RV Repair: Jacking Trailer for Service or Changing Tire, leaf spring suspension, 5th wheels

Question
The jacking instructions for my trailer (two axles,leaf spring suspension, axles on bottom, 30ft fiver)are as follows; Jack only on the frame (my case an I beam) Place one jack just behind the rear wheel, place a second jack ahead of the front wheel and alternately jack until wheels are off ground. Although it doesn't tell you how to lower it I presume it is the reverse procedure.

This procedures seems rather cumbersome. I can also see a problem when lowering the jacks alternately as the control on hydraulic jacks aren't that precise and could perhaps drop the trailer too hard on the next jack?  Is all this really necessary or is there a valid technical reason to do it this way. Is there another acceptable way to jack it up with being relatively sure you won't cause damage.

thanks

moe  

Answer
Moe, They tell you this in order for you to be as safe as possible in their eyes. I have no trouble using a floor jack and setting it where the 2 axles come together. There is a mount welded to the frame and I use it. I just put the jack under the union piece and jack. If you have both sides up at the same time you will want to make sure that when you let it down the axles are up in place correctly. If I jack up a pull trailer, both side together, I usually lower the tongue jack all the way down and put jack stands up under the frame as close to the rear tire as I can. Then I raise the tongue jack and it comes off the ground. Be sure to put a stand under the tongue before removing the tires and to me that is the way I do it. For 5th wheels I use about the same method but they have landing jacks. I can't tell you this is a safe method because that would possibly not be legal, but this is how I would do it if it was me. Thanks, Bill