Winter Storage - Jacks Up or Down?

[Chilidip]

We are preparing our new to us Bounder 36S for it's first winter storage. A friend who has a lot more experience than us with large coaches suggested I leave the leveling jacks down to take pressure off the tires.

I am concerned about leaving the jack shafts exposed to the harsh winter elements here in central Canada and that it may result in rust and or pitting on the shafts, any thoughts?

[Chilidip]

We are preparing our new to us Bounder 36S for it's first winter storage. A friend who has a lot more experience than us with large coaches suggested I leave the leveling jacks down to take pressure off the tires.

I am concerned about leaving the jack shafts exposed to the harsh winter elements here in central Canada and that it may result in rust and or pitting on the shafts, any thoughts?

[David K]

I live in Georgia (much milder winters than what you experience) but, I leave my levelers down. You might give the leveler manufacture a call and see what they might recommend to you. I leave mine down to do what your friend said -- take some pressure off of the tires while in storage. Also, make sure you put something under the tires (I use pieces of plywood) to break the tires from contact with the ground.

[JC2]

Like David K, we also leave our jacks down and boards under the tires during the winter. About once,I will work the jacks up/down several times and will spray the exposed shafts of the jacks with a product called Jigaloo which I located at Wally World. Jigaloo Spray Lube It has many uses and is literally the "slickest" thing I've seen. Another forum member brought it to our attention several months ago. http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=search&reqWords=jigaloo

[Marty too]

I do just the oppisite. I leave my jacks up while in storage. Also, I've read where my jacks manufacture recommends leaving in up position. Secondly, also recommend not to use any kind of lubercant on the shafts. Maybe extend and wipe with a soft dry rag but that's it.

If possible, contact the manufacture of your jacks and see what they recommend.

Marty

[AFChap]

I agree with talking to the jacks mfg'er. What kind of jacks does your Bounder have? In seminars with HWH techs, their answer to that question has been, "put the jacks down" and that the surface of the jack rams could not be damaged by rust, etc. HWH also says "do not lubricate the rams with anything." And as mentioned, put some kind of vapor barrier under the tires, and also cover them to protect from UV damage from the sun.

[Jestme13]

Jacks up, jack stands under the axles/4 corners lifting weight off the tires, heavy plastic under each tire pitched to carry standing water away. The best you can possibly do

[Chilidip]

The system is Power Gear 500731 levelers. If I don't make a decision on my approach tomorrow I'll call Power Gear on Monday. I was hoping to finish all winterizing and put the cover on it tomorrow but can't do that if I need to go back in to put the jacks down.

I've got the tires parked on squares of 2x12's. Water is a non issue as it's a very porous gravel parking lot and within the next few weeks any water would be frozen solid until April

I appreciate the feedback and different tips.