Monday, August 12, 2019

How To Use Travel Trailer Stabilizer Jacks

By Mark Phillips


People who travel often in RVs and trailers know that it is necessary to make sure they have the right equipment to keep their vehicle level and stable. Walking from one end to the next can easily cause it to rock back and forth. Having travel trailer stabilizer jacks helps prevent this from happening. Not having these in place could potentially cause damage to the vehicle.

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.

When you set up camp in a vehicle you want to start by finding a level piece of ground. It is not always possible, but having it closer to level when you start will make the job easier. The front tongue on two-wheeled vehicles is used to accomplish this. RVs have a system to do this automatically.

Chocks should be placed first. Put one in front and behind a wheel. This keeps the vehicle from rolling while you raise the stands. Without them, the vehicle could shift and fall off the stand causing damage. Hefty wood blocks should be placed under each jack stand. This keeps them from digging into the dirt and sinking after you have them installed.

Install or lower the jacks. If they are removable, pull them out of storage and set one on each block of wood. Raise them, or lower them if they are attached to the RV until the vehicle is held in place. They should be nice and tight and pushing up pretty hard in order to keep things from moving around when you're inside the vehicle.

When you are ready to go, just reverse the process. Take down the stands and put the blocks away. Be sure the emergency brake is on before doing so to make sure it doesn't roll when you pull the chocks out. A slight movement isn't too big of a deal. Before removing the shocks, hook the hitch up to the tow vehicle.

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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