Forum Discussion

The_Harpers's avatar
The_Harpers
Explorer
Jun 13, 2017

Stabilizing 5er for long term

We have picked up a camp site in the Sierras for long term. What are some of the options for stabilizing the unit? Slide jacks? Frame jacks? blocking the axels by lifting tires off the ground? I am open to trying what you experts have come up with. DW has suggested she wants a very stable 5er. Thanks for your imput.
  • lostdog's avatar
    lostdog
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2017
    laknox wrote:
    I did forget to mention to NOT use jack stands under the slide(s). Should you have any settling or shifting, you could damage the slide if its not free to move. I can't figure out why they still sell them.

    Agree 100 per cent! Was at an over night stop and the guy next to us had slide Jack's on his toy hauler. ONE tire lost air over night and the bottom of the large slide was pulled out. Expensive lesson I would say.

    Lyle
  • slider45's avatar
    slider45
    Nomad
    Jun 14, 2017
    Jacking it up I think too is the best option. It definitely helps prolong the life of the tires if they are stored inside for long term.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jun 14, 2017
    I did forget to mention to NOT use jack stands under the slide(s). Should you have any settling or shifting, you could damage the slide if its not free to move. I can't figure out why they still sell them.

    Lyle
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jun 14, 2017
    We lived in a 31' 5th wheel with a super slide for 7 months one winter.
    I have lots of cut up excess 5" x 5" barn posts and RR ties in 2' and 3' long pieces.
    I leveled the trailer then took some measurements under the main frame rails....then added 2" to each measurement for cribbing under the main frame rails front and rear. Two inches takes the load from the tires.
    I then lowered the landing jacks down far enough to get my RR ties (angled so they won't roll one direction) under the rear of the trailer.
    Then simply raised the front with the landing jacks till I could get my cribbing under the front of the trailer.
    If you have a 35' + trailer or a Lite built trailer with low weight I beam I would add cribbing in the center.
    We were rock solid for 7 months
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Jun 14, 2017
    I use Harbor freight jack stands, 4 per side, on 2x6x12 treated wood bases and wood wedges. I jack the trailer frame up to a given level. Place a jack stand under the frame near rear axle on both sides, then the same near front axle. Then place jacks stand under the frame near rear and near landing gear on both sides. I use a 6ft level and check the front to back and side to side as I go.

    I keep the front landing legs down with a little weight on them and leave the wheels on but lifted enough by the frame not to have any weight on them. They touch the ground but are round and not flattened on the bottom. While it is up like that is a good time to check hub grease and adjust the brakes.
  • Ed9824v's avatar
    Ed9824v
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2017
    Where are you staying in the Sierras. We will be up for a month at Mono village.
  • danrclem's avatar
    danrclem
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2017
    If it were me I'd put concrete block piers under it and pour concrete underneath them. Maybe some wood on top of the blocks. I'd take the tires off and store them inside. That's just me but somebody else might have a better idea.
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jun 13, 2017
    The Harpers wrote:
    We have picked up a camp site in the Sierras for long term. What are some of the options for stabilizing the unit? Slide jacks? Frame jacks? blocking the axels by lifting tires off the ground? I am open to trying what you experts have come up with. DW has suggested she wants a very stable 5er. Thanks for your imput.


    Personally, I'd jack the entire rig up and block the frame with wood cribbing, then remove the wheels and store them in a cool, dark place, liberally coated with something like Aerospace 303 Protectant and NOT ArmorAll. Skirt around the bottom to keep trash out as well as give you more insulation for the cool/cold times. Looks nicer, too.

    Lyle

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