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Fifth wheel storage with jacks

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  • Fifth wheel storage with jacks

    I'm not sure if this is the right location for this question,,,but,,,Should a Reflection FW be stored over the winter with jacks down and wheels off of the ground? Does this make the unit too top heavy? What else could be a negative result of this practice? Tyvm
    Scott M. Barlag, RV Product Specialist, NW Indiana

  • #2
    Scott

    I moved this out on its own and was not sure myself where to put it.

    I know that Rob , Cate&Rob , stores his Reflection with jack stands under the u-bolts on the axels so that the wheels are off the ground.

    I have never done this , even with our TT's , and I do not quite understand why this is done. Hopefully we can get a discussion and reasons why this is done.

    Brian
    Brian & Michelle
    2018 Reflection 29RS
    2022 Chevy 3500HD

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    • #3
      SBARLAG Country Campers

      Hi Scott & Brian,

      Throughout the LCI levelling system instructions there are multiple warnings about not lifting the trailer off the ground with the "levelling system". In the storage section of the LCI manual is the recommendation for long term storage to take all weight off the tires. Of course, LCI advises to do this by lifting the trailer by the frame. This would take a lot of lift and a lot of blocking to get the tires off the ground and remain stable. BTW, most tire manufacturers also recommend long term storage with weight off their tires. (cars/trucks/trailers/anything)

      My "compromise" (which I have been doing for years) is to lift by the axles with combination hydraulic jack / axle stands with saddles welded to the tops of the jacks that nest uniformly to the axle tube between the U bolts. There is no "point load" on the axle tube. Lifting all four positions about 2" gets the tires just off the ground with stability that is equal to, or perhaps a little better than, sitting on the tires. A tire going soft over the winter is going no have no affect on the storage position of the trailer. One tire going flat is going to put a lot of twist into the suspension potentially for an extended length of time.

      See attached which I have posted previously.

      Rob

      Long Term Storage.pdf
      Last edited by Cate&Rob; 10-27-2020, 04:29 PM.
      Cate & Rob
      (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
      2015 Reflection 303RLS
      2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
      Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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      • #4
        Thanks Rob...This is my 100th POST!!! What kind of prize do I get??
        Scott M. Barlag, RV Product Specialist, NW Indiana

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        • #5
          I leave mine on the ground and overinflate them by 10psi.
          Remember to remove the extra pressure in the spring.
          Goodyear says to overinflate by 25%. I don't go that far, but you can.

          Goodyear wording from their site:

          Ideally, a vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove all weight from the tires. If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire protection:
          • Completely unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires
          • Inflate tires to recommended operating pressure plus 25%. Ensure that the rim manufacturer’s inflation capacity is not exceeded
          2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
          Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Scott'n'Wendy View Post
            Goodyear wording from their site:

            Ideally, a vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove all weight from the tires. If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire protection:
            • Completely unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires
            • Inflate tires to recommended operating pressure plus 25%. Ensure that the rim manufacturer’s inflation capacity is not exceeded
            Scott,
            Was this specifically for ST, passenger, light truck tires or all types?

            (Good find, BTW!)

            Howard
            Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

            2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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            • #7
              Not specifically ST tires. All tires in long term storage. The more high performance rated,(ie softer rubber) the more susceptible to flat spot damage. This makes me think trailer tires are more resistant to flat spot damage.
              I have high performance tires on my first gen Challenger. I over inflate those for the winter and lift them off the floor as well.
              2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
              Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

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