Newbie storage question

Oyaji

I just got my new 320S home and took it out to the local storage place, which is outdoor although on concrete.  Is there an issue with storing my trailer with the tongue jack caster in place (and rear wheels chocked) --as opposed to removing the caster and installing a tongue jack foot?  

Horigan

I would store with a trailer wheel donut under the caster wheel.

DougH

Yup. I usually prefer using:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R0J3MC

...(even though I'd prefer a heavier rubber version) instead of the flat tongue jack stand, since the wheel extends down further, so there's less rotating of the jack required.  I only use the flat jack if I have to be level on an uphill and the wheel is too long.

ScottG

No issues other than an increased possibility of your trailer creeping around if the chocks come loose. A foot or wheel donut will add an extra level of roll resistance.

If you're a real belt-and-suspenders type you could even drop the stabilizers when parked. Many of us do that as an added anti-theft measure but it also keeps the unit firmly planted (particularly if you plan to go in and out of it while in storage).

CharlieRN

ScottG said:

. . .
If you're a real belt-and-suspenders type you could even drop the stabilizers when parked. Many of us do that as an added anti-theft measure but it also keeps the unit firmly planted (particularly if you plan to go in and out of it while in storage).

Would this also take some weight off the tires, helping prevent flat spots?

Sharon_is_SAM

We store inside on a concrete floor.  We leave the wheel in place so the TaB can be moved by the facility if necessary.  No harm to the jack wheel.

ScottG

CharlieRN said:

ScottG said:

. . .
If you're a real belt-and-suspenders type you could even drop the stabilizers when parked. Many of us do that as an added anti-theft measure but it also keeps the unit firmly planted (particularly if you plan to go in and out of it while in storage).

Would this also take some weight off the tires, helping prevent flat spots?

I don't think I would crank them down tight enough to take any significant weight off the tires, as that could be asking for other troubles.

My impression is that the oft-expressed concern about "flat spots" is highly over-rated for modern radial tires that get seasonal use. YMMV. 

Tampakayaker

ScottG said:

CharlieRN said:

ScottG said:

. . .
If you're a real belt-and-suspenders type you could even drop the stabilizers when parked. Many of us do that as an added anti-theft measure but it also keeps the unit firmly planted (particularly if you plan to go in and out of it while in storage).

Would this also take some weight off the tires, helping prevent flat spots?

I don't think I would crank them down tight enough to take any significant weight off the tires, as that could be asking for other troubles.

My impression is that the oft-expressed concern about "flat spots" is highly over-rated for modern radial tires that get seasonal use. YMMV. 

What possible issues?  

My passenger side tire went flat and those two stabilizers got pretty tight.  When I initially parked, they were just lightly touching the concrete.

Any damage in particular I should look for?

pthomas745

Here is a Bal stabilizer brochure that shows the installation process.  They are pretty basic, three or four bolts.  It should be easy to spot if the bolts have worked loose or any of the moving parts have warped.  The stabilizers are pretty robust:  each is rated for "load capacity" (not lift!) 1000 lbs each.

There were "robust" discussions about using the stabilizers for support and the tongue jack to lift the trailer for tire changing a few years ago.  The stabilizers worked for me in that manner just fine, but I would be very cautious to prevent any motion of the trailer with that method.

https://balrvproducts.com/downloads/manuals/Light Trailer Stabilizing Jack.pdf

ScottG

@Tampkayaker, I'm just speculating. The attachment points for the stabilizers are not necessarily designed to carry the weight of the trailer. That doesn't mean using them as such will cause damage. 

For servicing purposes, I still use the no-longer-recommended method of raising the wheel using only the rear stabilizers and tongue jack. Others have gone so far as to replace their stabilizers with actual jacks and use them to level the camper. (I still think that is pushing your luck but thus far I'm unaware of any damage cause by doing this, so to each their own.)

In short, I don't think you have anything to worry about from your brief episode of tight stabilizer syndrome!  :-)

I should note I'm talking about 320s here. 400s are considerably heavier and may be more susceptible to damage from improper loading of the stabilizers.

Tampakayaker

ScottG said:

@Tampkayaker, I'm just speculating. The attachment points for the stabilizers are not necessarily designed to carry the weight of the trailer. That doesn't mean using them as such will cause damage. 

For servicing purposes, I still use the no-longer-recommended method of raising the wheel using only the rear stabilizers and tongue jack. Others have gone so far as to replace their stabilizers with actual jacks and use them to level the camper. (I still think that is pushing your luck but thus far I'm unaware of any damage cause by doing this, so to each their own.)

In short, I don't think you have anything to worry about from your brief episode of tight stabilizer syndrome!  :-)

I should note I'm talking about 320s here. 400s are considerably heavier and may be more susceptible to damage from improper loading of the stabilizers.

Thanks ScottG and pthomas745.

Stabilizers look OK.  I was more concerned about warping the T@B frame.

Currently I have that side jacked up and resting on wood blocks (under that tiny jacking point L angle bar) until I can remove the tire and take it to a shop Friday after my DR appointment.  I didn't see anything stuck in the tire and couldn't hear any escaping air after I re-inflated it.  At first I thought the valve was leaking but I sprayed it with soapy water and didn't see any bubbles.