Where on the chassis are levelling jacks mounted?
The jacks are attached to the main chassis rail that can carry the load directly, or to the reinforced mounting points specified by the caravan manufacturer. They cannot be mounted on panels, floor sheet or bodywork. For the mounting pattern and bolt class of the D3501-1142 jacks refer to the product manual, and for the chassis side to your caravan manufacturer or an authorised project engineer.
The only decisive factor in jack mounting is that the load path is unbroken: ground - jack - mounting plate - main chassis rail. If any link in this chain is weak, deformation occurs during levelling.
Look at these points when deciding on placement:
- Chassis rail: The jack must be attached on or beside the rail so as to transfer the load directly. Floor board, decking sheet or a bodywork part are not load-bearing.
- Position: The front and rear jacks should be reasonably close to the chassis ends; this increases the lever arm needed for left-right and front-rear correction.
- Clashes: Clashes with the fresh water tank, grey water tank, exhaust line, fuel tank, battery box and pipe/cable routes must be measured first.
- Jack stroke: There must be a clear corridor where nothing obstructs the jack as it extends.
Each jack has a load capacity of 2000 kg; using that capacity depends on the mounting point being able to carry the same load. For the exact connection detail, hole pattern and reinforcement if required, consult your caravan manufacturer or an authorised project engineer.
Full coverage of the topic: How to choose levelling jack capacity