Thursday, July 11, 2019

Using Travel Trailer Stabilizer Jacks

By Mark Phillips


When you are on vacation using an RV or trailer it is important to be sure that your equipment is level and not tilting every time you walk from one end to the next. Buying an RV should include getting travel trailer stabilizer jacks. These are used to keep things from moving around while you live inside. Without these, there will be constant shaking and possible movement which could prove damaging.

Keeping things still is the idea for using these. Trailers and RVs have a tendency to bounce and move around as you move in and out of the vehicle. The larger ones have four wheels and provide some stability. Those that only have two do not have much stability and all and can even tip over backward in the wrong conditions.

Three main types exist. The manual jacks have a hand crank that is used to raise and lower them. Hydraulic uses liquid pressure to do the same thing. These are often permanently attached to large RVs. The motorized are also popular because they setting into place with the push of a button. They should be placed at the four corners of the vehicle to provide the stability needed.

Start by finding a close to a level place to park the RV. This will help make it easier to keep things from rolling around inside. For two-wheeled homes, the front stand will be used to level it. For larger RVs, the jack stands will be used to accomplish the process.

Chocks and blocks need to be used to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The chocks should be put in place and hammered in with a rubber mallet. One in front and behind a wheel should do the job. This keeps it from shifting as it is being raised. The stands need to be placed on blocks of wood. This will prevent them from sinking into the dirt at the campsite. Sinking will cause it to become unstable again, so be sure to have sturdy, thick blocks to place the stands on because they will be holding a lot of weight.

Lower or raise the jacks. The ones that are attached to the vehicle will be lowered into place. The others will be raised to meet the trailer corner. In either case, they need to be set to provide a strong foundation and keep the vehicle from rocking or bouncing while you're in the campground. When you are entering and exiting or walking you should not feel the vehicle move too much if they are installed correctly.

Reverse the process when you are breaking camp. You can damage the vehicle if you try to leave before removing or raising these. The trailer's front can't be lowered onto the tow hitch if these are in place. The blocks of wood need to be collected and store along with the wheel chocks. Before removing either of these, be sure the emergency brake is on so it will not move when you remove the chocks.

Camping is a fun way to relax and enjoy nature. To do so, you want to be sure you are setting up camp safely and making sure your vehicle is secure before settling in. The stands that are used need to match your vehicle or they could slip while in use and cause damage. Providing a stable foundation will keep things in place and make the trip more enjoyable.




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