Storage questions

[Dave Emmerich]

When I store my 92 36 ft classic motorhome should I store on the levelers? When I let sit for a while (on a full tank of fuel with "stabil) then drive she tends to bog and hesitate until I drive a little, let sit and drive again. She then runs like a top. Any thought????

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[87MH]

Dave:

I have given a lot of thought to the leveler question.

My conclusion is that storing the levelers extended should not harm the hydraulic system (as long as none of the four levelers are overextended).

Some weight lifted off of the tires should greatly help extend the life of the tires. (Minimize sidewall deformation and generaly reduce internal stress.)

I therefore extend the front levelers about 2" after initial contact, and the rears about 1" after contact. Some weight is left on the springs, and some is on the levelers. This allows the air bags on the tag axel to have the 180 degree turn on the bag element exposed at a different area than when running, and the shocks internal seals are stored at a level slightly higher level than when in normal operation, thereby hopefully eleminating a buildup of corrosion or other type of degradation in the areas of most stress when the bags or shocks are in operation when the unit is on the road. I have not experienced a problem with either corrosion or dirt buildup on the exposed areas of the leveler pistons.

I store the unit on a concrete pad, and place one or two 2 X 6's under each leveler base plate.

Anyone have any arguements or reasons as to not leave them extended?

[74Argosy24MH]

Anyone have any arguements or reasons as to not leave them extended?

Cylinders should be stored retracted for the longest life. Eventually exposure will rust the shaft and even small imperfections are death to seals. When you leave pressure on for long periods it is hard on a cylinder; they are going to leak no matter how good they are. If one is really bad it could twist on the frame.

John