Winterizing Question

[Bruce O]

Do you folks put your trailers up on blocks or lower both rear jacks to take pressure off the tires for the winter? Just wondering.
Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Calvin & Jane]

I lower both rear stabilizer jacks. Just enough to keep both tires off the ground.

 

[Steve and Karen]

I would lower both to take some weight off, but not enough that they are completely off the ground. CampInn recommends that you only completely lower one at a time- not both. The stabilizer jacks, in pairs, don’t have the lateral stability to counteract a sideways force; you still need one full (or a couple partial) tire contact patches to resist this.

 

[Cary Winch]

The recommendation from Camp-Inn is that both tires cannot be off the ground "when in use". This is to prevent damage to the jacks as Steve mentioned. However when stored it is not in use so you can lift both tires off.

The question as to whether to lift the tires or not comes down to the type of floor it is on. If it is a insulated and sealed floor than you don't need to. But a normal bare concrete floor you probably do. Moisture wicks up through concrete and will damage the tires from long term exposure. Lifting the tires off enough to get an air gap from the floor is an old street rodder trick that applies here the same.

Cary

 

[Steve and Karen]

Thanks for clarifying Cary. I'm just a little more cautious because, even when it's stored, I'm sometimes doing things to the trailer, crawling inside for something, or trying to reposition it in my cramped garage, (i.e. "in use") and it can be easy to forget that it's completely up on two jacks. I also put carpet scraps or layers of cardboard under the tires if it's not completely up in the air.

 

[Chuckwagon]

Thanks for clarifying Cary. I'm just a little more cautious because, even when it's stored, I'm sometimes doing things to the trailer, crawling inside for something, or trying to reposition it in my cramped garage, (i.e. "in use") and it can be easy to forget that it's completely up on two jacks. I also put carpet scraps or layers of cardboard under the tires if it's not completely up in the air.

That's right. It's easy to forget that the wheels are jacked up when taking refuge in the garaged camper on sleepless nights.

 

[Bruce O]

Thanks to all... Since it's in my garage (concrete floor) and I too have found myself going in and out of it. I’m thinking trying automotive jack stands with orange survey tape streamers tied to them hopefully reminding me to take extra care when entering the cabin.

 

[Cary Winch]

If putting pads under the tires make sure it is a material that will not absorb or transmit moisture. No concrete blocks, wood, carpet pads or cardboard. Moisture will wick right through those items. Use a plastic or composite material. Maybe a closed cell foam. The plastic leveling blocks for RVs work perfect.

Cary

 

[Bruce O]

My solution... I put the trailer up on automotive jack stands plus I lowered the trailer's leveling jacks on top of plastic leveling blocks (to keep moisture off the metal feet). I'm sure this is overkill - but feels rock solid.