Motorhome Storage Question

[Warren&Renee]

I’m currently storing my recently purchased motorhome with the jacks down. The front tires are completely off the ground (actually a concrete pad) and the rear tires are lightly touching. I’m thinking that removing the load of the motorhome from the tires is probably good for tire health and longevity. Do any of you seasoned RV Veterans have any thoughts on the subject? Is there a downside to this practice?

Thanks,
Warren

[Warren&Renee]

I’m currently storing my recently purchased motorhome with the jacks down. The front tires are completely off the ground (actually a concrete pad) and the rear tires are lightly touching. I’m thinking that removing the load of the motorhome from the tires is probably good for tire health and longevity. Do any of you seasoned RV Veterans have any thoughts on the subject? Is there a downside to this practice?

Thanks,
Warren

[Steve&Dora]

Remember the rear wheels mainly keep it from rolling.I would be sure that you have enough weight on them at least to prevent it from rolling and bending your jacks. There are some people who never lift any tires off the ground, and some coaches have problems with a windshield popping out. I have done the front tires many times with no problems.

[NLOVNIT]

We store ours with jacks down just enough to take the pressure off the tires. And the wheels are on a vapor barrier as we park on a compacted fine-gravel pad.

I don't advise having the tires off the ground for any length of time. The few times we've had the jacks fully extended (for lubing purposes only) the coach did shift making it difficult for the jacks to retract easily. I wouldn't want to risk damaging my jacks having them hold the entire weight of the coach during storage. For short periods, you can have the front tires off a bit, but if you do, you better be sure the back tires are not only firmly on the ground (for the reasons stated in the previous post) but also be sure to have a good set of chocks behind them. Having the rear tires off the ground, or not firmly touching, you compromise the rear wheels parking brake.

Lori-

Lori-

[Jeepster47]

When our MH is in storage (no more than 5 weeks) I do not use the jacks, but put plywood vapor barrier under tires. If you put jacks down be sure to spray silicon or oil on shafts regularly. A friend didn't, and 5 months later their jack shafts rusted and left pits in them. Expensive!

Ed
WCMC - VP West Rallies

[Warren&Renee]

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and suggestions. The information you provided is very helpful.

Happy Holidays,
Warren

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you put jacks down be sure to spray silicon or oil on shafts regularly </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That may be true for some mfg's jacks. Others (ie the HWH jacks on my Winnebago) need nothing on the shafts to protect them from corrosion, and in fact HWH warns against putting anything on them.

[jerseyjim]

When in long-time storage (more than 3 months) I leave the jacks up. Under the tires, tho I have 2x10s cut to length and screwed together 2 high to keep them off the ground. There are many pros and cons to keeping the jacks up/down, whatever. Do what you want to...I don't think there's any real "scientific" evidence one way or the other. I've been told to spray on silicone lube on the shafts like every month...and just before retracting them for storage. If it doesn't help...it sure can't hurt...and I feel better.
Sometimes, water puddles around the bottom one or two inches of the tires. Concerned, I contacted Goodyear. They told me when it happens, it's really not a problem unless the water gets to the wheels where it might cause rust. At my convenience, I should drive the motorhome some miles to heat the tires up. That's what they said. And that's what I do from time to time when a water situation appears.