jacks up or down

[ggrotz]

I have a 2005 samba class a.When I put it into storage is it better to put the jacks uo or down thank you.

[fpresto]

I suppose it depends on the manufacturer but HWH says, on their web page FAQs, that there is no reason to retract their jacks for storage.

[egh33]

SAR Tracker wrote:
If they are hydraulic cylinders (can you see a shiny shaft extended when they are lowered?) then they should be stored in the closed/retracted position. Otherwise, rust will form on the shaft, and when retracted after storage, will damage the hydraulic seals.

I second that from experience.

[thead]

Jacks down, Hydraulic fluid doesn't deteriorate an the jack shafts won't rust, check an old pc of abandoned construction equip thjat has set in the elements for years, most cylinder shafts look like new! Take as much of the coaches weight off of the tires & suspension as possible. 4 hydraulic legs don't care, careful U block the drive wheels so it doesn't roll, 6 tires sitting can develop flat spots over time, zero weight on em, zero problems other than sun exposure, If that doesn't make sense to U, nothing will.

[crawford]

rgatijnet1 I think you will win that bet LOL

[rgatijnet1]

I'm guessing that people that full time have their jacks extended about 365 days a year.

[ernie1]

Bigfooot leveler manufacturer says no problem with having their jacks stored down or up for long periods of time. If it ever occurs that the jack is stuck in the down position I can relieve the pressure on the jack and run it back up.

[Horsedoc]

My rationale for storing (couple of months) with the jacks is taking some weight/stress off the tires. Not off the ground of course, just to stablize and take part/most of the load. Of the 4 motorhomes we have owned, never had any rust on the jacks

[dougrainer]

Slides and Jacks when stored. NEVER extend Jacks for storage and never leave slide rooms extended in storage. WHY? Because IF they malfunction and will not retract, you are stuck until you get it fixed. There is NO REASON to extend jacks in storage. Even if fulltime, you need to cycle the jacks twice a month, Same for slide rooms. I get calls all the time from customers that have left Jacks or slide rooms extended in storage and they cannot get them to retract. Nothing I can do, until they get the RV in to me. Otherwise they have to call a mobile repair service. Doug

[wa8yxm]

If they are leveling jacks::::: One expert Said lower 'em and in fact raise 'em a bit more than you need to take some of the load off the springs.

If they are stabilizing jacks. Your choice. Depends on if you plan to walk about inside the rig.

[Lwiddis]

“Found myself inside an RV with 50-70 mph wind and I have to put mine down even on a temporary stop.“

No need to put down a Class A’s jacks in 50-70 mph winds other than for your comfort.

[ernie1]

I have the Bigfoot levelers and the company says it is okay to store the jacks up or down since the shafts are stainless steel and don't rust. I always spray them well with a silicone spray as per manufacturer's recommendations.

[Johno02]

Ours is stored in the drive with the jacks down to level it. We do spray the pistons with grease occasionally to help keep water off.

[doxiemom11]

Our hydraulic cylinders do not rust. We have been full-time since 2011 and sit from 4-6 months at any one time with the jacks down/extended. We have been within a mile of salt water and that didn't happen. This is not true. I would say, consult your owners manual or see if there is an answer on your manufacturers website.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Maybe needed down if storage is in specially high wind locations.

Found myself inside an RV with 50-70 mph wind and I have to put mine down even on a temporary stop.