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Old 10-08-2019, 10:03 AM   #1
blubuckaroo
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Stabilizer jacks during storage

We store our travel trailer in an rv storage facility.
I've noticed moqst of the travel trailers anas well as fith wheels use the stabilizer jacks there.
Why is that?
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Old 10-08-2019, 12:13 PM   #2
chuckster57
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Probably personal preference. Not needed if your not looking for extra work. If you have autolevel then it’s just as easy to hit autolevel once unhitched. Your choice.
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Old 10-08-2019, 12:30 PM   #3
blubuckaroo
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But the stabilizers aren't to be used for leveling.
Besides, why level it while stored?
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Old 10-08-2019, 12:32 PM   #4
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Personal preference too.
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Old 10-08-2019, 12:47 PM   #5
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Maybe to defer theft? Be quicker to snatch one that have them up.
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Old 10-08-2019, 02:16 PM   #6
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One issue with stabilizers down is that if tires deflate all the weight is on the stabilizers and you could bend the frame or stabilizers. Stabilizers are only to stabilize the trailer during use. If just storing there is no point it keeping it steady since it isn’t being used. Besides, just 4 more places for critters to climb up and try to find a way in.
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Old 10-08-2019, 02:24 PM   #7
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^^^^x2 - this would be right IMO.
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Old 10-08-2019, 05:51 PM   #8
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I can't think of any good reason to lower the stabilizers in storage. I've always wondered why people do so.

Why give rodents and pests additional access points?
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Old 10-08-2019, 06:09 PM   #9
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I put them down in storage, but then again i use it every other weekend where i store it at and don't want to be out there in the snow ever time i go to the tin can cabin to stay the weekend..
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Old 10-08-2019, 11:39 PM   #10
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Another vote for NOT using them while the trailer is being stored. As stated above, if a tire goes flat, you could pretty easily damage the stabilizer(s) on that side of the trailer, plus the mention of another source of possible access for unwanted visitors.
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Old 10-09-2019, 05:28 AM   #11
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Consider "ground moisture" and its corrosion potential for steel stabilizer jacks that are "immersed in mud" for the winter storage season. I'd suspect they will not be "pretty painted jacks" in the spring. At least around these parts, they'd rust pretty quickly.
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Old 10-09-2019, 08:04 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xrated View Post
Another vote for NOT using them while the trailer is being stored. As stated above, if a tire goes flat, you could pretty easily damage the stabilizer(s) on that side of the trailer, plus the mention of another source of possible access for unwanted visitors.
Just wanted to point out that the statement highlighted in red is a very real possibility. As one that has forgotten to raise his jacks before dropping the tongue on the hitch I can attest to the fact that the stabilzers (electric) are not meant to hold the weight of the trailer.....they WILL bend and look very funny, and not work, and cost a lot to fix.....
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Old 10-09-2019, 08:18 AM   #13
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I guess I'm the odd man out here. I put mine down (I added one ahead of the front axle that matched the 2 from the factory) with a piece of pressure treated 2X8 under the pads. 1.Our unit sets on blacktop with PT lumber under the contact points.
2. I don't think any "critters" would be put off going another few feet to gain entrance.
3. I'm not concerned with a flat tire. Hasn't happened to me in yet (been camping about 20 years), maybe I've been lucky.
4. The reason I put the stabilizers down is wind and ice. One year I checked on the camper after a particularly nasty Nor'Easter ice storm and the tongue had slide over about 18". Thankfully the tongue jack did not bend, most likely due to the ice. So I figure having 7 solid surfaces will get me more friction resistance than one,
This is what has worked for me and as you can see others have their own thoughts so go with what you think will work best for you.
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Old 10-09-2019, 09:50 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybouy View Post
I guess I'm the odd man out here. I put mine down (I added one ahead of the front axle that matched the 2 from the factory) with a piece of pressure treated 2X8 under the pads. 1.Our unit sets on blacktop with PT lumber under the contact points.
2. I don't think any "critters" would be put off going another few feet to gain entrance.
3. I'm not concerned with a flat tire. Hasn't happened to me in yet (been camping about 20 years), maybe I've been lucky.
4. The reason I put the stabilizers down is wind and ice. One year I checked on the camper after a particularly nasty Nor'Easter ice storm and the tongue had slide over about 18". Thankfully the tongue jack did not bend, most likely due to the ice. So I figure having 7 solid surfaces will get me more friction resistance than one,
This is what has worked for me and as you can see others have their own thoughts so go with what you think will work best for you.
I can see that, living in the windy plains it is very real the wind could move the RV. I am in my first year of ownership and I do not plan to put my jacks down but was thinking maybe they are trying to take the weight off the tires. I know motorheads who store collector cars on jackstands in order to minimize flat spots on the tires.
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Old 10-09-2019, 01:52 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Royalwapiti View Post
I can see that, living in the windy plains it is very real the wind could move the RV. I am in my first year of ownership and I do not plan to put my jacks down but was thinking maybe they are trying to take the weight off the tires. I know motorheads who store collector cars on jackstands in order to minimize flat spots on the tires.
The stabilizers are not stout enough to ever raise enough to take the weight off the tires without damage.
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Old 10-10-2019, 04:15 PM   #16
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I don't do it, it's no need for me.
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Old 10-17-2019, 07:33 AM   #17
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With my snow I lower

In upstate, I store outside and lower them. We get over 200 inches a winter. I know others who even use 4x4 wood blocks right to the lower frame.
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Old 10-17-2019, 08:24 AM   #18
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I normally lower the jacks just enough to lightly touch the ground or blocks. Sometimes I return to find a flat tire due to a slow puncture leak. I have tandem axles. Also, the storage lot is not perfectly level.
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Old 10-17-2019, 09:14 AM   #19
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I used to punch the 'autolevel' button on my Lippert Level Up system when I stored the Montana to get the weight off the tires and springs. The owner of the storage lot asked me NOT to do that any more because if he wants to be able to move a camper whenever it is needed. At the time he was trimming trees behind my storage row. Since then they have regraded the lot. Once in a while someone down the row will park funny and it has a cascade effect down the row, and he will have to move a half-dozen trailers to get them all back to where they belong. So now I just use the landing gear and that's all.
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Old 10-17-2019, 09:24 AM   #20
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I do not put the extra levelers down, my thought being with a slight slant the rain
and snow will slide off the roof.
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