Community Forums

ncoonen · 09-19-2012, 03:20 PM

I recently had Bigfoot EZE Level hydraulic levelers installed on my class C. I asked the head service and installation guy about using the levelers for storage. He said absolutely yes, you should the cylinders all the way out when you park for the season....or anytime you want. On my rig, this almost puts the tires in the air and easily could with a piece of 2x12 under each leveler. The guy said that the system may droop up to an inch in six months, which to me is nothing.

Anyone store their rig that way? It would be nice to take the load off the tires and air them down a bit for storage.

Thanks...ned.

RickO · 09-19-2012, 03:44 PM

There are lots of opinions on this and frankly, I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. I sure wouldn't store my rig with the four tires off the ground though.

IMO, a good approach is to drive the rig up on to four pieces of 3/4" plywood to keep the rubber from being in contact with the damp ground, and then extend the jacks enough to relieve much/most of the weight from the tires. I don't know about the value of airing down the tires though.

You might also want to spray the jack cylinders with a bit of the recommended lube and wipe off excess as you put it all to bed.

Good luck.

Rick

Gary RVRoamer · 09-19-2012, 07:06 PM

Ours is usually leveled with the jacks while parked at home, even if for months at a time. They aren't fully extended - just whatever they need to for level.

The major tire manufacturers recommend taking the weight off the tires when they sit for long term..

historyljc · 09-19-2012, 08:42 PM

Rick & Gary beat me to it. Their's is the same advice that I would give. I see no value in having the tires off the ground and/or letting the air out of them.

Mr_D · 09-19-2012, 08:46 PM

To level our rig for storage I have to lift the front tires off the ground. Been doing it for years, BUT
Newmar says it's OK
Spartan says it's OK
HWH says it's OK
Reyco Granning says it's OK

YMMV!!

"007" · 09-19-2012, 09:53 PM

Some tire mfg's say add air to the sidewall max not remove air during storage.

Mr_D · 09-19-2012, 10:03 PM

And the pressure on the sidewall of MOST truck size tires is not the maximum the tire should ever have. It's the minimum to support the maximum rating of the tire. Same with the weight/pressure charts.

Tony Lee · 09-19-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

Some tire mfg's say add air to the sidewall max not remove air during storage.

If the weight is on the tyres, pump them up to maximum sidewall pressure +10%.

If the tyres are off the ground, pressure should be 20% of normal on-road value.

Cat320 · 09-21-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Ours is usually leveled with the jacks while parked at home, even if for months at a time. They aren't fully extended - just whatever they need to for level.

The major tire manufacturers recommend taking the weight off the tires when they sit for long term..

That's the way I do it too.

Pairajays · 09-22-2012, 09:19 AM

Just a thought, what if you don't have jacks? Increase pressure, decrease pressure or don't worry about it. Leveling jacks are intended to level your RV, not protect your tires. What tire manufacturer will positively tell you reducing the load on the tires, with jacks, will benefit the tires in any way. I don't think RV tires ever wear out, they, like us, get old and need replacing. And one final remark, there are thousands of RVs without jacks and that does not include the many thousands of RVs with air spring leveling which levels the RV without removing the RV weight from the tires. The very top of the line RVs always have air spring leveling, not jacks.

Jim E

C-PHartley · 09-22-2012, 06:26 PM

If I am going to be storing things for a while, I wrap the jack shafts with a paper towel soaked in ATF fluid. This keeps things clean and slippery. I keep the tires up to recommended pressure and cover them.

Gadget Man · 09-22-2012, 06:50 PM

I agree there is no wrong answer. I've never stored my RV with the jacks deployed and have never suffered any tire damage because of it. I purchased my first MH with leveling jacks in 1997.

Craig

Tusslebug · 09-23-2012, 12:31 PM

I store mine with the jacks down to take the weight off the springs. Also I usually raise the front high enough to allow for snow and rain to easily run off. Had my unit for fourteen years and never had a problem with them. HWH suggested to me to exercize the system every 2-3 months. Also been doing that as well.

Triker56 · 09-23-2012, 12:42 PM

Goodyear says:

Storing your vehicle properly helps protect your tires.
• Keep your vehicle in a cool, dry storage area out of direct sunlight and UV rays.
• Unload your vehicle so that minimum weight is on the tires.
• Inflate your tires to recommended operation pressure plus 25%, but don’t exceed the rim
manufacturer’s inflation capacity.
• Thoroughly clean your tires with soap and water before storing them to remove any oils that may have
accumulated from the road.
• Move your vehicle at least every three months to help prevent cracking and flat-spotting,
but avoid moving it during extremely cold weather.
• Place your vehicle on blocks to remove the weight from the tires. If the vehicle can’t be put on blocks,
make sure the storage surface is firm, clean, well-drained and reasonably level.