Community Forums

dhollis · 06-26-2012, 04:10 PM

I am an RV newbie and I know about not running the fridge while on an incline but are there issues when storing my RV on an incline? I have not been able to find secured space locally except one parking space but it slopes considerably (maybe 12%). Can anyone give me some do's and don'ts?

FW5000DRIVER · 06-26-2012, 06:08 PM

You just have to curb the wheels when storing/parking on an incline. Set the emergency brake and if possible throw a chock or two.

FW5000DRIVER · 06-26-2012, 06:10 PM

Plus its worth it to get an appropriate RV storage space. KOA's run about 73 a month. Safer that way.

Izzyblueye · 06-27-2012, 06:27 AM

Not sure if your are worried about the fridge being off level or the coach rolling on you due to incline in parking spot. Far as fridge goes, don't turn it on while parked and in storage. That takes care of that problem. As far as the coach being on an incline while stored, not really a problem, but if it makes you feel more secure chock the wheels against the incline, or use leveling blocks.

cb1000rider · 06-27-2012, 06:41 AM

I built a set of ramps for the rear wheels for dealing with an incline..

Thor4 · 07-06-2012, 09:38 AM

are there any guidelines as too much incline / slant is too much for a modern norcold fridge to operate?

sirpurrcival · 07-06-2012, 10:41 AM

I can't speak about other rigs but my emergency brake is really just a clutch brake and has little to do with the actual brakes on my rig. Makes me a little worried if I have to park it on a serious incline (Say 8% or more). For that reason, I carry a set of wheel chocks. For $20.00, it isn't even really a question. Even a set of wood blocks would do just fine as well.

TXiceman · 07-06-2012, 11:43 AM

With such a steep incline, you may have some water leak issues that would not normally present themselves.

Ken

Scarab0088 · 07-06-2012, 12:13 PM

This is a great question because of all the systems inside our coaches.

I'm assuming you are talking about "storage" parking, because any other time you really want the coach level.

So consider your plumbing and fluid storage tanks. These items will do best (if not completely drained) being as level as possible for long term storage. When turned off, the fridge, propane system, and electrical don't really have a tilt problem.

So I agree with all previous posts - that you should always attempt to level the coach as much as possible...but like many of us, storage away from our residences may be a requirement...sometimes you gotta take what you can get.

Consider draining the tanks to prevent leaks and off center pressure in the tanks, plumbingm, and drains.

BTW - ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS - chock the wheels if there is any incline. Once, I had a Pop-top take a little joyride because there was a drop in the campsite that I didn't see (night-time set-up).

Best of luck!

Izzyblueye · 07-07-2012, 07:25 AM

Yes Chock! I saw a guy with a small 5th wheel unhook from the truck down in "Outdoor Resorts" in the Smokey Mts. No chocks and she rolled down hill and into a creek. Believe it or not his wife tried to hold the rig back by hand. It did not do much damage, some dings and wrinkled aluminum.

dsbike · 07-07-2012, 08:02 AM

I chock 100% of the time. We have a large wind break that given the right conditions could easily be pushed by a strong wind gust. I am sure this comes from experience with aircraft. I have seen airplanes blown 90 degrees when not chocked and a storm had moved in. Pilot forgot to set the brakes, didn't wait for the ramp guy to signal that the chocks were in and was exiting the aircraft when it moved. Luckily no one or equipment was hurt.

tomwalt · 07-07-2012, 08:36 AM

Using chocks is a good habbit to get in and a block of wood is all you need.
When you cut down a tree, you cut out a wedge on the side you want the tree to fall - I use a wedge from an oak tree. If (and when) I forget to remove the chock prior to driving off - the wedge is small enough to drive over yet the bump reminds me to send my wife back to retreive it :>)

dhollis · 07-09-2012, 10:49 AM

Thanks all for the advice. I have bought chocks and levelers and plan to get things as level as possible. It was the internal workings I am concerned about and plan to store it with my tanks empty but I also worry a little about the stress on the cabin on an incline for long periods. I think I,m set with plenty of leveling blocks.
Thanks again. Love this forum.

Tioga · 07-09-2012, 01:46 PM

Hi Y'all..WE're newbies also, at least to the "C". Hope this is the right time to ask..What's the best way to level the C ? Apart from having levers added to the coach..Are blocks the only way to go? We also have an incline issue as we're storing in the driveway. Not much of an incline but the fridge is going to do double duty as a bee(ahem)beverage cooler full time as did the last (traded in) trailer box. Pete and Jeanne