Use of Auto Leveler Jacks While in Storage

[lwmcguire]

I grew up with mechanical lifts on equipment and ran some of the first hydraulic systems to be marketed on the farm/ranch

Long term storage (years) or salt water spray may require wiping and treatment otherwise the wipers and seals work well





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[jasmantle]

Pros: I can't think of any. The fridge is not running, nobody is in it so non-level doesn't matter, ...

Cons:

If you're in an area where the ground freezes, then there will be lifting of one or more levelers. It won't be an equal lift. And then you're not level any more, and there is an unbalanced weight on the system.

You're using a system which doesn't need to be used. That's load over time, which is what wears things out. Eventually.

[MSK]

It is what I was taught in the military. It keeps the system pressurized and keeps the seals from drying out and degrading. That is why you will often see hydraulically operated boom trucks and cranes slightly extended and elevated while not in use.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by MSK

It is what I was taught in the military. It keeps the system pressurized and keeps the seals from drying out and degrading. That is why you will often see hydraulically operated boom trucks and cranes slightly extended and elevated while not in use.

When I was reading from manufacturers suggestions about hydraulic maintenance, it made no difference what state/position the ram was in. The huge maintenance item repeated was protecting the seals, AND replacing them as soon as any leaks are detected.

Dump beds are left elevated slightly to help prevent standing water and allow runoff... nothing to do with hydraulics.

For the perfectionists - raise the motorhome to get the tires off the ground, then set 4 jack stands to support the suspension and frame. Finally cover the tires to protect from UV. That pretty much covers all the bases and the superstitions.

[mikeae123@att.net]

Originally Posted by HMCSW

Why? I am not sure but think that would have a lot of pressure on the lines for months? I would think most storage is flat already.

r
I was in tire business for 40 years, the only thing that will happen is the first 200 miles after storage you will have a vibration, your tire will have flat stops. Plus a lot of moisture gets inside tires. They will suck in water, hot--- cold. If anything put on wooden blocks As far as pressure, it will be better that you lost pressure. Pressure on seal is better than than dry seals

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

When I was reading from manufacturers suggestions about hydraulic maintenance, it made no difference what state/position the ram was in. The huge maintenance item repeated was protecting the seals, AND replacing them as soon as any leaks are detected.

Dump beds are left elevated slightly to help prevent standing water and allow runoff... nothing to do with hydraulics.

For the perfectionists - raise the motorhome to get the tires off the ground, then set 4 jack stands to support the suspension and frame. Finally cover the tires to protect from UV. That pretty much covers all the bases and the superstitions.

Sounds like your suggestion covers all the bases

Personally I never leave any weight on my Jacks in storage. The tires are modern and not nylon so no big issue with flat spots

If you do jack it up and block or use stands be careful. A 65 year old fellow near us last week was working on his up in the air and he is no longer with us

[71_340]

The only pro I can see to extend the level jacks is to prevent possible flat spots.

Our Class C did not have level jacks and I didn't have any problems during storage. Our ACE has them but I only use them when we camp and I need to level. I also prefer the manual mode so I can level with minimum lift as I prefer to have the tires on the ground.

With that said, I will drive the RV once a month during storage and also run the generator for a few hours with a load (two electric heaters). we just hang out in the RV , have some coffee and watch a movie.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by 71_340

The only pro I can see to extend the level jacks is to prevent possible flat spots.

Our Class C did not have level jacks and I didn't have any problems during storage. Our ACE has them but I only use them when we camp and I need to level. I also prefer the manual mode so I can level with minimum lift as I prefer to have the tires on the ground.

With that said, I will drive the RV once a month during storage and also run the generator for a few hours with a load (two electric heaters). we just hang out in the RV , have some coffee and watch a movie.

Perfect plan... very similar to mine. Mine has been sitting in the back yard winterized, unlevel, on it's tires, completely covered with leveling jacks retracted since November 1st. One roof mounted solar panel is exposed to keep batteries topped off. December 1st I'll check battery water, run generator for about an hour with a couple 1500 watt heaters plugged in for load, and run the engine for about 20 minutes. Then repeat every first of month until first week of April.

[Rclbud]

I kept my toy hauler fifth wheel on its hydraulic jacks of course without issue, and will do the same for my 29m Windsport. Keeps the wheels round!

[71_340]

Mine is also winterized but it looks like we are doing one more short trip next week. So I get to practice the winterization procedure some more.

[DonB]

On the farm, we always greased hydrolic rams that were left extended for the winter to avoid corrosion.
If i dont have to leave the ram extended i don't just for that reason. With the new metals they shouldn't corrode, but i am not willing to take that expensive risk.