level TT

robsouth wrote:
Welcome WETSNAIL. Continue to read all these fourms, especially "beginning" and "tech" forums, as well as "travel trailers". You will learn a lot about things that you had "never been told". Enjoy your camper safely and efficiently.

X2...welcome to this forum. I concur!!! I have learned so much here. Even the "debated" conversations, you can learn a lot about what to do as well as what not to do. :D

You must have incredible strength. I've "attempted" to lift my camper with the jacks and absolutely cannot. Its just too heavy. The best I can do is make it nice and snug.

No you should not use the jacks to lift the camper for all the reasons stated above.

WETSNAIL wrote:
I used my stabelizer jacks to level my TT if I only need 1 to 3 inches, is that wrong?

Yep, you don't want to do this. See if this article helps you:
RV Leveling is Quick and Easy

On our 24ft TT I used the type of jack stands used on mobile homes. After I leveled with blocks side to side. Using the tongue jack to level front to back, I placed One jack stand under the frame at each corner of the TT.

The trailer was very stable, no bounce.

WETSNAIL wrote:
I used my stabelizer jacks to level my TT if I only need 1 to 3 inches, is that wrong?

There is not an easy answer to this question... there are way too many variables.

Generally not a good idea.

The following all makes a huge difference to 'jacking' or 'stabilizing' and generally every one of these variables leans towards 'stabilizing' rather then 'jacking'

1) Placement of actual stabilizers (position on frame relative to axles)
2) Type / strength of frame
3) Type of stabilizer (most are not designed to lift)

My trailer has heavy duty scissor jacks immediately next to the front and rear axles. One jack on either side of the pair of wheels, both sides of trailer equals 4 total scissor jacks. I use these jacks to fine level, they have warnings "Do not use to lift wheels off ground" since that type of jack is prone to failure. They are however much more robust then the scissor jack supplied with my truck, so I believe there is a little bit of liability protection in place there from the manufacturer. I would not lift the tires and leave the weight on the scissor jacks, but I have lifted the tires and placed levelers below and lowered the tires back down.

At the back corners I have only stab jacks, they are for stability only. If I attempt to jack the back corners, lots of nasty stuff starts to happen. Frame will actually bend upwards, but the side walls are rigid and don't move, therefore the floor between the frame and the side wall starts to bend... and that is only the visible bending, can you imagine what happens out of sight. Not a good idea.

I had stab jacks at the front corners, but one broke on my first trip out (used trailer, don't know if previous owner tried to put too much weight on them) and I replaced with scissor jacks (I had two spares so I just used them) I DO NOT jack the front corners, only stabilize, however it is nice having heavy duty scissor jacks there. My home parking spot is a PITA, the nose is really low when I disconnect from the truck (odd angle). I disconnect from the truck, use the tongue jack to lift all the way to maximum (not even a level trailer yet) then lower the front scissor jacks. I raise the tongue jack and put all the weight on the two scissor jacks, then I put a 14" high wooden block under the tongue jack and lift again to get my trailer up to level. I then need to use two wooden blocks under the scissor jacks to help stabilize. That is the only way I can use a level trailer at home due to slope. I am always afraid when the entire front of the trailer is on the scissor jacks for a couple of minutes....

Like most, I level front to back with the tongue jack. Then if it is only a "very small" amount I will us the stabilizers. Mostly I have found it useful to tighten the slide side a bit more before I run the slide out to compensate for the extra slide weight. I use the hand crank so I can judge the pressure.

The trouble with the stabilizers is they are not designed for lifting up the trailer weight. They are designed to take a small amount of pressure off of the springs so the trailer does not bounce.

Running up on boards seems to be the common remedy though they do sell some nifty leveling ramps and cams.

AirForceAngler wrote:
Yes, it is wrong.

X 2

As a guideline, once I get it leveled side to side with the Lynx blocks, I use the stabilizers to put firm pressure on the frame to support it. To achieve some level of consistancy, I use about 1-2 turns of the crank past foot contact. The next day you may have to readjust as things settle.

You can't really use "feel" as accurately because the farther down the stabilizer is cranked, the less feedback resistance you feel at the crank. I have some doubt you can seriously damage a trailer with jack force accidentally, but these stabilizer jacks can put in quite a bit of force if you're determined, so use them within their intended purpose and you should be fine.

Level side to side at the TT tires. Lower the high side or most people raise the lower side. Level front to back with the tongue jack. Use stabilizer jacks to limit bounce as the trailer frame is on springs for better towing.

Welcome WETSNAIL. Continue to read all these fourms, especially "beginning" and "tech" forums, as well as "travel trailers". You will learn a lot about things that you had "never been told". Enjoy your camper safely and efficiently.