Community Forums

daveRG · 11-29-2022, 05:15 PM

Hi all.
I'd like the rainwater and snow to run off the back of the camper, so it doesn't pool and freeze/refreeze in the front seam where the roof meets the top "panel". Its parked so that the front is downhill, and parking the camper backwards so the rear is lower than the front in my kinda steep driveway is not a logistical option.

If I jack the front most of the way up, I can get it high enough for everything to run off the back. But will doing this for several months cause any issues or damage anywhere, like the suspension, etc.?

Thanks for any replies.

Dave

Nwcid · 11-29-2022, 05:17 PM

There should not be any problems.

**NLOVNIT** · 11-29-2022, 08:31 PM

I don't see it as being a problem. I do it all my RV-ing season when I park my coach in my driveway as it slopes downward toward the street.

Just be sure you chock behind the tires.

TandW · 11-30-2022, 08:02 AM

Concerns with window drain holes and sills.

daveRG · 11-30-2022, 05:36 PM

TandW,

Could you explain a little? What would the issue be there?

TandW · 11-30-2022, 06:22 PM

A driving rain would be ruinous.

**NLOVNIT** · 11-30-2022, 08:45 PM

OP has a 2014. Most likely they've got frameless windows (like I do). I don't have drain holes. My RV's been in driving downpours with no issues.

To the OP: I've always had my RV's ever so slightly nose high, anywhere I'm parked in the elements. I much preferred having rain run off the back rather than out the front gutter spouts which were always positioned right near the entry door. 20+ years of doing this, even on RV's with framed windows with weep holes, with no issues/no interior water infiltration.

JIMNLIN · 12-01-2022, 06:07 AM

depends.
If the trailer is backed in on a incline and the front is raise for the roof to drain the tires on the aft axle has a bunch more weight on them especially with tandem and triaxle trailers.
If the trailer is a single axle than no foul.

Anyways keep the tire pumped to the max while in storage.

Marine359 · 12-01-2022, 07:05 AM

I store my 23ft dual axle TT on a 8% incline. I try to keep it somewhat level with the incline, but it’s always in a slightly nose low position relative to the slope in order to equalize axle load. So, the roof is about 5% slope. Water and snow melt run off the back easily. I don’t feel there is any stress on one set of axle/tires vrs the other, as both axles are loaded almost the same

daveRG · 12-02-2022, 01:22 PM

Still not sure why there would be a problem with the windows any more than normal...I only have side windows, not one in the rear, so maybe you were assuming I had one in the back where all the runoff would go?

I checked with Jayco CS. They dont rcommend jacking it up because of the axles/suspension. I'll try to find a way to turn it around.

daveRG · 12-02-2022, 04:16 PM

Tried finding a way...just no good way store it turned around. So Jayco does not want me jacking the front up, but also says it needs to be stored level. So I'm kinda stuck with having to have the front catch the winter rain and snow.

Short of my putting doen another layer of LAP self-leveling sealant, anybody got any other advice? I can;t be the only one with a dual axle camper and a downhill driveway.

I guess I could just leave it level for the winter and raise it just just on storm days.

**NLOVNIT** · 12-02-2022, 04:26 PM

Put a cover on it, then.

JIMNLIN · 12-03-2022, 05:24 AM

We've camped in unimproved campgrounds where nothing was level. We used wood blocks under one axle to keep the suspension close to level....which keeps close to the same weight on both axles/tires.
My previous place was all on a down slope from the county road. I kept the trailers parked on the side of my barn with electricity.
I made wood ramps too keep the suspension and body level side to side and fore/aft.

Sounds like you need to fix the lap joint and not worry with the unit leaking when camping or in storage.

daveRG · 12-04-2022, 07:09 PM

Nothing wrong with the joint, I crawl up to the roof every year and apply DICOR there and other spots. I thinl I'll just do it again this week, then get a small waterproof tarp. I'll duct tape it over the joint on the high side and hope mimimal water gets through. Thanks for all the replies.