Keeping a stationary 5th wheel movable

[RVA_Jeff]

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?

[towpro]

since you have no plans on moving it, and will probably move it when its time for a new one, I would do nothing. first all new campers come with garbage tires, no sense in taking time to try to save them, they were junk when you bought them.

My 5er sites in a private 4 site campground my brother and I own.
all I do is keep washing it and keep air in the tires.

When it comes time to move it I will take the following approach.

if its because I am putting it back on the road I would repack the bearings at that point and probably replace the china bomb tires it came with.

if I am trading it I would just take my chances and tow it to the dealer.

[laknox]

RVA Jeff wrote:
I think I'm just going to use the leveling system and rotate the tires a bit and then put them back down

Make sure you have your tires on boards, whether on asphalt, concrete or dirt. Biggest issue you'll have with moving the FW, will likely be flat spots on the tires. I still say to block it up and take the tires off and store them in a cool, dark place. Hell, with a leveling system, just lift the whole thing up, take the tires off and put jack stands at 4/5 places on the frame. Do it while hooked up to a truck, though.

Lyle

[time2roll]

Just ignore it. When you do move it just haul it down to the local dealer and have it checked. Or have a mobile mechanic repack bearings and inspect. If it moves within a year just air up the ties and roll. Gives plenty of time to find a good value in a used truck all set up and ready to go.

[RVA_Jeff]

I think I'm just going to use the leveling system and rotate the tires a bit and then put them back down

[laknox]

BarneyS wrote:
Before going through all the trouble of blocking, leveling, and taking the tires off, I would check with the campground first regarding the tires. Some campgrounds have rules requiring all RV type trailers to have the wheels and tires installed.
Barney

If the tires were removed, FW blocked up and fully skirted, how would the park know? Sorta like concealed carry... 🙂

Lyle

[laknox]

aruba5er wrote:
blocks would hold it up forever but make sure you don't put them sideways. They are not very strong used on the side. Web verticle, like you would put morter on. I'd start by putting down a piece of 2x10 or 12,to provide a larger surface, then build up the height with block and finish off with whatever 1x treated lumber needed to make level. then lower the fiver down to the crib you've made. I'd just cover the wheels with a good cover. Forget about moving it. Tires are going to rot regardless, later rather than sooner by covering them.

Why use blocks? Harbor Freight has inexpensive screw jacks. Gives you infinite adjustment. 4 or 5 on each side... They also stack for storage and are lighter than blocks or cribbing.

Lyle

[PhoneDude_8289]

After blocks and level think about skirting it. This would help protect it from the elements cold or heat. Could give you additional storage.

[RVA_Jeff]

Yeah I regret it everyday actually. It was an impulsive decision that if I had to do over again, I wouldn't do. I would get a travel trailer I could tow with a used $20K truck and not have any of these worries, lol

Although don't get me wrong...this is a great camper, it's just not ideal for my particular situation, or at least for the next few years.

[TxGearhead]

No don't use any wood with ground contact, even treated. You'll go out there one day and the wood has "disappeared". Concrete, not cinder blocks.
None of my business, but why did you get a 5th wheel? A conventional travel trailer would work fine and be easier to level and skirt. No stairs and more sleeping arrangements. But whatever.

[T18skyguy]

md_procouple wrote:
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.

X2. Pressure treated 4x6 work well and are more stable than 4x4. Occasionally a cinder block will crack which makes a problem.

[Aridon]

Most places we've stayed at would throw you out if you take the wheels off and block it. You'd be better off getting someone with a truck to take it out for a few mile spin once or twice a year.

[BarneyS]

Before going through all the trouble of blocking, leveling, and taking the tires off, I would check with the campground first regarding the tires. Some campgrounds have rules requiring all RV type trailers to have the wheels and tires installed.
Barney

[Allworth]

If you are not sure about where or how to block it, call a local firm that moves mobile homes and find out how much they would charge to level and block it for you. (Be sure to tell them the length.) It might be money well spent.

[aruba5er]

blocks would hold it up forever but make sure you don't put them sideways. They are not very strong used on the side. Web verticle, like you would put morter on. I'd start by putting down a piece of 2x10 or 12,to provide a larger surface, then build up the height with block and finish off with whatever 1x treated lumber needed to make level. then lower the fiver down to the crib you've made. I'd just cover the wheels with a good cover. Forget about moving it. Tires are going to rot regardless, later rather than sooner by covering them.