here about not putting your head underneath!! Just don’t do it without extra safety such as a stand or similar and why not put your stabilisers down , don’t reply on them but they are better than nothing if the caravan decides it’s coming off the jack, Caravans are especially unstable when jacked up .Bottle jacking can be a bit precarious and unstable, and yes I speak from a lot of experience plus having worked for the AA as a patrol. I always advise people to practice changing any wheel at home or in the storage yard first. OR just call the professionals from any of the breakdown organisations but keep safe whilst doing so. Good luck everyone.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Yes, can't fault any of that. I agree that its mad for manufacturers not to include the alco brackets.

[@rowdyposs]

I loved the high tech CGI! @7.55 when you mention opposite jacks do you mean the stabiliser legs?

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Sorry yes, the stabiliser legs. You shouldn't call them jacks because they aren't :) Its a habit. My grandparents had caravans years ago and they always called them jacks so I sometimes forget.

[@rowdyposs]

@@howtodostuffchannel thanks. I just wanted to check the terminology. I’m a solo 62 YO F in Australia 🇦🇺 and have my first little caravan.

[@stevethegreasemonkey]

I managed to get a proper jacking kit with the plates to bolt to the chassis and a hydraulic scissor jack

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Nice one. Be prepared. I don't know why they don't have jacking points like that as standard on all caravans tbh.

[@philrichardson5726]

My motor mover has a extending socket that is the same size as the caravan wheel nuts, I use it to check they are tight before setting off, it would be my choice for removal instead of carrying more "stuff" that I mostly will not use, same goes for the bottle jack, the car jack will do the job why add more weight to your unit?

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Of course you have a good point, why add extra weight. The thing is, a lot of cars these days (including both of mine) do not come with a jack! Im just a bit suspicious of car jacks as I had one break once on an old mini. Im sure most are fine as long as you check the load capacity. A bottle jack is a good compromise of strength, ease of use, weight, cost and size.

[@Andeecee]

Good video. I’ve found that a bottle jack is best. Definitely don’t rely on your cars inflation kit. Apart from anything there’s a good chance the lead to the cig lighter won’t be long enough.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Totally agree. Of course you can always move the car so its next to the flat tyre if you are in a safe place (i.e. not on a road), then the lead will reach.. Cheers

[@Andeecee]

@@howtodostuffchannel … but shouldn’t the car remain attached to the hitch?

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Sorry, mixed messages. If you want to use the car tyre inflator then you have to pull the car round to the side so the wire will reach. If you are going to jack it up then the car has to stay attached.

[@alberon111]

@@howtodostuffchannel You can actually buy extension leads that have a male car cigarette lighter plug on one end and a female socket on the other. I have one so can reach from the car to the van wheels whilst hitched.

[@philrichardson5726]

Do not most caravans have 12 volt sockets, mine is just near the door not far from the wheel.

[@billy28]

if your tyre is flat you cannot get a jack under so you have to drive up on to something to lift the van up to get the jack under.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

You are correct. However you can also jack from the axle which may give you a bit more room to get the jack in.

[@brianknowles1727]

I carry a bottle jack but the issue is to me safety run flat tyres will solve all problems.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Second that.

[@MrG.42]

Great video. I've fitted the KoJack brackets to mine. I would not recommend them really. The brackets are poorly designed and seem to twist the Al-ko chassis when jacking up. Also the supplied bottle jack is almost impossible to remove after use.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@rowdyposs]

Was the bottle jack hard to remove because it was in a specific spot made for the top of the jack in the frame?

[@MrG.42]

@@rowdyposs The reason that the Jack is difficult to remove is because the ram/piston does not retract automatically when released, so you need to get a lever of some sort under the foot of the Jack to force the ram back in. Hope this makes sense.

[@philhode5104]

I tried to move mine today,withe the motor mover,1 wheel was fine other seemed to be stuck, Ny advice?,strange thing I never left brake on

[@howtodostuffchannel]

sounds a nightmare. I guess it could be the mover or the wheel. I would jack it up and try and turn the wheel by hand and see if it moves. If its free then the mover is suspect. Try activating the mover whilst its disconnected from the wheel and see if it goes round? (not sure if there is an interlock to stop it working when disconnected though) Good luck

[@paulspeight8398]

Just to say neither the RAC or AA will attend a caravan to change a wheel, As only the tow vehicle is covered for such a problem, if the tow vehicle can't be fixed then they will recover both, If just the caravan they will just tell you to phone a mobile tire company.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

Good point. The AA did tell me last year that they would fix a caravan but that might have changed, The RAC will definitely not.

[@jcoleburt]

Remind me NOT to try what you are showing because when you have a flat that bottle jack is not going to work. try showing with a small trolly jack.

[@howtodostuffchannel]

What can I say? Ive used it with a flat tyre and it worked. You just put the jack under the axle if it won't fit under the chassis. Yes, the trolley jack is the best tool for the job but I don't carry one on holiday with me....they are heavy.

[@johnpotterton5711]

Pretty useless, video shows bottle jack only justs goes under chassis with a good tyre, if its flat there is no chance that bottle jack will go underl

[@howtodostuffchannel]

The video also says that you can put the jack under the axle. It all depends on how your particular caravan is put together. Anyway, you could always dig a hole for it ;)

[@MrG.42]

If you are not happy with this video, then make your own video as you seem to be an expert!

[@rogersmith5167]

I agree I had to get the car scissor jack under the chassis then he bottle jack when there was enough height.