I'm a new owner of a 70 31' land yacht. It has currently been sitting on the tires and tongue for 1.5 years. The tires were new when it was parked. I don't plan on moving the unit for at least another 1.5 years. Any sense in taking the weight off the tires? I've read a bunch on this forum and can't find an answer regarding how to treat the torque axles for long-term parking. My original thought was to raise the trailer until the load is off the tires but that they're still touching the ground. THe purpose was to keep the tires from flat-spotting.
I was going to use automotive style jack stands to support the trailer and use a hydraulic floor jack to raise it. I will purchase covers for the tires.
Thanks, Charles Rahm, Dallas, Texas
How old are the tires? Were they new 1 1/2 years ago when you parked it? You can check the date code on the tires and they might be older then you think. You may just want to get new tires when you are ready to move the trailer.
I would say the best way would be to store is as it sits, and plan on at least new tires when you are ready to move it. The axels are made to support the weight of the trailer, moving or not.
Due to the nature of the rubber material captained within the axle, they seem to be a somewhat consumable product. I have replaced the axles on my AS, and have noted an improvement in ride. Witnessed by the fact things tend to remain where we put them during motion, unlike before the swap.
You will find lots of info on how to best determine the status of axles with a search.
Good Luck with what you choose!
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Jeff, Cindy and the Brittanys:
Remi and Hunter
'81 International 31'CB "Fus-a-lodge"
'03 2500HD Chevy Duramax w/improvments
WBCCI #7026 Air #17054
I would recommend taking the weight off of the tires and axles, mainly so the axles don't develop a "set". Pressure in one spot with no movement is hard on the torsion rubber.
Don't jack on the axle tube, you can reportedly bend them, thus putting your wheels out of alignment.
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AIR #15800
"Wimpy" 1/2 ton 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 Z-71 Gasser
2000 Safari SS 25'
Thanks for the help.
Another question - I'm going out this afternoon (5 hours west) and have decided to raise the trailer just to slightly take the load off the tires and axles and level the trailer. I have an assortment of jack stands to take and I'm trying to figure out which ones to take and if I need booster bases.
Approximately how high off the ground are the jack stand mounting positions on the trailer?
Many Thanks,
Charles Rahm, Dallas, Texas
Just a guess, but the hitch height of your trailer was probably 18" or so, the ball height is a couple inches above the bottom of the frame. So on level ground, the highest area of the trailer where you'd put a jack might be 16". The axles on a '70 would be pretty sagged out unless they've been replaced, so probably count on less than that. And really, if it's a '70 with original axles, they're probably past their useful life and it really doesn't matter at this point what you do. Just make the trailer level and stable is fine. You'll find many excellent references on how to tell if your axles are OK or not.
Thanks for the help.
Another question - I'm going out this afternoon (5 hours west) and have decided to raise the trailer just to slightly take the load off the tires and axles and level the trailer. I have an assortment of jack stands to take and I'm trying to figure out which ones to take and if I need booster bases.
Approximately how high off the ground are the jack stand mounting positions on the trailer?
Many Thanks,
Charles Rahm, Dallas, Texas
If you are going to take the load off the tires the rear jack stands should be placed on the axle mounting plate just behind the wheels (at least that is my understanding). The clearance there on mine is 15" now - 11" before I installed my new axles and wheels which raised my TT 4" approx.
I just got hooked up to this website--looks great. We have a 1973 Argosy 24' all orginal (excellent condition) that we are putting on a permenent site for the first time. All I have for support are the orginal screw like jacks that go on the back and front. Should I purchase something different? I'm a little confused with all the axle weight chat. Not sure what I should be doing. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks. Jean
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