Getting my trailer settled for the winter

[mkenyon2]

First things first, get it off the ground a bit. Laid a few pavers to get it out of the dirt.



And here it's parked. Will put the other 2 stabilizers down to take some weight off the suspension.

[Planeteer]

I did the same thing with pavers this year. Glad I read this though, because I think I'll go chock my wheels better and raise my stabilizers for the winter.

Thanks!

[mkenyon2]

As an aside, I don't have all the weight on the jack stands, barely any. And I have a cover on now, breathable ADCO cover. Pics will be forthcoming.

[JBarca]

Good job on getting the tires out of the grass/dirt for long term storage.

I agree with the others, for overwinter storage leave the stabilizers up. These campers frames can bend easier then one thinks. The suspension can handle the weight.

I agree to make sure you have full tire pressure at the side wall cold pressure.

Something to consider if you plan to keep the camper a good long time or even a few years, cover the tires with a light/white tire covers. The UV sun damage on the tires is for sure there. Consider getting a breathable camper cover and read up on how to add extra rip protection for hard sharp covers before putting it on. Having the camper under cover/covered will make it last a lot longer from less sun damage to the plastics/vinyl/roof and help stop leaks starting in degrading sealants on the roof and siding.

Happy camping come next season.

John

[bguy]

Just the nose jack for me with a couple planks under the tires to spread the load on the stones.

[GrandpaKip]

Stabilizers are not meant to take weight off the suspension. That’s a good way to twist the frame.

[kellem]

I park in gravel over the winter and have done so for 30+ years without any issues. I've not erected the stabilizers though but see nothing wrong with your regime

Sometimes we overthink.

[spoon059]

mkenyon2 wrote:
Will put the other 2 stabilizers down to take some weight off the suspension.

I wouldn't do this. If you get a flat tire, that will transfer your weight onto your jacks, which can damage your jack or your frame.

The suspension is made to handle the weight. The stress on the suspension is far greater when you are traveling down the road and hitting bumps and shifting weight.

[MFL]

Just my experience, but with long term temp extremes, I've noticed the ground will shift. I would not make all 4 corners solid. When the ground freezes hard it can raise the blocks/jacks differently.

I'd add about 5 psi to tires, over max sidewall for Winter storage. Your suspension should not need to be unloaded for storage, even though some may say to block tires/wheels up.

JMO, FWIW

Jerry