Jacking up a caravan isn’t something you want to get wrong. Whether you’re changing a tyre, adjusting stabilisers, or doing basic maintenance, safety is everything. But just as important is knowing where and how to lift — not all vans are the same, and the wrong approach can damage the chassis or cause injury.
If you’re planning DIY work or just want peace of mind while travelling, understanding the correct process for lifting your caravan is essential. If you’re still on the hunt for a van that suits your needs, checking out caravans in Heatherbrae is a smart first step.
Safety First: Prep Before You Jack
Before doing anything, make sure your caravan is on a flat, stable surface. Avoid soft ground, sand, or slopes, as jacks can shift or sink. Engage the handbrake on your tow vehicle and place wheel chocks around the tyres that will stay grounded. Also, turn off any internal systems and make sure there are no occupants inside — even minor shifts can cause instability.
Use a jack that suits your caravan’s weight rating. Most standard jacks supplied with vehicles aren’t up to the task, so invest in a heavy-duty bottle jack or scissor jack rated for caravans.
Find the Right Jacking Points
Jacking points vary depending on the caravan brand and chassis. Many vans have reinforced jacking points built into the frame, often indicated by a label or cut-out. If you’re unsure, refer to the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
Never jack up a caravan by its axle, suspension, or floor — this can cause damage or injury. Always go for the frame or the designated jacking area to ensure stability.
Use a Solid Base Plate or Block
Even if the ground looks solid, it’s smart to use a base plate or timber block under your jack. This spreads the load and reduces the risk of the jack sinking. Avoid bricks or improvised materials that could crack or slip.
Keep the jack as vertical as possible and avoid extending it to its full height. If needed, use a larger base rather than risking jack instability.
Loosen the Wheel Nuts First
Before lifting, loosen the wheel nuts slightly while the caravan is still grounded. This avoids any movement when the wheel is off the ground and makes it easier to remove.
Don’t fully unscrew them — just break the tension. Once the van is jacked up, you can take the nuts off fully and proceed with your repair or tyre change.
Lift With Care and Check Stability
Raise the caravan slowly, watching for any tilt or uneven lift. Once the wheel is clear off the ground, double-check the jack’s alignment and make sure there’s no wobble.
Don’t crawl underneath unless absolutely necessary and only with axle stands in place. A jack alone should never be relied on for full support.
Changing the Wheel or Repairing
With the van safely lifted, proceed with your repair. For tyres, swap over to the spare, then tighten the nuts by hand in a criss-cross pattern. This ensures even pressure and a snug fit.
Only lower the caravan once you’re confident everything is in place. Then, tighten the nuts fully with a wrench once back on the ground.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t use a car jack unless it’s rated for the weight.
- Don’t jack up on uneven ground.
- Never lift the van with someone inside.
- Don’t skip the chocks — even on level ground.
- Avoid overextending the jack.
These shortcuts can lead to damage, injury, or worse. Always follow the correct procedure.
Keeping the Right Gear Onboard
If you travel often, keep a dedicated jack kit in your van:
- Heavy-duty caravan jack (bottle or scissor)
- Wheel chocks
- Base plate or solid timber block
- Torque wrench or wheel brace
- Work gloves and torch
These basics can save the day and prevent a minor issue turning into a major hassle.
Regular Maintenance Makes Jacking Easier
Keeping your caravan well-maintained ensures smoother jacking. Check the frame and jacking points for rust, damage, or wear. Keep your tools clean and lubricated, and always test them at home before hitting the road.
Practice makes perfect — doing a trial run in your driveway before a big trip can help build confidence.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with complex suspension issues or your van is fully loaded in a tricky location, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance. Sometimes it’s safer to let a pro handle it than to risk a DIY accident.
That said, learning to jack your caravan properly gives you a huge advantage in remote or regional areas where help might be hours away.
FAQs
How do I know where the jacking points are on my caravan?
Jacking points are reinforced sections of your caravan’s chassis that are designed to bear its weight safely during a lift. These are often located near the axles, either just behind the front wheel or ahead of the rear wheel, depending on the layout. Manufacturers usually mark these points with stickers, notches, or welded-on steel plates. The safest and most accurate way to identify them is by checking the owner’s manual or compliance plate. If you’ve bought a second-hand van or you’re unsure, it’s worth contacting the manufacturer directly or asking a certified caravan service centre. Never guess the jacking point location — jacking from the wrong spot, like the axle or undercarriage, can bend key components or compromise safety. During a roadside emergency, a misjudged jacking location can lead to major damage or personal injury. If you’re buying a new or used caravan, ask the dealer to point out the correct jacking spots before you tow it home.
Can I use the jack from my car?
In most cases, no — car jacks are generally unsuitable for lifting caravans. The jack included with your car is designed specifically for that vehicle’s weight and chassis type, which is usually far less than that of a caravan. Caravans, especially full-sized touring models, can weigh well over a tonne, sometimes double what a car jack is rated for. Even if the jack fits under the van, it might not align properly with the caravan’s jacking points, creating a risk of slipping or frame damage. You should always check the weight rating stamped on the jack and compare it with your caravan’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass). If there’s any doubt, avoid using it. A better option is to invest in a caravan-specific bottle jack or scissor jack rated at least 25% higher than your van’s full weight. These jacks are built to handle the broader, heavier chassis and uneven surfaces typically encountered when towing and camping.
Should I jack up the caravan with people or gear inside?
Absolutely not. Jacking up a caravan when it’s loaded with people or heavy gear inside is dangerous and can destabilise the entire structure. Caravans are engineered to be jacked up only under controlled, unloaded conditions — even a person walking around inside while the van is elevated can shift the weight enough to cause tipping or jack slippage. Before jacking, make sure the caravan is empty or nearly empty, particularly of anything heavy like full water tanks, toolkits, or large appliances. Unload anything you can reasonably remove to reduce stress on the jacking point and provide better control over the lift. You should also ensure that the towing vehicle is detached and that the caravan is level and chocked properly. Movement inside a raised caravan could easily lead to frame twisting, stabiliser leg damage, or worst case — a collapse. Treat the process with the same seriousness as lifting a car: no passengers, no movement, and no shortcuts.
How do I stop the jack from sinking into the ground?
The key is to increase the surface area under the jack, which spreads the weight and reduces pressure on any one point. This is especially important on soft ground like sand, dirt, grass, or gravel. Never place your jack directly onto those surfaces without support. Instead, use a solid base like a thick piece of marine-grade timber, a steel plate, or a commercially available jack pad. These can be stored easily in your caravan and pulled out whenever you need them. Some travellers keep a few different base sizes for varying terrain types. Another good practice is to visually inspect the area where you’re about to place the jack — avoid any ground that looks unstable, muddy, or sloped. Levelling ramps or stabilising blocks can be used to assist, but always make sure the contact area is firm and level before lifting. A jack that sinks mid-lift can cause serious damage or lead to the van toppling over.
Is it worth getting a caravan-specific jack kit?
Yes — without a doubt. Caravan-specific jack kits are designed with your van’s chassis and weight distribution in mind, which means they’re far safer and more effective than generic tools. These kits often include jacks with custom heads that suit your caravan’s jacking points, along with brackets, mounting hardware, and stabiliser accessories. Some even come with screw-in pads or plates that prevent sinking and improve ground contact. Having a purpose-built kit also means fewer improvisations on the roadside, reducing the risk of incorrect jacking or injury. While a generic jack might seem cheaper, it usually lacks compatibility with key parts of your van. A quality kit doesn’t just make jacking safer — it makes it quicker and more convenient, especially if you’re doing solo maintenance or handling roadside tyre changes. Think of it like insurance: you hope you won’t need it often, but when you do, you’ll be glad you’ve got the right gear for the job.
A Skill Every Caravan Owner Needs
Jacking up your caravan isn’t just about flat tyres — it’s part of being self-sufficient on the road. With the right tools, some know-how, and a bit of practice, you can safely lift your van and get back to enjoying the journey.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.