Community Forums

beepaj · 10-19-2013, 10:51 PM

Howdy!
I would like to use Jack Stands this winter to raise the tires off the ground. I'm just not sure of the size. Any suggestions?

Also, if the coach is plugged in to a 110 outlet, do the batteries need to be removed?
Thanks in advance

H. Miller · 10-20-2013, 05:27 AM

Both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have 12 ton jackstands for $80. per set.
As to batterys - depends on where you plan to spend the winter (no info given)

MSHappyCampers · 10-20-2013, 06:52 AM

I bought a set of the 12-ton Harbor Freight stands. I got 25% off the $89.95 price with a coupon that I got online, plus I got $6.99 shipping!

RickO · 10-20-2013, 07:16 AM

Yep, get those jack stands. If you're going to be plugged in all winter, I'd just leave the batteries installed and charging... assuming you have a three stage charger in your rig.

Rick

ccrider, · 10-20-2013, 07:35 AM

According to Freightliner guru Mike at Camp Freightliner in SC. You are not to store or raise the wheel off the ground, just put something under the tire that is moister proof . The reason that you do not want the wheel off the ground is that it will pull the air bags and the shocks to the outer limits with all the weight of the axle and wheel hanging on them. Plus you have to remember that rear wheels off the ground there is NO PARKING BRAKE. I my self use the levelers to level the unit, by doing these it will take some of the weight of the tires and the suspension.

Craigls2 · 10-20-2013, 07:40 AM

What is the advantage to lifting the tires off the ground? I've been told that doing so can damage some suspensions. Don't know how accurate that is. We store from October till May and use jack stands to take the weight of the coach off the tires. Have read that storing for that long can cause flat spots on the tires and hoping that the jack stands solve the problem. Use a 12 ton pair in the rear and 6 ton pair in the front.

beepaj · 10-20-2013, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO

Yep, get those jack stands. If you're going to be plugged in all winter, I'd just leave the batteries installed and charging... assuming you have a three stage charger in your rig.

Rick

"Three Stage Charger"? Hmm, interesting. Not sure. How do I find out? As far as the suspension, I just want to get the tires up a little so the weight of the coach isn't supported by them.

**JohnRR** · 10-20-2013, 10:58 AM

Either put jack stands under the axles to support them and the coach or use the stands under the frame and suitable wood blocks under the tires to prevent dangle.

ccrider, · 10-20-2013, 11:07 AM

If you look at were and how the jacks are attached to the frame and look how narrow the top of stands are, and if you don't let the unit down level there is a possibility that you put the frame in a bind.

wa8yxm · 10-20-2013, 11:42 AM

Batteries depends on your converter. Single stage, epically a Magnetek 6300 series. Remove them .. 3 stage, Leave 'em in less the temps hit more than forty below outside (3 stage converters make real good battery tenders).

**JohnRR** · 10-20-2013, 01:43 PM

I would not trust trying to put a unit down on jack stands using leveling jacks and never gave a thought to them being used for that purpose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccrider,

If you look at were and how the jacks are attached to the frame and look how narrow the top of stands are, and if you don't let the unit down level there is a possibility that you put the frame in a bind.

Rockbit · 10-20-2013, 11:09 PM

Andy, suspensions are designed to support and hold up your rig. Put a moisture barrier under your tires, use the jacks to level your rig and remove a little weight from the suspension. Plug into shore power to keep your batteries charged and you'll be okay, just check the water in them a couple times during the Winter.