Stabilizer Jacks While in Storage

[McStreamy_]

Driving through our storage lot the other day, I noticed at least half of the Airstreams stored there had their stabilizer jacks down. Why? Is there some advantage to using stabilizer jacks while parked in storage that I am unaware of?

[tbrowne]

I can't think of any advantage to lowering the stabilizers. Do be sure to chock the tires though. Strong winds can push the trailer forwards or backwards which can be a problem.

[Sylvain]

Personally I would in case the tires loose pressure, maybe also if you want to keep the trailer leveled

[Dennis C]

I tend to do projects and/or repairs on my Airstream wile it’s in storage. I don’t want it bouncing around while I’m doing those things, so I put my stabilizers down. I think it would be fine without lowering the stabilizers, but I always put mine down.

[John Ware]

If your tires go flat, you don't want the stabilizer jacks holding up the trailer.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by John Ware

If your tires go flat, you don't want the stabilizer jacks holding up the trailer.

Agreed!

[McStreamy_]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

I tend to do projects and/or repairs on my Airstream wile it’s in storage.

This makes sense. I do projects while my trailer is stored as well but hadn't ever bothered to put the stabilizers down.

[urnmor]

I use to however have not done so in years after I noticed they were not down at the dealer. I do use a chock

[Sylvain]

Originally Posted by John Ware

If your tires go flat, you don't want the stabilizer jacks holding up the trailer.

Why? Am I missing something?

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by Sylvain

Why? Am I missing something?

If you use the stabilizers and you loose tire pressure, it will put additional weight on the stabilizer which in turn can warp the frame. If you were to try and jack the trailer with the stabilizer you might find it impossible to open and close the main door correctly. This is do to the frame being warped by the weight on the stabilizer.

[Scott S]

I would not! Seen too many stabilizers bent up in a storm that didn't do any damage to the non-stabilized trailers.

[Saluda372]

Originally Posted by John Ware

If your tires go flat, you don't want the stabilizer jacks holding up the trailer.

Good advice !

[Howard L.]

Originally Posted by McStreamy_

Driving through our storage lot the other day, I noticed at least half of the Airstreams stored there had their stabilizer jacks down. Why? Is there some advantage to using stabilizer jacks while parked in storage that I am unaware of?

Above comments true. Remember they are for stabilizing not lifting. I have a friend with a 30 Classic and has bent his just putting too much pressure on while cranking down to stabilize.

[Life is a Highway]

Was just thinking that. Not good if they turn into jack stands not stabilizers.

Originally Posted by John Ware

If your tires go flat, you don't want the stabilizer jacks holding up the trailer.

[guskmg]

Assuming the tires will not go flat if you store the TT with stabilizers down it will slow down or deter thieves if they have to crank up 4 jacks before they can steal your rig.
guskmg

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by guskmg

Assuming the tires will not go flat if you store the TT with stabilizers down it will slow down or deter thieves if they have to crank up 4 jacks before they can steal your rig.
guskmg

With my angle drill it takes me about 10 seconds per stabilizer to crank it up. On high speed it takes five seconds per stabilizer. Counting leisurely travel time between stabilizers...two minutes. Maybe those two minutes make a difference to the hypothetical thieves.

[RayJon]

Originally Posted by McStreamy_

Driving through our storage lot the other day, I noticed at least half of the Airstreams stored there had their stabilizer jacks down. Why? Is there some advantage to using stabilizer jacks while parked in storage that I am unaware of?

I've had a continuing problem with my entrance door not aligning with the latch. This causes considerable difficulty closing the door. I have to slam it shut, well beyond what the "bank vault" closing should be. It's not a "normal" slam and has gotten to the point where I don't latch the door during the day so as to avoid slamming hard it constantly. I've been told by the dealer to be sure to level the trailer while camping as the frame will twist to some extent otherwise. I've also heard from Airstream campers at least once that the trailer should be leveled while in storage for the same reason. I haven't talked to the dealer about this specifically, but intend to. It does make sense, however, to level the trailer during storage if there's a tendency for the frame to twist and cause misalignment throughout the trailer, including, the entrance door.

[Fungus]

Stabilizers don’t level the trailer. Level the trailer at the wheels and the tongue. The stabilizers are intended to mitigate the natural flexing of the torsion axles while the trailer is occupied.

[GettinAway]

I’ve always thought the stabilizers down would just provide four more avenues for critters to enter the trailer. I leave them up when in storage.
I also agree with the statements above about “not” supporting the trailer with just the stabilizers.

[Ndcctrucks]

Originally Posted by Sylvain

Personally I would in case the tires loose pressure, maybe also if you want to keep the trailer leveled

Well, the stabilizers are not designed to support trailer weight; and putting them down to support the trailer if a tire goes flat does just that.

I don’t do it.