Table of Contents
Introduction
For any camper owner who travels rugged trails or parks on uneven ground, knowing high lift jack points on campers is essential. A high lift jack point refers to a structurally strong location on your camper’s frame where a high lift jack can be safely positioned to lift the rig. This is crucial whether you are leveling your camper before a night’s rest, changing a flat tire, or performing recovery during off-road adventures.
Choosing the wrong point — such as a thin body panel or decorative bracket — can lead to structural damage, instability, or serious injury. Correct placement ensures maximized safety, optimized stability, and reduced risk of camper damage or jack failure.
This guide breaks down all you need to know about finding and using high lift jack points on your camper with confidence.
Camper Jack Points 101 — Terminology & Definitions
Understanding the language around jacking gear and vehicle anatomy will make everything that follows much easier:
High Lift Jack vs. Standard Jack
A high lift jack is a manual lever-based jack capable of lifting vehicles (including campers) significantly higher than most standard jacks — often used in off-road recovery scenarios. A standard jack (like a scissor or bottle jack) typically lifts lower and is more common for simple tire changes but may lack the height or versatility required on uneven terrain.
Common Camper Types
Different camper formats influence where you can safely place jacks:
Pop-up campers – Lightweight, fold-down units ideal for mild off-grid use.
Teardrop trailers – Small, compact trailers with limited frame exposure.
Truck campers – Rigid campers mounted on pickup beds, often with integrated chassis jacking points.
Jack Point vs. Frame Rails vs. Body Panels
Jack Points: Engineered structural areas designed to handle lifting forces.
Frame Rails: Strong, load-bearing sections of the chassis. Often ideal jack locations.
Body Panels: Thin exterior surfaces (aluminum or fiberglass) that should never be used as jack points — they are not structurally rated and can bend or crack easily.
Safety Terms to Know
Load Rating: Maximum weight the jack point and jack can safely support.
Ground Clearance: Height between the camper’s bottom and the ground — affects jack placement reach.
Wheel Chocks: Blocks placed in front of and behind wheels to prevent rolling during lifting.
How-To: Identify High Lift Jack Points on Campers
1. Visual Guide & Diagrams
While exact diagrams depend on your specific camper model, here are common safe structural areas for jack placement:
Frame rails (horizontal chassis tubes)
A-frame tongue (trailer front)
Reinforced bracket locations near axles
🛑 Avoid placing the jack under body panels, siding, or decorative trim pieces — they cannot support load and will deform easily.
2. Step-by-Step Checklist
Follow these steps every time:
Park your camper on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Chock wheels front and back to ensure the camper won’t roll.
Locate manufacturer-stamped or documented jack points in your owner’s manual.
Confirm structural frame access — look for solid metal members, not thin body panels.
Position the high lift jack under the chosen point and align it squarely.
Lift slowly and in small increments, stopping to check stability at each step.
3. Camper Type Specifics
Here’s how high lift jack point locations differ by camper type:
Pop-Up Campers: Look for reinforced panel support beams rather than side skins.
Teardrop Trailers: Ideal points are the main tongue and axle support braces.
Truck Campers: Integrated chassis jacking points on the truck bed frame are typically best.
Where to Place High Lift Jack on Different Camper Types (Global Variants)
This section describes common safe jack locations and associated safety tips for major camper configurations.
High Lift Jack Points on Pop-Up Campers
Location: Structural supports near the frame perimeter.
Safety Tip: Do not place jacks on folding body segments.
Common Mistake: Using thin aluminum siding as a lift point — leads to buckling.
High Lift Jack Points on Teardrop Trailers
Location:
The main tongue connector
Reinforced cross-members near the axle
Safety Tip: Always confirm the rated capacity of your jack vs. trailer weight.
Common Mistake: Placing the jack far from load-bearing frame members.
Best High Lift Jack Points for Truck Campers
Location:
Pre-designated truck bed chassis jacking points
Welded receiver brackets
Safety Tip: Ensure the truck’s GVWR supports the additional stress while lifting.
Common Mistake: Jacking truck camper from the camper’s own body rather than the vehicle frame.
Where to Place High Lift Jack on Off-Road Camper
Off-road rigs (heavy duty) may have additional integrated jack points or reinforced rails.
Location: Heavy-duty cross-braces or aftermarket jacking plates.
Safety Tip: Always use wide base plates to prevent sinking in soft ground.
Common Mistake: Setting jacks too close to suspension components which can lead to instability.
Safety Best Practices & Common Mistakes
To prevent injury or vehicle damage, adhere to the following:
Always use wheel chocks and stable ground — loose or soft ground can cause the jack to shift.
Never lift on body panels or decorative trim. These are not load-rated.
Do not exceed jack’s rated height or load capacity. This compromises safety and can bend metal.
Use a jack stand or support structure once lifted. Never rely solely on a jack for extended support.
Case Studies & Field Tips
Here are real scenarios campers face on the road:
Flat Tire on a Teardrop Trailer
When a tire blows out mid-trip, properly placed jack points allow safe lifting for tire replacement without risking frame or body damage.
Uneven Terrain Leveling
Many campers prime their jack points to level their rig for stability before sleeping or cooking — keeping interiors stable and appliances secure.
Snow/Soft Sand Support Solutions
Wide base plates beneath the jack prevent sinking; wood blocks or commercial pads help distribute load across softer ground surfaces.
User Feedback Patterns
In community forums, users often emphasize the importance of lubrication, firm ground, and practiced familiarity with jack operation — especially for high lift jacks, which can be unforgiving if mishandled.
Top risks identified include jack slippage, frame bending from improper points, or instability from uneven loads.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use any jack point on my camper for a high lift jack?
A: No. Only use structurally rated frame rails or manufacturer documented jack points, not body panels or trim.
Q2: Why does my camper shake when using a high lift?
A: This usually indicates unstable ground, improper jack point, or lack of adequate support/stabilization.
Q3: Are high lift jacks safe for soft ground?
A: Only with wide base pads or boards to prevent sinking. Otherwise the jack can settle and topple.
Q4: How far can a high lift jack safely lift my camper?
A: Only to the amount needed to complete your task — avoid extended lifts without secondary support.
Q5: What if my camper has no labeled jack points?
A: Refer to the frame member locations in your owner’s manual, or add aftermarket jacking plates designed for your chassis.
Summary & Key Takeaways
Frame contact over body contact: Always prioritize structural frame rails and load-bearing members when jacking.
Proper preparation: Wheel chocks and firm ground are non-negotiable for safe lifting.
Know your needs: Use high lift jacks for leveling, tire changes, or off-road recovery only when necessary. In many flat camp setups, standard leveling blocks or electric jacks may be safer and easier to use.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive high lift jack points on campers guide — safe travels and safe lifts!
