Bottle Jacks for more stability while staying static for a long period of time

[twbucksr]

If you are staying in the same location in your Airstream and it starts to wobble, you are experiencing settlement under the stabilizers. It takes place over time and occurs more frequently the more it rains and is impacted by the weight of the occupants moving around inside the trailer.

When we notice the movement, I just retract and then re-extend the stabilizers and the wobble goes away. The x-chocks between both sets of wheels has helped a lot as well.

Adding additional stabilization points just creates more locations to have to adjust after settlement.

That stated, enlarging the footprint where the stabilization points meet the ground would help prolong the settlement occurrence by spreading out the load.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by twbucksr

If you are staying in the same location in your Airstream and it starts to wobble, you are experiencing settlement under the stabilizers. It takes place over time and occurs more frequently the more it rains and is impacted by the weight of the occupants moving around inside the trailer.

When we notice the movement, I just retract and then re-extend the stabilizers and the wobble goes away. The x-chocks between both sets of wheels has helped a lot as well.

Adding additional stabilization points just creates more locations to have to adjust after settlement.

That stated, enlarging the footprint where the stabilization points meet the ground would help prolong the settlement occurrence by spreading out the load.

Same here regarding the need to periodically adjust the stabilizers during a long stay in one location. It’s no big deal to do it, but this is a good reminder that it’s helpful to do so.

[perryg114]

Also put a board or something under the jacks to reduce settling.



Perry

[OTRA15]

Conversely, if the ground is soft when you park, the tires/wheels can settle, and put undue weight on the stabilizer jacks, beyond the trailer's design parameters.

Attention to all details every day . . . re-adjust jacks as needed.

Happy trails,

Peter

[91_Limited]

Originally Posted by emelaich01

Bottle jacks should only be used for occasional lifting and not long-term use. The o-rings providing the sealing may leak a minuscule amount eventually leading to no support even tho they may appear to be up. And unless the ram is kept greased, the exposed chrome plating will eventually pit or at least develop a light haze rust leading to seal failure when retracted/extended several times.

This. Bottle jacks with constant load will fail quickly and when they do they will slowly start to lower and be useless. Look for a heavy-duty scissor jack if feel like you need additional support