Is 4 x 2000 kg jack capacity enough for the weight of my caravan?
The load capacity of the D3501-1142 jack is 2000 kg per jack, 8000 kg in total for four jacks. This figure is not the weight at which the whole caravan can be lifted into the air; it shows the limit of the load share falling on the jacks while the wheels stay on the ground. Make the assessment on the basis of the maximum laden mass on the caravan's plate and the load distribution.
The most common mistake on the capacity question is to take the total 8000 kg as a lifting capacity. The correct reading is this: each jack has a load capacity of 2000 kg. Since the wheels stay on the ground during levelling, only a portion of the caravan's weight is transferred to the jacks.
Follow these steps for the assessment:
- Take the maximum laden mass on the caravan's plate as the basis, not the unladen weight.
- Assume the load is not evenly distributed among the jacks; the water tank, batteries and kitchen are usually concentrated on one side.
- If the ground is sloping or soft, the share falling on a single jack rises; using a plate that enlarges the contact surface lowers the ground pressure.
- Like every piece of equipment fitted afterwards, the levelling kit is deducted from your load capacity; the maximum laden mass must not be exceeded.
If in doubt, consult your caravan manufacturer or an authorised project engineer for a load distribution calculation. And in every case do not lift all wheels off the ground; jacks are no substitute for a parking brake, chocks must be used.
Full coverage of the topic: How to choose levelling jack capacity