Wheels off the ground

[kdickerson]

Is it ok for the wheels to be off the ground when using the jacks on our motorhome?

[Mr_D]

What brand jacks?
HWH says no problem for ours other than NEVER lift the rears as that's where your parking brakes are. I store our DSDP for months with the fronts completely off the ground as per HWH's information when I called them. However each of our 4 rams is rated for 12,000#'s each and our front axle only weighs 13,600#'s so we're well under the capacity.

[JohnRR]

When you have the rear wheels off the ground it's the same as having the park brake and park position in the transmission disabled.

[DandS]

While I have seen many motorhomes parked with front wheels off the ground and supported only by jacks, I consider it unsafe and would never do it on my coach. If I am that far out of level, I use boards under the wheels so there is support. While jacks may be rated for loads in excess of your weight, their intended purpose is not to lift the coach off the ground.

[John_N_Terry]

Originally Posted by DandS

While I have seen many motorhomes parked with front wheels off the ground and supported only by jacks, I consider it unsafe and would never do it on my coach. If I am that far out of level, I use boards under the wheels so there is support. While jacks may be rated for loads in excess of your weight, their intended purpose is not to lift the coach off the ground.

Completely agree!! Our rule is boards under the tires to support the weight and then use jacks for stabilization/fine leveling. We use HWH jacks. As stated above, they say it's fine to have the front tires off the ground, but I would wager a dollar to a donut hole that your chassis manufacturer would disagree.

[wa8yxm]

The rules I give. ONE FRONT TIRE, yes, any other combination no.

Here is why

The parking brake on most motor homes is a drive shaft brake..THUS if one rear wheel is off the ground and a gust of wind comes and hits the rig either in the front or rear.. Your jacks may well turn into very expensive pretzles.

If both (Front or rear) tires are off the ground, then a guest from the side (And not nearly as strong a guest) can do the same job.

In short. NOT a good idea to lift the jacks.

Now some folks will talk about the effect on the suspension.. Frankly, I dismiss those claims, but re-read the rest of this post.

[mikron]

Put 20 extra lbs of air in all the tires and use auto level to support the chassis. That is what we have been told my more then one tech. I don't want my shocks hanging full extended if I lift the coach off the ground.

[okie-dokie]

I agree with post #4 & 5. Also if you raise the tires off the ground and you have air bags, they will be stretched out like a rubber band. Guess what could happen next. I have personally seen one such situation. It cost the person a lot of money to have it replaced.

[RJay]

The manufacturers do not recommend using their equipment for jacking the vehicle off the ground although it has the capability. It's only intended purpose is to level the vehicle for comfort. The vehicle becomes much less stable when not on its wheels.


The other problem you can run into is when the jacks are fully extended to their limit the return springs are also stretched. Over a period of time the springs tend to lose their memory so the jack retract more slowly or not all the way.

["007"]

I agree with RJay's post, if your not on level site ask for another and if non support the front tires with blocks.

[pkmesser]

Originally Posted by RJay

The manufacturers do not recommend using their equipment for jacking the vehicle off the ground although it has the capability. It's only intended purpose is to level the vehicle for comfort. The vehicle becomes much less stable when not on its wheels.


The other problem you can run into is when the jacks are fully extended to their limit the return springs are also stretched. Over a period of time the springs tend to lose their memory so the jack retract more slowly or not all the way.

While not taking the tires off the ground, when in long term storage at home, I do take most of the weight off the suspension and tires. I have gone to the practice of putting my wooden blocks under the jacks, (currently 3 layers of 2X10, for a total of 4.5 inches) This keeps the jack extension to a minimum, and avoids stretching the return springs,(just replaced the rear springs). I intend to increase my wood jack pads to 6 or 7 1/2 inches, with rubber belting under the bottom layer to prevent water damage to the wood when it rains.

One person suggested asking for a different campsite, if it is not level. That doesn't work in public parks and campgrounds, none of them are level, and you usually do not have the option of requesting another site. I will take the front tires off the ground, but avoid doing so with the rear, even if I end up not being totally level. I am usually in those places for one or two nights, and moving on anyway.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by DandS

While I have seen many motorhomes parked with front wheels off the ground and supported only by jacks, I consider it unsafe and would never do it on my coach. If I am that far out of level, I use boards under the wheels so there is support. While jacks may be rated for loads in excess of your weight, their intended purpose is not to lift the coach off the ground.

I called HWH specifically and asked if it was OK, they stated that there was no reason not to and, at least in the case of HWH's they are indeed intended to lift the coach off the ground, just that you should never lift the rear wheels off the ground as that's where the parking brake acts. On a DP that's the rear brake shoes, not the driveline.
I've been doing it for 8 seasons now for about 6 months at a time with no problems.

[DandS]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I've been doing it for 8 seasons now for about 6 months at a time with no problems.

Mr_D - Not everyone has HWH but at any rate you are free to do what you want. I stand by my statement......IMO it is unsafe.

["007"]

If your on a slope with loose gravel and as you move about in coach you run the risk of MH slipping forward bending jack stands, maybe more vulnerable with electric jacks.
Thats why people place blocks under front tires to stabilize situation.