Quick Rest stop set up

B

Bazza2154

Novice
I just wondered if you need to extend the leveling jacks at the rear if you make a quick rest stop and leave the CI attached to the tow vehicle.

I would also like to know if you uncouple from the tow vehicle would you need the jacks providing you are on level ground. I am thinking parking lot rest stop etc.

And a third point do you extend the jacks when in storage?

Thanks
 
It would be your preference whether you use the jacks or not. Either with the trailer still attached to the tow vehicle or not, the issue is really the same: slight movement of the trailer when you move around inside. If the trailer is really 'off of level', the doors might swing open or closed by themselves, but for a quick stopover it wouldn't bother me.
I don't use the jacks when the trailer is stored. I actually raise the front of the trailer to help the water tanks drain better before storing, and leave the front elevated for the winter. I guess the jacks could be used in storage to relieve pressure on the tires, though.
It'll be interesting to see what other people do...
 
Barry,

The leveling jacks are for leveling, not stabilizing. However many customers like to use them for stabilizing. As Ken pointed out there is that little swaying that goes on when you are in there if they are not down, even when level. I always ask the question "can you sleep in a boat?". With so many of our customers having a sailing background this is often a yes answer and the jacks never are needed unless very unlevel.

I think you will find yourself using the jacks far less than anticipated.

Yes, storing them on the jacks is a good idea if the concrete or dirt it is parked on has any moisture during the day. We park our trailers in buildings that have in-floor heat and epoxy floor coverings so the tires are always dry and we don't need to do it. Most people's unheated garages though will see a certain amount of moisture on the floor from time to time and this can cause weather checking of the tires.

Cary
 
We use the jacks when storing our Camp Inn to keep the tires off the ground.As far as rest stops go we have never stayed at one,and we have never found level ground. :)
 
For an overnight stop where we keep the tow vehicle attached I normally don't use the jacks. But if the trailer is really unlevel I sometimes jack up one side, or jack up the tongue (I can't stand sleeping with my head lower than my feet). When I do this I always put the little cranker tool on my driver's seat so that I don't drive away in the morning without putting the jacks down.

Whenever I unhitch I always use the jacks - for stabilization and leveling. I don't like the way the trailer rocks on the tongue wheel when the jacks aren't down.
 
It would be interesting to know how Hilditch Trailer is when the jacks are not down as I know he has replaced the tongue wheel with a central jack?
 
It 'is' just fine. We didn't detect any difference from the OEM jack. Only Evan would think it is more better because it is centered and thats a head thing. Either way is a very stable tripod and at 65 yo we don't get it rocking bad enough to cause a problem.

We keep the tires inflated correctly and level it according to the manual using only one jack. Just like a car, there is a little movement when you move, but not nearly as bad as a mobile motel room or a water bed. Those that need 100% stability should sleep under the CI.

Hilditch
 
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