Stabilizer Jacks, Up/Down for Winter

[troyt]

I was wonder what the majority thinks about having the Stabilizer Jacks, Up/Down for winter storage? I live in the Midwest and we could get a bit of wind and snow. I store in an RV lot.

What's your thoughts?

Also on the bubble about a cover?

[Rugged Brown]

Personally I would nix the cover idea. As for jacks, I left mine up.

[F and E Damp]

I specifically aske the manufacturer of the jacking system on my Georgetown about leaving the jacks down over the winter to relieve to load on the tires. The response was "If you live close to saltwater, it's advisable to wipe down the exposed piston rods with a silicone spray about once a week."

I was reassured until I found, later in the e-maail that their definition of "close" was within 60 miles. We're across the street fron homes on a salt-water marina, so we're about 60 yards from salt water.

I'd already put the rig up om jacks for about 5 months before I got this advice, and I found several patches of rust on the piston rods. Fortunately, I have a background in aircraft hydraulics and was able to polish out the rust spots with 400 wet & dry and Brasso.

This year, I plan to raise the rig until both axle's wheels are just off the ground. I will then put axle stands under the frame rails, close to each shock absorber location and retract the jacks. That way, the tires are just off the ground and the jacks' piston rods aren't exposed to corrosion.

I'm on an almost completely flat driveway alongside the garage, so not having the parking brake in play because the rear wheels are off the ground isn't a big deal.

[cardinal4fun]

I think its more a personnel thing, I leave mine down. I do not beleive in covers.

[F and E Damp]

Ya gotta check with Personnel (or Human Resources?)

[SaskCampers]

Our TT is leveled, with the stabilizers down, tire covers on and slides in. No cover. We get down in the -30's static and lots of wind here to the tune of -50's for wind chills.

[Chillbilly]

I leave mine down. And I ALWAYS cover my trailer for the winter. I wouldn't be without a cover. It's an inexpensive way to protect it from the elements. I know, there are those who don't agree. You just have to use the correct cover. But it's a matter of preference.

[lindy]

We have an Ultra Lite 2604, and with the torsion axle suspention. I not only put the jacks down, but put blocks under the axles at the mounting points. With a total roof snow load of up to 1400 lbs possible and a trl with a load capacity of 800 lbs, I can't see where it'd be good for the rubber components of the torsion axles to set for 3-4 months at 120% of load capacity. My thought would be that it'd distort the rubber too much with that amount of load for that period of time on it.

[mb2011]

thanks for the info i was thinking of buying a 2604

[lindy]

mb2011; Don't discount the 2604 because of the load capacity or the torsion axle suspention. Personally I LOVE the torsion suspention system. No leaf springs to break, no shackles to bend/break, no shackle bolt issues, and the big plus, It's basicly a 4 wheel independent suspension system very smooth ride.