Winter storage conflicting info.

[Jfr]

Hi All. A couple of questions about winter storage in Maine.
1. Deploy stabilizers or not? I have seen conflicting information about using stabilizers in the winter because of frost. Wondering what the community feels about winter storage and the use of stabilizers.
2. I have seen many campers with slideouts around my area with the slideouts open and they look like they have been stored for the winter. Is this a good idea? I would think a bad idea in a region with lots of snow.

We have a 2019 Cherokee that's been winterized by the dealer. Just want to make sure its resting place is done correctly.

Thank you in advance!
John and Diana

[Platokidd]

Store mine with jacks down and slide-outs in.

[Kimber45]

I don't see any advantage to having the stabilizers down if you are not using it. I store my unit unlevel to help with run off.

[Jayhawker]

We store our TT at a small dealership with over 150 units stored and have never seen anybody store with the stabilizers down. We do have rubber pavers (from HD) down under our tires, (gravel lot) some people use 2x10's just a matter of choice. Slide out in when stored and front of TT down to aid in snow/rain runoff. Congratulations on your new Camper!

[Skip12]

We store with stabilizers up now. Previously, we had it at permanent site and didn't consider lifting them up. They became a highways for mice.

I see no value in leaving slide outs out over the winter but see potential risk slide out roof, slide topper, sides of slides, etc.

My opinion would change if for some reason you planned on using where it sits it in the winter.

[5picker]

1. Not
2. In

[aceinspp]

Side outs in and stabilizer jacks up. Later RJD

[babock]

The problem with having stabilizers down is if a tire goes flat during storage. Way too much weight will be applied to the stabilizers if they are the type that aren't meant to hold the entire trailer's weight

[bikendan]

Stabilizers up
Slide in

[nomad297]

I put my stabilizers up to make four less ladders for mice to climb up.

I put my slides in to protect them from being overloaded by snow and also to avoid the possibility of ice dams allowing water to get under the seals.

Bruce

[badger5301]

When not in use ours stays in the shed on cement floor. During the summer the slides are always out while put a way so I have the jacks down. During winter storage the slides are in but I still leave the jacks down. Never know when we might want to open it up.

[jd50i]

Why have some mentioned "unlevel for runoff"? They are designed for runoff when level.

[russhd1997]

Originally Posted by jd50i

Why have some mentioned "unlevel for runoff"? They are designed for runoff when level.

Some older trailers had relatively flat roofs that weren't strong enough to walk on and it was a good idea to store them unlevel. A heavy snow load could collapse the roof.

[Jfr]

Originally Posted by babock

The problem with having stabilizers down is if a tire goes flat during storage. Way too much weight will be applied to the stabilizers if they are the type that aren't meant to hold the entire trailer's weight

Thank you all for letting me know. Stabalizer up slideout in! Thanks again for the replies

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Jfr

Thank you all for letting me know. Stabalizer up slideout in! Thanks again for the replies

Good choice!

Bruce

[TheWolfPaq82]

2018 Cherokee 304BS. Jacks down for heavy snow load, Nose down for runoff, Covered every winter.
Eastern Nebraska.

[jd50i]

Originally Posted by russhd1997

Some older trailers had relatively flat roofs that weren't strong enough to walk on and it was a good idea to store them unlevel. A heavy snow load could collapse the roof.

Thank you, I didn't know this.

[MillMitch]

Interesting thread. Mine sits in storage lot, and most trailers have stabilizers down, which is why i put mine down. Monkey see, monkey do. This is only my second winter, and I never really thought about it. FWIW, I actually raise the nose on mine to help keep snow and snow melt (we get a fair amount of snow in MN) out of my vent cover. I leave bathroom vent slightly cracked open during winter.

[formerFR]

whatever way that makes you the most comfortable is best - there is no 'best' answer, and neither will warrant any more problems or issues than the other.

[Vince and Charlette]

This issue showed up on another forum. Members found direct quotes from Newmar and FR Berkshire saying the exact opposite of each other. Remember, they're stabilizers or stabilizer jacks but shouldn't be thought of as jacks. Slides in to protect the seals, reduce potential for leaks, avoid leaf and debris buildup, reduce rodent and insect paths, etc. Keep slides in.