Can tires be off ground on auto leveling system?

[mrad]

when we pulled into our campground yesterday, the auto-leveling system was off a bit. I had to raise one side a bit and then noticed that two of the tires on one side were between 1/4 and 1/2 inch off the ground.
I don't feel comfortable with this, but since this is the third time out with our 5th wheel, I wanted to know if this is acceptable, or if I need to make some adjustments.

[valhalla360]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I always get a chuckle when this topic is mentioned. A tire "Just Touching" is ok but a tire 1/4" off the ground is not.

These things are designed to have all or part of the tires off the ground, it isn't going to hurt anything.

If it really is just touching (you can spin it by hand), that's really no better than off the ground.

But if the suspension is flexing 4" from fully loaded to unloaded and you lift it 2", there is still a lot of weight on the tire and should be sufficient to resist shifting horizontally.

You can certainly ignore what the manufacturer says but just looking at them, it's clearly not designed for it.

[Cummins12V98]

"I believe most manufacturers recommend against it."

Of course they do, it's a CYA no different B&W saying to do a pull test that is not needed.

[Cummins12V98]

I always get a chuckle when this topic is mentioned. A tire "Just Touching" is ok but a tire 1/4" off the ground is not.

These things are designed to have all or part of the tires off the ground, it isn't going to hurt anything.

[CA_Traveler]

It's best to have all wheels on the ground or blocks for stability. Most unhitched multiple axle trailers that I've seen use scissor jacks which are a substitute brake.

Once movement of a raised RV starts it will continue until counter forces stop it at which point there may be damage.

Plus even 1/2" off of the ground means there is about a 6" drop before the suspension places the full weight on the tires.

[valhalla360]

I believe most manufacturers recommend against it.

Also, there is a difference between it lifting off the ground for a few seconds and living with it off the ground. As someone mentioned, there is little or no lateral support. Have a storm roll thru with strong winds or get a little rambunctious with the Missus and don't be surprised if they wind up bent.

Far better to support the tires and use them as stabilizers as they are intended.

[richclover]

mrad wrote:
when we pulled into our campground yesterday, the auto-leveling system was off a bit. I had to raise one side a bit and then noticed that two of the tires on one side were between 1/4 and 1/2 inch off the ground.
I don't feel comfortable with this, but since this is the third time out with our 5th wheel, I wanted to know if this is acceptable, or if I need to make some adjustments.

Mine does the same when leveling parked diagonally in my driveway. Left tires are both lifted an inch or two off the ground. Several days at a time and no problems noted.

I’ve seen class A coaches with front wheels off the ground when leveled on some of the spots at our winter runaway park for extended periods.

[way2roll]

It happens on ours from time to time. Never an issue. I have never even heard of an issue on this forum or any others. Not saying something can't happen, but I've never read of one.

[ford_truck_guy]

I am with philyg . .

When I can, I will use a blocks of wood to get the fifth wheel "more level" before using the 6 point system...

But like stated, there are times that I did not realize it and unhooked and hit auto level. The result was 1 side being anywhere from 1/2" up to 1" off the ground with no ILL effects.

Not to mention...my 6 jack cylinders are rated at 8,000# EACH... with the RV only being 16,500# loaded, the system is well within its capacities

[StirCrazy]

your leveling system will in most cases take most of the weight off the tires when it does its thing. at least mine does, thats why they are so solid compared to the ols hand jacks we used to put down. if I am in a very unlevel site it will usaly lift one set of tires off the ground depending on how good a job I do with my blocks. it has never bothered me and still feels exactly the same inside..

Steve

[phillyg]

Have had a couple of instances where the tires were off the ground, I had no wood, and I was fine for a few days' stay. I don't think its a big deal.

[Lantley]

I put block under the wheels if the site is so unlevel that the level system lifts them off the ground when leveling. I do not want all the weight solely on the jacks.
I do not believe the jacks are robust enough to support the weight.
I take the "Better safe than sorry approach."

[D_E_Bishop]

I have never seen a leveling system that had lateral support built into it. Leveling systems by name, indicate vertical support not foundational support.

Disclaimer: Just because I have not seen one does not indicate they do not exist.

Your question had to do with a trailer and I have very limited experience in that area but safety first is always best. I would not raise my Motorhome off the ground with the hydraulic jacks.

[wa8yxm]

Motor homes
There are those who claim lifting the front tires off the ground will damage the suspension.. This is Male Bovine Produced Organic Fertilizer (BS) as the suspension system won't have any issues with it unless the suspension is worn beyond need for replacement.

HOWEVER only one tire not both Reason follows

And on the rear.. Most Motor homes use drive shaft parking brakes So if one wheel is off the ground there is no parking brake as that wheel can turn freely.

So if you have both front, (or one rear) wheel off the ground and there is a "Stiff breeze" say 80-100 MPH (Been there 4 down) You may get blown away.

IN fact it it would take a whole lot less than 80mph. as little as 5-10 can do it.

Trailers... No parking brakes so the above does not apply
BUT I'd still not want to have both sides off the ground as.. Well.. the jacks are not really designed for that kind of support and it's way to easy to pretzel them.

[pennysmom09]

Since we’ve parked this way quite often and had no issues when lowered, it seems safe to assume it causes no harm.

[CA_Traveler]

With tires off of the ground any tire locking mechanism isn't effective.