Leveling jacks question

[Tal_IL]

This past weekend we go into a really nice camping spot right on the shore of a small lake, but it was way out of level. It sloped both to the front and passenger side of the MH. I had to put 2 jack pads (about 4-1/2 inches total) under the front jacks for them to reach level. When leveled up, only the left-rear tire was on the ground. The right-front tire was highest at about 10 inches off the ground. It was pretty odd looking and I got to thinking - is it a problem to have the MH sitting up on the jacks like that?

It's a 2010 Mirada with 22,000 GVWR. I weighed it the other day at the grain elevator and we are at 19,080.

[Dale_Traveling]

Keep in mind jacks have a lot of vertical strength (lifting) if correctly matched to the coach but as you extend more and more horizontal (side to side) strength and stability becomes a concern. I've intentionally set up out of level just to retract the jacks as much as I could. Seeing the front of the coach sitting up that high on stilts just doesn't seen like a good thing and there does seem to be a bit of side to side movement but I'm not sure. Bend a jack cylinder and you stuck since it won't retract.

[willald]

bobkatmsu wrote:
When you put boards or pads under rear tires, do you put them under all 4 rear tires or is it ok to just put them under the two outside tires?

I've wondered about this, too. If I have enough boards to put under all 4 back tires, I will, but usually, I do not, I just put outside tires up on blocks.

I think this is fine, since you're sitting still, and a good bit of the weight will be handled by the jacks back there, anyway.

If you *can* support all 4 easily, though, you definitely should, as that just means it'll be that much more solid, stable (less shakes inside).

Whats VERY important, though, is that you have the entire tread of the tire under a block, you don't want part of the tread to be hanging over the edge of the block, unsupported. This is very bad for the tire tread, and can lead to a tire's early demise.

[Dutch_12078]

As said, the stability will be compromised, and lifting the back wheels off the ground is definitely not recommended. Mechanically, there's no problem with having the front wheels off the ground on a Ford chassis gasser like the OP has. The leaf springs probably appreciate the "rest". 😉

[FIRE_UP]

TAL/lL,
As you can read, the opinions on whether or not to raise the front wheels off the ground, is subjective. Some will, some won't. I'm one of those that will never do it. Some will advocate that, "that's what the Jacks are for"! Well, It's their coach so, it's up to each individual to do what they feel is right for them.

We carry a small lumber yard with us, just for that purpose. After camping for well over 35-40 years, we've seen our share of un-level camp spots, way more than we can count. I'm not now, never have been and, never will be lazy. If I have to take a few minutes to lay down my ramps that I carry and or, a block or two, well, so be it.

I always set up the coach so that the wheels and tires do the PRIMARY leveling. Then, the jacks are used for "fine tuning". Now, when all is said and done, you have EIGHT POINTS OF STABILIZATION, AND, your coach is level. Good luck on your next trip.
Scott

[gatorcq]

No wheels are ok off the ground. Sorry this is my opinion.

If my FL was that high off I would destroy my air suspension sooner rather then later.
For your sake call the manufacture of the RV and ASK them, as you may will get different opinions.

Also, think of the safety of just getting in and out of the rig.

[bobkatmsu]

When you put boards or pads under rear tires, do you put them under all 4 rear tires or is it ok to just put them under the two outside tires?

[Tal_IL]

Aaah! The emergency brake thing. I should have thought of that. Yeah, I'm gonna throw in some extra pads. Thanks.

[dahkota]

We would have put leveling blocks under the wheels and wooden blocks under the levelers so that everything was touching the ground.

Last week we had a similar problem. What made it worse was in part of the site the dirt was really, really soft. Our jack on that side sank 6 inches into the ground. Seems someone had dug a trench to level out their RV and just fluffed some dirt over it when they left. It wouldn't have been much of a problem except it rained. One jack sank but the rest didn't. We could hear the frame groaning under the shift so we had to re-level to ensure we didn't torque our frame. When we left, we marked the hole so the next person had a chance to avoid it.

[willald]

I would have found a way, even if it took some time and effort, to keep the wheels on the ground.

Technically it probably won't hurt anything to lift wheels off the ground like that, as the jacks are designed to handle the weight. However, lifting it that high, and losing the stability the wheels/tires provide, can make things very shaky inside. Thats what I don't like and wouldn't want. That, and with one or both of the rear wheels off the ground, the parking brake isn't holding you anymore. RV could 'creep' forward or backward, putting a huge strain on the jacks to hold it in place.

If I can't raise the low side up high enough with blocks to get it level without taking a wheel off the ground, I'll get out the portable shovel I bring, and dig a small ditch/trench just in front of the wheels on the high side, and drive the MH forward into those ditches to drop down the high side some. I've had to do that a time or two. That is why I bring a small, portable shovel. I know some will say you shouldn't be digging like that on a campsite, but my answer to that is....If the campsite is that unlevel that I can't get the RV level with blocks...Wellll, then I'll do what I have to do. 🙂

I know many do it (raise wheels off the ground) and it usually won't hurt anything, but I've just never liked that. I avoid doing that even if I have to do some digging. Takes away too much stability when wheels leave the ground.

[K_Charles]

Front wheels off the ground is OK. Rear wheels, not so good. Our manual says drive on blocks first in the rear so park and/or parking brake is working.

[10forty2]

I can't think of any time I'd want my wheels off the ground and the total stability of the coach on the jacks. I'm pretty sure I would have used some blocks under the wheels as well to maintain contact with the ground.