We are going to be parked for about a month. Is it safe to have the RV lifted so that the wheels are off the ground (we put wheel covers on as well), or is that putting too much strain on the landing gear and leveling jacks?
RickandJanice said
06:02 PM Aug 26, 2014
Mitch & Cheryl, as long as you have the Level-Up six point leveling system or a Big Foot leveling system, you are OK to have the wheels off the ground. However, if they are going to be extended that long, it is recommended that the shafts on each of the rams in the back be wiped down and sprayed with a silicone based lubricant such as CRC (WalMart). If you only have the 2 front jacks and 2 rear jacks from the factory, it is not recommended to raise the coach off the ground at all because the rear jacks are just stabilizer jacks and not designed to raise the coach. Just FYI, we do not use wheel covers as the slides on each side block most of the sun and we also move every 2 - 3weeks.
cherylbrv said
06:15 PM Aug 26, 2014
Thanks, Rick & Janice. I believe they are the jacks from the factory and I agree that the wheels are mostly in the shade when the slides are out.
Still learning all the things we need to do (and not do)!
RickandJanice said
06:27 PM Aug 26, 2014
If there are just two jacks located directly behind the rear wheels, they are for stabilization only. Do not use these to raise the coach off the ground. It is OK to raise the rear about 1"-2" after leveling just to stabilize it and reduce motion.
cherylbrv said
06:31 PM Aug 26, 2014
Actually, Mitch didn't like the way the coach felt with the wheels raised up, so he put them back down on the ground. I guess all will be fine as long as he checks the pressure before taking off in a few weeks.
Howard said
03:04 PM Aug 27, 2014
Well, it's not the safest thing in the world. But another issue is letting the wheels hang down putting pressure on the suspension/axles which are designed to handle upward pressure not downward, hanging pressure - not good for the suspension over the long term. On motorhomes, most agree to never have rear wheels off the ground, but many will raise front wheels off the ground at the risk of harming the suspension or twisting the frame. It used to be fairly common for windshields of motorhomes to pop out when lifting wheels off the ground during leveling.
GENECOP said
03:42 PM Aug 27, 2014
I was told at Campfreightliner that in most cases not a good idea....mostly for the reasons that Howard mentioned.....Our Class 8 Truck conversion with Bigfoot Levelers is OK to lift due to frame strength and suspension....
Cummins12V98 said
07:34 AM Aug 29, 2014
Not going to hurt a thing for a 5er's suspension to hang.
The Junkman said
07:45 AM Aug 29, 2014
I would think over time it would twist the frame.. as was said. no matter whos frame it is.. it's metal..
If you start seeing bows in in your walls.. you'll know why..
This is where the benefit of a 6 point lift.. is better than a 4 point.
unsupported metal.. add weight.. add heat.. and cold.. will bend...
PIEERE said
04:35 PM Aug 29, 2014
Don't want my wheels up...that means the shiny side is down!!! OMG!!
cherylbrv said
04:43 PM Aug 29, 2014
Ed, you're too funny!!!! (visualizing a dog or cat lying on it's back with legs up in the air).
Terry and Jo said
06:55 PM Aug 29, 2014
Actually, "shiny side up" is more relative to vehicles, unless one cleans and shines the undercarriage of their vehicles.
We are going to be parked for about a month. Is it safe to have the RV lifted so that the wheels are off the ground (we put wheel covers on as well), or is that putting too much strain on the landing gear and leveling jacks?
Still learning all the things we need to do (and not do)!
If there are just two jacks located directly behind the rear wheels, they are for stabilization only. Do not use these to raise the coach off the ground. It is OK to raise the rear about 1"-2" after leveling just to stabilize it and reduce motion.
Well, it's not the safest thing in the world. But another issue is letting the wheels hang down putting pressure on the suspension/axles which are designed to handle upward pressure not downward, hanging pressure - not good for the suspension over the long term. On motorhomes, most agree to never have rear wheels off the ground, but many will raise front wheels off the ground at the risk of harming the suspension or twisting the frame. It used to be fairly common for windshields of motorhomes to pop out when lifting wheels off the ground during leveling.
If you start seeing bows in in your walls.. you'll know why..
This is where the benefit of a 6 point lift.. is better than a 4 point.
unsupported metal.. add weight.. add heat.. and cold.. will bend...
Actually, "shiny side up" is more relative to vehicles, unless one cleans and shines the undercarriage of their vehicles.
Terry