Reader asks about jacking his RV by the frame

Dear Eric,
I just installed Firestone air springs on the rear of my 1998 Class A Itasca Suncruiser with a Ford chassis. In the owners instructions it states that you should not jack or lift the unit by the frame as it could over extend the air springs and cause damage. My question is how do you level the unit with the leveling system that is attached frame with out having it extend the air springs? I know there are thousands of units out in the field with this same set up. Could you safety strap the axle to the frame so it could not drop down enough to cause damage? — Bob Jones

Dear Bob,
Many RVers are using these units and they still use their jacks for leveling. I guess that your main concern is about lifting the axle up far enough to lift the tires off the ground — not a very good idea. The reason is that the jacks with the rear wheels in the air could slide on the ground and bend the jacks as well as damage the air bags. Because the park brake would be ineffective in holding the coach from rolling, whatever you do — keep the rear wheels on the ground. You could build limiting straps for the front axle by installing them on that axle.