chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 23, 2016 8:22:54 GMT -8
Right now I have two screw jacks behind the axle, one on each side. Nothing forward except the tongue jack on a wood block. Everything's lifted enough to take some load off the springs for winter parking at my house.
Is it better to have 4 stabilizing jacks on 4 corners instead of just the 2 plus tongue jack I use now? I'm considering switching from the bulky screw jacks to scissors and need to know whether I should get 2 or 4.
Is one method better for winter parking and another for stabilizing while camping?
Thanks all!
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Post by Ross on Mar 23, 2016 8:32:20 GMT -8
I use 2 scissor jacks with sand pads, which are bolted to the trailer, as close to the rear corners as possible and the tongue jack. I do this for all set-ups. The main thing, is to keep the trailer as level as possible, even when in storage.
Ross
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 23, 2016 8:40:12 GMT -8
I use 2 scissor jacks with sand pads, which are bolted to the trailer, as close to the rear corners as possible and the tongue jack. I do this for all set-ups. The main thing, is to keep the trailer as level as possible, even when in storage. Ross Thanks Ross. I would prefer to use and carry only two. For larger rigs I could see four as being called for. So you've bolted yours to the skirt lumber? BTW: "Sand Pads"?… is that for friction between the base of the jack and the ground?
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Post by danrhodes on Mar 23, 2016 9:55:09 GMT -8
I noticed if I was getting in and out of the trailer a lot, it really moved quite a bit without jacks in the front corners. May be because it's just a floor right now though...
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Post by Ross on Mar 23, 2016 11:33:42 GMT -8
chametzoo , I have a 17' Shasta Starflyte and when I was rebuilding it, I bolted 2 x 4's to the frame and the plywood on top for the floor. As for the trailer jacks, I bolted them to the 2 x 4 framing in some areas and to the metal frame in others. Actually, I have Stabilizing Jacks, not scissor jacks (used those on another trailer). Sorry..... I added these to all 4 corners, but usually only drop the back 2 jacks. If we are camping in windy or storm weather, I will drop all of the jacks. These are what I call Sand Pads Again, sorry for the confusion on my part. Been work 35 straight days and I REALLY need to go CAMPING!
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 23, 2016 12:19:16 GMT -8
Thanks again Ross...
Can those give some "lift" to the trailer for winter parking (relief for the leaf springs and tires)?
I've also seen the drop down legs that have ratcheted extensions. Yours uses a worm screw for more precise adjustment. What is the weight rating on your stabilizers? My trailer is 2400# dry.
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mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by mel on Mar 23, 2016 15:31:57 GMT -8
My trailer feels very wobbly when I am in it. I have to jacks in the front corners, then 2 in the back on the frame but not in the corners, as there is nothing left of the one corner. I hope after I restore it, it will be more stable.
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Post by Ross on Mar 24, 2016 2:46:18 GMT -8
They are rated at 700 lbs lifting capacity and 1000 lbs load capacity per jack.
I love having these already bolted to the trailer and not having to mess with those vintage jack stands, like we did with our Compact.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 24, 2016 10:42:57 GMT -8
I'm probably going to stick with my screw jacks for now… after all. I was advised NOT to bolt drop-down stabilizer jacks of any kind to the skirt wood on the sides, which of course would be the easiest installation. Perhaps one day, I'll have them attached to the steel frame or wood blocks bolted to the steel, which would be the best way to lift the trailer for stabilization and leveling when parked. In the mean time, I can put my screw jacks anywhere under the steel.
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Mar 24, 2016 15:58:24 GMT -8
We have 4 scissor Jacks installed on the frame. I insisted on it after we were both working in the back of the trailer and she tipped back.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 26, 2016 8:37:16 GMT -8
We have 4 scissor Jacks installed on the frame. I insisted on it after we were both working in the back of the trailer and she tipped back. That's scary! Exactly where did you attach the scissor jacks. Are they attached to wood or did you bolt/weld to the steel frame?
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Mar 26, 2016 13:39:05 GMT -8
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carvelloafer
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Post by carvelloafer on Mar 27, 2016 6:31:59 GMT -8
I always use 4 jack stands. I don't trust to leave the weight on the tongue jack ever since I had one fail and the tongue fall to the ground. Plus our bed is at the front and without front stands it moves around too much.
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Post by danrhodes on Mar 27, 2016 7:11:27 GMT -8
I always use 4 jack stands. I don't trust to leave the weight on the tongue jack ever since I had one fail and the tongue fall to the ground. Plus our bed is at the front and without front stands it moves around too much. If this camper's rockin', don't come knockin'...we just forgot the front jack stands.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Mar 27, 2016 7:58:34 GMT -8
If this camper's rockin', don't come knockin'...we just forgot the front jack stands. Dan…. you beat me to it !
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