We are intresteed in buying a scamp- some one told us that when the camper is not in use we are to jack the wheels off the ground, IS THIS TRUE OR NECESSARY .
Sat, 11/02/2013 - 16:01
#1
Jack Trailer When Stored?
Extending it completely off the ground is okay but halfway is better........ while your at it reduce the air pressure for winter storage to about 10-15 lbs. There are many ways to do the right thing so this is just one of many
Joe & Linda
New River, Arizona
2013 Casita SD 17'
Wow....I had absolutely no idea I was supposed to do this!
It makes sense to jack the Scamp up if you're not going to use it for several months (over winter). But what is the shortest length of time you should allow to pass before jacking it up? One week? One month? In other words, what is the max number of days you can leave it resting on its wheels and the hitch jack before you should jack up the rear?
Thanks! - jon
2005 Scamp 13'
I have checked the manual for you and all that is discussed is extended periods of non-use, such as winter storage. Irrespective of the time of year or season, if you're not planning on using your Scamp for an extended period of time, the rubber torsion axle should be relieved of the trailer's weight. It would not be sensical or a prudent expenditure of your time to jack the trailer up in-between each use during your camping season, whenever that is. Although I have no specific time range to offer you, I can tell you that my Scamp sits in the driveway between trips from late May through October each year, without being jacked up at all. It is on jacks from November through May.
To me, it should be jacked up if you do not intend to tow with or otherwise camp in the trailer. If you don't plan any camping for a particular year, then it should remain on jacks. If you plan on only one or two trips and you're done, jack it up. I hope this helps. I think most people have the trailer off jacks for the "season" or time they plan to camp, and that's it. Although full timers of course don't as the trailer is in almost constant use.
Can I put the Jack under the axle to Jack it up? Then put jacks stands under the axle on each side near tires? Just doesn't look like there's anything else under there strong enough to put the Jack on.
No axle on any brand of RV trailer can be jacked on without risk of bending.
Keep an eye on tire guys, they like to bend axles.
I jack on the axle, right next to where it's welded to the frame, and support it there with jack stands during storage. How does that risk bending the axle?
Randy in Paonia
My supposition, and I may be mistaken, when folks speak of bending the axle they are referring to the steel sheath that covers/contains the rubber suspension components of the axle. At least this is what I have always read the warnings to be about - crushing the suspension housing. Makes sense why on a torsion axle it matters and a leaf spring axle it's not critical.
I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken.
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