Forum Discussion

RVA_Jeff's avatar
RVA_Jeff
Explorer
Dec 09, 2016

Keeping a stationary 5th wheel movable

I've got a 38 foot fifth wheeler on a permanent site at a campground. The dealer delivered it there for me, as I don't have a truck yet and have no intention of moving it anytime soon. That said, I know I shouldn't just let it sit stationary without moving at all for a long period of time.

I assume I'll have to find a local towing company or another friendly camper to hook up and move my rig every once in awhile, even if it's just around the campground and back to my spot.

Has anyone dealt with this issue before, and how frequently do you think this needs to be done to protect the tires from wear as long as possible?
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    My two cents... I wouldn't use cinder blocks they can be a bit shakey after a while esp. after snow etc. I would use pressure treated 4x4's or 4x6's. If you do not have a place to store the wheels if you remove them. simply buy the wheel covers at Camping world or Walmart.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    Probably it would be good to check with someone local, but in some places, if you take it off the wheels, it becomes a residence and is subject to different taxes. Usually a lot higher. But might be a good idea to find out first.
  • Tax_Man's avatar
    Tax_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    I talked to the folks at HWH once. They said that the leveling jacks are not designed to hold a vehicle off the ground. The system may be used to lift one wheel off the ground to change it.

    Use the 6 point system to level and place blocks at several points to hold the frame. Jack up the axles and remove the tires. Put blocks under the axles also.

    Just my two cents...
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    RVA Jeff wrote:
    Hmmm never thought about that. the camper has a six point leveling system. I wonder if those 6 points alone would be enough to support the camper without any damage to them?


    IMHO No! the 6 point leveling system is designed to LEVEL the trailer not completely support it off the ground. Block it and take the tires off.
  • austingta's avatar
    austingta
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    There is something to be said for rotating the bearings and exercising the brakes once a year or so. Maybe you could make a deal with a nearby service facility to come drive it around a little in the slowest time of year.
  • muzzledan's avatar
    muzzledan
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    Yes the 6 point leveling system should be work to support the fiver with the wheels off.
  • RVA_Jeff's avatar
    RVA_Jeff
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    You're just talking about regular concrete blocks? And excuse me if this is a dumb question, but would you just put the blocks right under the frame somewhere in the back near where the wheels are (were)?
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Dec 09, 2016
    RVA Jeff wrote:
    Hmmm never thought about that. the camper has a six point leveling system. I wonder if those 6 points alone would be enough to support the camper without any damage to them?


    I doubt those jacks are designed to support the full weight of that RV for extended periods. Blocks are cheap, a couple of bucks apiece.
  • RVA_Jeff's avatar
    RVA_Jeff
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    Hmmm never thought about that. the camper has a six point leveling system. I wonder if those 6 points alone would be enough to support the camper without any damage to them?
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Dec 09, 2016
    Take the tires off and put the fver up on blocks. Store the tires out of sunlight and off the ground.

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