Help!!!!!!!!!

[2 DA WDS]

The front jacks just collapsed crushing my tripod. I need to leave this campground in the morning. How can I get the front up to get it on my truck.

[oldbird]

I carry two bottle jacks and a floor jack with me but the problem is getting under it. I have raised the front jacks by jacking on the frame at the tires but with the angle its probably sitting at I don't know if that would work. Could you get something under the king pin to sit a jack on? That's a tough one, good luck.

[Notanlines]

Going along with Old Bird's line of thinking, I would shim a bottle jack (maybe in the 10-12 ton range) under the king pin while continually blocking up your front landing gear. I realize this is a long slow process, but if you make that first trip to the big box hardware store (for 4x4 and blocking) work for you it will get you up to the right height. Once you get the king pin within 2-3 inches of the required height back your TV under the rig. Then jack each side just a little to get your shims out. Slow, arduous task, but that's about the only way I know. A cheap 12-ton jack can be had at let's say Tractor Supply or Auto Zone for $20 or so. Let us know how you come out.

[wingnut60]

I would not see any way to raise it except for the method above. But how about a work truck with a gin-pole sufficient to lift over 5K lbs? Might ask around--if you are in an oil-field area, there will be several of these type trucks around, or a wrecker with one.
The bottle jack/blocking WILL work if you make sure to locate the jacks on the frame itself as close to the front as the angle will allow, then slowly raise one side enough to get some cribbing under the frame, and repeat-repeat-repeat.
Did you have any previous problem with the jacks?
Hope you get it worked out...
This is one situation that I hear about often enough that I am always using 8" of blocking under each jack when setting up--a nuisance for sure, but will keep the nose from dropping completely.

Joe

[Cummins12V98]

Don't know if these help avoid mentioned problem but they sure make the RV more stable.

[Dapperdan]

Smart Joe, using 8" blocking with your trailer defiantly a good idea. After our crappy experience in Santa Fe that's what I did. At least when the trailer dropped it wasn't on the nose (again). Our failure wasn't as catastrophic the OP's but still very frustrating none the less.

Dan

[Stripit]

We were sitting in California for a few weeks with my 6 inch riser blocks under the legs and a fellow came up and said 'your not from around here , are ya'? No why, he said bad idea to have your legs sitting up off the ground, we get earthquakes and tremors and sometimes they are just enough to shake the trailer a bit sideways. If the legs slide and drop off those blocks you will either crush them or bust them loose inside and bend them. Sounded like a possiblility so removed them when in California, other wise always used them.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by Stripit

We were sitting in California for a few weeks with my 6 inch riser blocks under the legs and a fellow came up and said 'your not from around here , are ya'? No why, he said bad idea to have your legs sitting up off the ground, we get earthquakes and tremors and sometimes they are just enough to shake the trailer a bit sideways. If the legs slide and drop off those blocks you will either crush them or bust them loose inside and bend them. Sounded like a possiblility so removed them when in California, other wise always used them.

I have used 6x8's wintering in the Palm Springs, CA area for 11 years and now the last two seasons with the blocks shown above. Had many small earthquakes along the way. If we have a biggie there will be more than that to worry about. My blocks are staying!

[Mike2338]

I read somewhere that a tow truck with a ramp was used to raise the nose. Was able to raise and then block.

Anyone know how the OP worked it out?

[wingnut60]

2 DA WDS has been around a long time, probably has his hands full with the problem. I bet he'll be back to let us know how it worked out.
Joe

[Dapperdan]

I hope he does Joe. I know what he's going through, been there, done that and it REALLY sucks!!

Dan