Winter storage, taking the weight off the axles

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Fly at Night

Oh boy, now I really don't know what to do.

Sounds like I should put the AS on blocks and take the wheels off, but that's not why I bought my escape pod for. Just having the option to go somewhere at the spur of the moment means a lot.

Does everyone put their AS on blocks for the winter? For those who don't/didn't, did they all have axle problems later?

FAN,

I do it for two reasons.

Nasty Winters...Leaving the trailer idle for at least 5mos, with tires exposed does them no good.

Under-rated axles....our gross trailer is 7300lbs, and loaded for camping we have been as high as 7640lbs.

Airstream equipped the Classic with two 3500lb axles=7000lbs.
The fact that they are already stressed and leaving a torsion axle immobile for an extended period can cause premature failure, I have decided to do all I can to make them last. Hence they stay unloaded while in storage.

Plus....it's hard to steal a trailer with no wheels.

Bob

[Fly at Night]

Bob,

Always appreciate your "better safe than sorry" input and advice.

Can anyone tell me offhand if my model is likewise underaxled?

It sat from Feb - Oct. w/o moving for the most part, except for a trip to the dealership and back, and some moving around the yard. I also have been sleeping in it most nights. Other than that, I do not have it heavily loaded down with stuff.

I can appreciate those fierce winters in the Niagara frontier. Our winters are milder, although the forecast calls for one of those fifty-year winters with exceptional cold and lots of snow.

Like you, I believe in taking care of a substantial investment. I will take it to the dealer in a couple of weeks to have it winterized because I have decided not to go anywhere until the spring. I will ask the AS specialist there what he thinks about putting it on blocks. I still would like to sleep in it over the winter because that ensures a heat source will be one which helps preserve the interior, but don't want to over-stress the axel (on or off blocks). Now I'm wondering if sleeping in it while on blocks is a good idea? I think I read somewhere, it's okay, as long as the blocks are secure and placed in the right spot.

Thanks again for addressing my concerns.

[ROBERT CROSS]

FAN,

2011 27' FC

CHASSIS
7600# GVWR • 7600# Axle System • 5808# UBW • 1792# NCC • 791# Hitch Weight • Styled Aluminum Wheels • Radial Black Wall Tires, LRD 15" • 12" Electric Drum Brakes With Nev-R Adjust Brakes and Nev-R-Lube Hubs • Stabilizer Jacks (4) • Double Steel Step • 3000# Electric Hitch Jack • Spare Tire & Bracket."

No you are fine....looks like they have up-graded how they equip the newer models.

Sure go ahead sleep in it...I have used ours while it's "up in the air".

Bob

[Fly at Night]

Bob, you'e the greatest; thanks for looking that up. That's a big worry off my mind. My FC is actually a 2010, but I am assuming it has the same axel capabilities as the 2011. I try to study the manuals and 35 lbs. of literature that came with the trailer, but struggle with an attention-deficit disorder when it comes to assimilating such technical data.

Your trailer is lucky to have you. It's such a waste when people abuse their possessions.

Hope your winter isn't too bad and spring comes early so your trailer is off those blocks and you're back in motion~!

[Mojave]

Thanks so much for this post! As a super newbie it's something I hadn't thought of doing.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Tried this while Winterizing this year...got tired of the hidden nests.

Went to H.D. and got some fine furnace filters, cut it to fit behind the access doors for the furnace, fridge and water heater.


Bob