Storing fifth wheel on tripod with jacks retracted

[dmatre]

Picked up Cedar Creek Silverback 29RE yesterday. Was recommended during PDI to store during winter and between trips on a king pin tripod with front jacks retracted. The reasoning was to protect pistons from elements and keep them from getting surface rust that could tear seals. The hitch weight is only 1985 lbs, if memory serves, and a $100 tripod is rated at 5000lbs. Sounds like a wise investment. Anybody else store their fifth wheel this way? Any thoughts on pros and cons, possible concerns?
Thanks,
Don

[bob caldwell]

Have read on forum most just wipe the Rams down with a light oil, every so often.,

[WFD]

I prefer Bob's idea....I would not want to risk having the 5th supported all winter long by simply the tripod...the jacks are designed and made for exactly that purpose. A bit of maintenance on them annually will go a long ways. The jacks are not that prone to rust to begin with, and with the maintenance, they will be fine.

[Jim34RL]

I store my 34RL Cedar Creek with the front legs down and with a King Pin Tripod support. The center and rear legs are retracted for storage. I wipe the legs down with silicone lubricant each time before I retract them.When the camper is in storage the front legs are wiped down before we leave. I will go out about once a month and reapply the silicone spray and replace the mouse replant in the storage basement of our camper.

I do not believe that a King Pin tripod support can support the entire pin weight of my 5er with the all of the legs being retracted, the tripod legs in my humble opinion would collapse.

[bob caldwell]

Might use 2 jack stands....cost less then a tripod

[bob caldwell]

I'd worry about undue stress on the framework..,this Ultra Lite is just that...

[NMWildcat]

Never even heard of storing with front jacks up on a tripod or jackstands. Sounds ludicrous to me! But we have been given some pretty wild advice from dealer personnel trying to sound knowledgeable.

We leave our front jacks and all the leveling jacks down when stored. Just wipe them off with silicon spray before you bring them up. Simple.

[bob caldwell]

Jack stands was only mentioned if a person can't get back to stored trailer very often and was worried about rams....

[Iwannacamp]

You could get/build some stands to go under the rams to where they aren't extended....weld/bolt something to the top of a large jack stand as suggested. Just remember if placed under the jack metal to metal is slippery.


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[Ford Idaho]

1. Tripod must be of a good quality steel. (rare thing these days)

2. Four foot square sheet of 5/8 inch (or thicker) marine grade plywood under the tripod.

3. Block the four trailer tires with some big wheel chocks.

4. some wood blocks under the feet of the legs. (in the event the tripod fails)

[Boso]

The tripod is for stability only put your front jacks down that is what they are for. Whoever told you to lift your front jacks while on a tripod must be pretty ignorant on fifth wheels or Rv procedures in general

[149252]

I use four solid wooden blocks and support the frame. Then retract all cylinders on the 6 point hydraulic system. The suspension has the weight off and the wheels are on plywood pads and covered. I have always done this with all my trailers. I would never use the tri pod to support the front without the landing gear.

[Oaklevel]

Too much chance for failure. The tripod is not designed for continuous load. Look closely at one I would not use it to support the front end of a fifth wheel.

[Mr. Dan]

I can almost guarantee your selling dealership does not use tripods even for units they keep on the lot all winter.

[Lvn2tvl]

Originally Posted by Boso

The tripod is for stability only put your front jacks down that is what they are for. Whoever told you to lift your front jacks while on a tripod must be pretty ignorant on fifth wheels or Rv procedures in general

X2 - Tripod is only for stability just like rear mechanical jacks and not meant to hold dead weight of trailers. If I remember correctly the landing gear is rated for 5000# on each leg. I've had similar answers from salesmen. What is bothersome is when they look at you like they have all the answers. It kinda helps balance the field when you ask them to show you the answer in print not his/her memory.

[cfiowa]

I used couple of blocks under the hyd jacks.
Hook camper to truck...raise jacks up, put blocks under jacks lower jacks down to raise camper up
Remove truck lower camper. Perfect height, and jack cylinders are protected from weather


2014 cedar creek 36ckts
2014 Chevy 3500 1 ton crew cab 4x4 long bed.


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[Poper]

Hey I hope this isn't thread jumping, but assuming a lot on here are previous TT owners prior to their fiver, maybe I can get some opinions.
I've tried a forum search with no result. Plenty on winter storage.
What is the thoughts or procedures for winter storing a TT.
TT is Outdoors on gravel pad with wood under the tires, electric tongue jack.
TT level.
Northeast Winters,
Stabilizer Jacks UP or DOWN ??
Thanks for any and all input..

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Poper

Hey I hope this isn't thread jumping, but assuming a lot on here are previous TT owners prior to their fiver, maybe I can get some opinions.
I've tried a forum search with no result. Plenty on winter storage.
What is the thoughts or procedures for winter storing a TT.
TT is Outdoors on gravel pad with wood under the tires, electric tongue jack.
TT level.
Northeast Winters,
Stabilizer Jacks UP or DOWN ??
Thanks for any and all input..

I keep the stab jacks up, two less access points for multi legged critters.
I keep my FW unleveled to aid water run off/

[jtesta1]

Pistons are stainless steel coated with lubricant, made for the elements. Do you jack your car up when parked to keep the shocks from rusting..Same thing.

[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by cfiowa

I used couple of blocks under the hyd jacks.
Hook camper to truck...raise jacks up, put blocks under jacks lower jacks down to raise camper up
Remove truck lower camper. Perfect height, and jack cylinders are protected from weather


2014 cedar creek 36ckts
2014 Chevy 3500 1 ton crew cab 4x4 long bed.


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This makes the most sense!!