Cheap way to level 5th Wheel

[dverna]

I have a Fuzion 398 Toy hauler (18,000 lbs). It is a tri-axle; so, using 2X10's means carrying a lot of lumber if I need to jack up one side 3-4 inches.

$4000+ for a Bigfoot System seems like the way to go but I cannot justify that kind of investment right now.

Is is possible to use bottle jacks to level a 5th wheel safely. I figure I need to add axle stands if the tires wind up off the ground. This woudl be a cheap way to go but I am not fond of it.

The other option is to use heavy duty scissor jacks. I can get BAL units rated at 7500 lbs and they can be powered making the job easier. Total cost is $360.

Any advice, opinions or other options appreciated. I am a newbie but I have tough skin.

Thanks,
Don

[RustyJC]

Carry a couple of bags of Lynx levelers and some short pieces of 1"x4" to go on top of them to trim level.

Rusty

[IC2]

I've tried about everything possible and still end up with a truck bed full of lumber as it ends up being cheaper as well as easier. I have not had a tri axle unit but can only envision about 50% more pieces of wood.

The BAL scissors jacks - they will not work as they are only for stabilizing not supporting. A word of warning - don't jack or support your trailer under the axle tubes - it will damage them. Whatever brand you have, read the lit that came with the trailer. If you decide that you really need to jack individual wheels that way, use the spring plate (3 jacks???)

[NJ Hillbilly]

Bottle jacks will creep down over time and jack stands would have to be used every time. Wood is still the best, I made up 2 individual 2x8 step chocks stepped two high. I can drive up 1 1/2 inches or 3 inches if necessary. Rarely do i need more than 3" if so than I have a few extra 2x6's to go up to 4 1/2".

[TXiceman]

We have a tri-axle and carry 6 pieces of 2 x 8 and 3 pieces of 1 x 8. So far, I have always managed to get the trailer level side to side. Cut the pieces so that you can get them between the axles and stacked. I can't see the cost of the hydraulic system because it is still a stabilizer and not meant to lift the trailer. The trailer is designed to be mostly supported at the axles, front legs on a 5er and the pin or hitch, not at the ends with the axles hanging.

The problem with the Lynx blocks is you can't use them on gravel or an uneven surface. They will break. I would recommend that you carry pieces of 1/2" plywood to go under the Lynx blocks it you are not on a hard surface.

My 5 cents worth...

ken

[dverna]

Ken,

I never thought of stacking the planks to fit between the axles. It is a good idea and I will check if I have enough width. I need a minimum of 8 feet to span the tri-axles. I could use shorter boards and butt them together. Maybe even use a couple of hinges on 5' boards to get 10' unfolded lengths. Do you use bungee cords to strap them down between the axles?

It does mean getting my fat old body under the unit to pull them off when needed and to pack away afterward but it beats spending $4000+ or filling the truck bed with wood.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Don

[RustyJC]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

The problem with the Lynx blocks is you can't use them on gravel or an uneven surface. They will break.

I have 2 bags of Lynx Levelers that I've been carrying for about 15 years. Over that time, I've probably broken 3 of them (just cracked the base) on really uneven surfaces, but they're still usable. They're more durable than you'd think in less than perfect conditions.

Of course, I carry lumber in the front bay as well.

Rusty

[Dick Noble]

I bought one of those nefty kean air leveling pillows made out of Keylar that you run the tires onto and use an air conpressor to pump it up and level the trailer. It will level the trailer but it will also allow the trailer to move much more that the wheels alone allow! I wonder if these things are still sold?

[RVhauler]

Have a 38' tri axle Kountryaire. Carry 2X10X4' which are beveled @ 45 degrees on ends and a short rope thru the end (gives something to get a hold on when muddy/etc). You can flip boards over to match bevels for leveling. Rope passes under the tire and holds second layer in place while backing up. I often get into soft areas and use the boards to back RV/truck over into park space and then for leveling

[KIX]

Air bags are used to level, for example, a loaded pickup truck. This is just a thought....can air leveling bags be used?
Or.....several years ago we had a 5er. I had air bags that you could drive the trailer wheels on to and then inflate to level the rig. Maybe a Google search could find these for you. Good luck

[Rvpapa]

By the look of your rig and needing to level up o 4" I would guess that you are in the boonies. If so why not make a small trench on the high side?
Art.

[CorsairIIAT]

Originally Posted by dverna

Ken,

It does mean getting my fat old body under the unit to pull them off when needed and to pack away afterward but it beats spending $4000+ or filling the truck bed with wood.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Don

I wouldn't put anything in the bed with a fifth wheel. If I do they are strapped down. I have had a 4 ft 2 X 10 levitate in my bed. Its a little spooky seeing that in the rear view mirrior.

[Larry]

I always carried wood. Cut pieces to tightly fit between tires, then a 2nd board shorter to stack on top in between, cut the ends on a 45. I usually have some thick ones as well as a couple of thinner ones. Another option, if you are parked on a gravel space is to removed some gravel on the high side-just remember to straighten the gravel up as you leave.
Larry

[ralper]

What ever you put under the tires be sure the tread is fully supported. I used 2" X 10"- 16" long. Smaller pieces are better than long ones as ground slope in two directions can be taken care of by using two pieces front, 2 X 10 - 16 and 1 X 10 - 16 pieces middle and one 2 X 10 -16 rear etc. Or carry one long and some short pieces. I also carried 1" X 10"- 16 " long. Now I have Big Foot and still carry some wood as once in a while the ground slopes too much even for Big Foot.