Car jacks?

[msemanuel]

I have seen on here where someone welded car scissors jacks on to there trailers. I was wondering how you liked them? And how they worked out for you?

[caseydog]

I have looked at using scissor jacks as stabilizers, too. I am interested in how they hold up.

CD

[Ageless]

Had a 1988 Merc with a scissors jack; car weighed over two tons and the jack had no problems.

[Trackstriper]

I installed some BAL light trailer stabilizer jacks on my 6x12 cargo trailer a few days ago. Installation was at a 45 degree angle, just aft of the rear spring hanger....kind of tucked behind the rear edge of the fenders so they wouldn't be very visible either retracted or down. I didn't want to put them at the full rear of the frame for several reasons. At this location they only helped a little, maybe 40% better than with the trailer just on the wheels, so I took them back and ordered a set of the larger and better braced BAL "T" stabilizer jacks. They are much more robust and appear to give support in each plane.

For what it's worth what I'm trying to replicate is the effect of simply using automotive jack stands. I can lower the tongue jack all the way down, place jack stands about 4" behind the rear spring hangers, adjusted up to the closest fitting "notch", then raise the tongue jack to level. It will just, very slightly, pick the wheels off the ground with the trailer weight supported just aft of the axle. The tongue jack is taking a little more than standard weight but not overstressing the tongue assembly as it might if the jack stands were at the rear of the trailer. With the trailer up on the stands the rig is rock solid...welded to the ground. My trailer is low with the bottom of frame normally 12" above ground.

(edit: I should clarify that this is with the jack stands on asphalt, if you were on grass or gravel I would think a 12" square of 3/4" ply under the stand would be very helpful)

Saw some really classy all aluminum jack stands on sale at Harbor Freight on the way home from the RV store.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91760

Maybe if I hadn't special ordered the new BAL jacks....

Bruce

[Arne]

I carry one small scissor jack with me. I also carry 2 2x6x18" boards. I can level the t/d using the boards under the wheels, or the jack. I see no reason to weld jacks to the frame.

Well, I can see one, and that is you have found the perfect spot for the trailer, but can't figure out how to get it level using a couple of boards and the tongue jack.

For me front to back is important. I like my feet a bit lower than my head. Side to side, I've been out of whack a couple of inches and not bothered with it...

Oh, I've never used the scissor jack, but carry it just in case. I can also use it to change a t/d tire if needed.