Which first..air up or jacks up?

[IDAHO Jim]

Probably covered before, but couldn't find it. Upon leaving I have always raised jacks first then aired up before bringing in the slides. The rational being that the air suspension may be putting stress on some components (frame, jacks, windshield) when trying to bring the coach to the correct ride height while still solidly supported by the jacks. Depending on the condition of the site while supported by jacks (hopefully the center jack is the pivot point) I've been concerned that the air bags may conflict with or add stress to the solid support provided by one or more of the jacks. Plus it makes sense to reverse the leveling procedure upon leaving. However I do not remove all of the air from the air suspension before lowering the jacks and which provides some cushion to the coach as it lowers when raising them. Any thoughts......??

Jim, 2007 Diplomat, 36PDQ

[MonacoMama]

IDAHO Jim... You may want to read this thread and all the linked posts in it...including the links within the posts.

Please pay attention to posts made by Monaco Product Owners because Monaco RV LLC is the only manufacturer who has this procedure. Other RV owners will tell you how they do it...but it is not the proper procedure for Monaco RVs.

I hope this helps...

[IDAHO Jim]

Monaco Mama, Thanks for the reply and attached thread but, I don't think Monaco or the thread has really clearified (upon departing) whether to raise the jacks to lower the coach and then air up to bring in the slides when departing or to air up and then raise the jacks and then bring in the slides. I understand and fully agree that the slides can only be actuated under full air suspension. Maybe it's been stated ....but, certainly not very clearly in my manual (maybe I'm just a slow learner). Again thanks.....
Jim

[The Danes Are Coming]

Jim

We have on a few occasions been trying to "air up" before retracting the jacks but every time our jacks then don't retract fully by them selves.

It seem like the retraction of the jacks benefits from having the full load of the MH applying pressure onto them as an aid.

That's why we first retract the jacks - then we "air up".

[RickO]

Since the procedures from different mfgrs are different, I'll just share the rationale I use on my Winnie. I want to have the coach level when retracting the slides so as not to put undue strain on the motors/batteries by having to haul a large wall slide in "uphill". Therefore I retract slides then jacks.

[94-Newmar]

I'll 2nd RickO's post. I use the exact same process.

[Route 66]

As above, the Monaco procedure is different than all other manufacturers.

[itdave]

The OP was not asking when to bring in the slides he stated he brought them in after raising the jacks and filling the air bags. His question was should he raise the jacks and then fill the air bags or fill the air bags and then raise the jacks. I have wondered about the order of jacks and air bags.

[waco kid]

I always air up before I retract the jacks, I feel its better for the coach to come down on a cushion of air, also the coach won't drop as far if the air bags are full. No hard facts here, just my two cents....Bruce

[Nonno]

Quote:

Since the procedures from different mfgrs are different......Therefore I retract slides then jacks

RickO and 94-Newmar,
Monaco IS DIFFERENT. Slides are put out BEFORE air drop and leveling. Slides come in AFTER jacks up and air up.


IDAHO Jim,

I begin with the air up process and retract jacks while this is happening. Full air will occur first but engine stays on until all lights go out on leveling pad. After engine is off slides come in.

BTW- I plug in at arrival, before slides out, to verify good power just in case I would have to move to another site. When leaving, I unplug after slides are in.

[lostagain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by waco kid I always air up before I retract the jacks, I feel its better for the coach to come down on a cushion of air, also the coach won't drop as far if the air bags are full. No hard facts here, just my two cents....Bruce

x2 Air first.

[roscoesdad]

I air first and have found in most cases, the jacks do not touch the ground with the air bags full. I then retract the jacks and put in slides.

[IDAHO Jim]

Thankyou for your prompt replys...they were really appreciated. I believe that I will change my procedure of jacks up first before air and follow the majority of suggestions that air up first. I was a little concerned about stress on the jacks etc., by airing up with the jacks down but, apparently, in many cases, the jacks are lifted off the ground by the air suspension hence, no stress..... I guess that there is no real policy for "air/jacks" and that portion of the procedure for departure is a little subjective....
Again thanks.... Jim & Suz, 2007 Diplomat, 36PDQ

[Pairajays]

I think the important thing is to extend the slides first thing. The reason for dumping the air bags is to lower the coach for easy access and allowing the jacks to level the coach. Most MHs do not have jacks that extend far enough to level without dumping the air bags. When departing, start the engine and fill the air bags. Obviously, the jacks will come off the ground. When the bags are full, turn off the engine, retract the jacks, pull in your slides and you are ready to go.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Jim