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Topic: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months (Read 249 times) previous topic - next topic
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using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
I have read both sides of the issue of utilizing levelers when storing RV or not :-X .  We go every 1-4 months using RV.  When not in use our LD is stored in covered area.  Some people say to use levelers to take weight off tires and some say it does not matter.  What are your thoughts on this issue? 
2006 31' IB Anniversary Edition; Tow 97' Wrangler
Re: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
Reply #1 –
I like the idea of taking weight off the tires.  Some tires, left loaded without moving for a long time can go out of round, developing a "flat spot" leading to vibration.  My concern would be with the leveler shafts.  Every time they are retracted they are wiped clean and get a fine film of oil.  Leaving them down for a long time might allow rust to get started.

If I were to store my rig for a long time, I think I would consider using wood cribbing blocks with the levelers to raise stuff enough to get the tires off the ground, then retract rams, settling the axles onto cribbing blocks, protecting the rams during storage.  A call to Michelin might change my mind, if they told me long term storage was not an issue for my tires.

Ken F in ID

'08 MB
Re: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
Reply #2 –
I don't think any benefit to the tires is worth the risk to the leveler shafts. Tires are easily replaced. Levelers are not. Leaving the shafts exposed to the elements for an extended period could lead to corrosion and that could lead to hydraulic leaks which could lead to repairs.

Yes, tires do get out of round when sitting. Our LD sits for months at a time. But our Michelin LTX tires usually work fine after just a few miles of driving.

If you're worried about the tires I think a better tactic would be to cover them or otherwise keep them out of sunlight.

Terry
2003 26.5' RB
Gardnerville, NV

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
 
Re: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
Reply #3 –
From Tire Rack:
"Tire flat-spotting would be most noticeable when beginning to drive a vehicle that has been stored incorrectly (with the weight of the vehicle pressing down through the tires to the ground). When storing a vehicle for more than a few weeks, it is best to drive the vehicle until it is thoroughly warmed up and then immediately put it up on "blocks" after arriving at the storage location. Doing this takes the load off of the tires completely. Not doing this on a vehicle that will be parked for a few months runs the risk of permanently flat-spotting the tires."
FWIW. -- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jon & Loni  - 
From Tire Rack:
"Tire flat-spotting would be most noticeable when beginning to drive a vehicle that has been stored incorrectly (with the weight of the vehicle pressing down through the tires to the ground). When storing a vehicle for more than a few weeks, it is best to drive the vehicle until it is thoroughly warmed up and then immediately put it up on "blocks" after arriving at the storage location. Doing this takes the load off of the tires completely. Not doing this on a vehicle that will be parked for a few months runs the risk of permanently flat-spotting the tires."
FWIW. -- Jon

I'm with Ken on this one. There is no doubt in my mind that taking the weight off the tires is a good thing but I agree that leaving it on the levelers could have a negative effect. If it were me, I would put it up on blocks.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: using automatic levelers when storing RV for a few months
Reply #6 –
We "store" our MB in the driveway behind our house.  To minimize any problems with the rig just sitting, we try to take it out for a spin at least monthly.  Perhaps the longest it sits is about 6-7 weeks in December and the first part of January.  Then, its off to Florida! 
2011 MB