Forum Discussion

Danpaine's avatar
Danpaine
Explorer
Feb 06, 2020

Storing with jacks up, or down?

Hi there, Folks. Unfortunately, I'm in a position where I have to keep my rig at a storage facility, on gravel. The site isn't bad, but not...quite...level, and water is creeping in a slide.

Can anyone share some advice on storing the rig with the leveling jacks down? Good or bad? I have been using standard leveling blocks, but that can be a hassle, especially by myself. My main concern is the jacks getting 'stuck' in the down position. What I was thinking is that I can move them up and down during one of my weekly checks on the rig.

Thanks in advance for any input.
Class C

8 Replies

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  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2020
    We store ours “jacks down”! I like the idea of keeping the unit level ( our air bags will slowly leak down) as well as, “unloading” the already “very taxed” springs! memtb
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Feb 08, 2020
    Other than leveling your RV there is now advantage to storing it with the jacks extended. Trucks, cars, farm equipment all set for months or years on the vehicles suspension. Leaving them extended exposes the pistons to snow and moisture. As Bobndot posted wood blocks or gravel would be a better solution to level the RV. I use wood to level and to keep the tires from sitting in the mud.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Feb 07, 2020
    water is creeping in a slide.


    Can you turn the rv around in another direction so the water sheds away from the slide ?

    Wood blocks under the tires ? Just make them bigger than the tire footprint as to not damage the tire.

    Would it be possible, since its on gravel to add a bag of your own gravel under the tires to raise that side.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2020
    Put the jacks down sufficient to take pressure off the tires and suspension. Mice will not climb a jack leg (regardless of how powered), no traction. In addition, increase tire pressure by 20% over normal to reduce flat spotting and adjust back down when you lower the unit.

    Jack pistons only need to be clean, no grease required.
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2020
    way2roll wrote:
    Mike134 wrote:
    Up. 4 less paths for mice, let them make the easier climb at your nextdoor neighbor.


    Wouldn't mice climb tires easier than a greased, slippery, hydraulic jack?

    For sure but the OP didn't say what type
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Feb 06, 2020
    Mike134 wrote:
    Up. 4 less paths for mice, let them make the easier climb at your nextdoor neighbor.


    Wouldn't mice climb tires easier than a greased, slippery, hydraulic jack?
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2020
    Up. 4 less paths for mice, let them make the easier climb at your nextdoor neighbor.
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Feb 06, 2020
    Lots of folks leave their jacks down with no problem. Wipe them down with the appropriate lubricant to prevent rust etc, and should be good. Probably a good idea to exercise them periodically though.

    Why you are getting water in a slide is another issue and one I would I would try and figure out.

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