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scaleman's avatar
scaleman
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013

Blocking up camper for the winter

We are new at camping and have a travel trailer with tandem axles.
When I store the camper I would like to block the axles as to have the tires off the ground. What would be the best way to do this?
Thanks, Rookie camper.

16 Replies

  • put mine on concrete blocks and the jacks just to the ground then a 1/4 turn, they are on wood blocks. I park in a field behind my house.
  • scaleman wrote:
    We are new at camping and have a travel trailer with tandem axles.
    When I store the camper I would like to block the axles as to have the tires off the ground. What would be the best way to do this?
    Thanks, Rookie camper.


    My owner's manual specifically states "lift wheel by placing jack under the camper frame, not the axle". You might want to check into what your manufacturer requires before you do any damage.
  • I do this, despite a lot of criticism from others. In my opinion this has a lot of benefit. It takes pressure off the springs, keeps the rubber tires from touching the moist ground and keeps them from flat spotting. People will tell you not to jack up the TT because you might damage the frame, but as long as you do it at the right locations (spring mounts) you shouldn't have any trouble. Just avoid jacking it up by putting the jack directly under the axles or at the extreme ends of the TT frame. Basically jack it up the same as you would a car.

    In the spring, you need to jack the tires off the ground anyhow to check your brakes, bearings and do regular maintenance so I don't really see it as being much more work.

    I carefully jack my TT off the ground placing the jack under the spring supports. Once it is high enough, I use 4 X 12 ton axle stands and place them at either end of my axles sub-frame (the framing which is double-thick where the axles / springs bolt to). Next I adjust my tongue jack to level the trailer. If you are on soft ground, be sure to place some 3/4" thick plywood under each axle stand so it doesn't sink into the ground come spring.

    I've been doing this for the last 27 years on various TT's that I've owned and never had an issue with the frame bowing. If you have your owner's manual, just read to understand where the proper jack points are on your TT.
  • I did that the first year I owned a 5th wheel. The following year and there after I left the tires on for another ten years. I retired and took the same trailer on a prolonged trip out west from New York. I had no trouble with the tires and never replaced them before finally trading in that unit.
    If your still concerned, :h you can always move the tires about a foot once in a while when it's in storage to avoid cupping, but personally I'd leave it alone. There are thousands of RV's left in storage and I've never seen any of them with the tires off, so there really isn't any need to worry. You can cover them to avoid sun damage, especially in the southwestern states.
    The biggest problem for tires comes from overloading the trailer beyond the tires (and rims) limits. :S
    If you still feel it's necessary, you can buy four jack stands at the local auto parts or maybe even wallmart or online. Store the wheels flat on the ground and cover them. :C
  • JMO but I won't block up your camper. I just inflate my tires to maximum pressure and park my tires on plastic cutting boards
  • Not at all necessary or recommended. You can do more damage than good - risking tweaking the frame...etc.
    Besides, it's a pain in the neck to do.

    Just make sure that your tires sit on a well drained sub-strait.