"Jacks or Better?"

[Natureboy]

Okay, so I keep my 35 ' TT at my property and want to remove the tires and store them to avoid dry rot. Every other year I bring it home for cleaning/inspection, so I will be re-installing the wheels for transport. My question is this: Can I trust leaving my TT on additional sets of scissor jacks, or do I need something like cinder blocks? The TT is 7500 lbs, and scissor jacks are rated for ~6000. If I go with 6-8 jacks, they would only be supporting 1/6, or 1/8 of the total weight. I am actually thinking of installing them(bolting) to the frame like the existing leveling jacks.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks in advance for replies.

[Texas Aggie]

I'm a novice to the TT world, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I wouldn't have any sort of jacks be the lone source of support for my TT for a significant period of time. I thought the reason you weren't supposed to load up the scissor-style stabilizing jacks on your TT is to prevent bending of the frame. I may be (probably am) wrong, but I wouldn't chance the integrity of my TT's frame to save a few bucks on replacing tires. If you are worried about dry rot, park your wheels on 2x6's (or jack pads) and buy some wheel covers. That's what I did until I found a covered, paved storage spot.

[bansai]

My concern with the scissor jacks, regardless of how many you use, is they can 'unwind' over time.

I think you have the weight issue figured out, maybe you could 'safety wire' the cranks on each of the jacks, effectively keeping them from unwinding on you.

[01tundra]

I would say blocking it the correct answer, at least if it were me that's what I would consider if I was inclined to remove my tires........but I leave my tires on and uncovered year around so what do I know

[bankr63]

I'm with @Texas Aggie on questioning the value of doing this. If you extend the life of your tires by another year (say from the average 5 years to 6 years), you are saving maybe $150 amortized for 4 tires. How many times are you going to have to jack the trailer and re and re the wheel sets? Isn't your time involved worth more than that? Buying a set of tire covers will probably have a better payback. Move the trailer a bit from time to time to move the pressure point on the tires around.

[gdiep]

Originally Posted by bankr63

I'm with @Texas Aggie on questioning the value of doing this. If you extend the life of your tires by another year (say from the average 5 years to 6 years), you are saving maybe $150 amortized for 4 tires. How many times are you going to have to jack the trailer and re and re the wheel sets? Isn't your time involved worth more than that? Buying a set of tire covers will probably have a better payback. Move the trailer a bit from time to time to move the pressure point on the tires around.

I totally agree with this ^^^

Nice reference to a card game OP!

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by bansai

My concern with the scissor jacks, regardless of how many you use, is they can 'unwind' over time.

I think you have the weight issue figured out, maybe you could 'safety wire' the cranks on each of the jacks, effectively keeping them from unwinding on you.

A bit off topic but if anyone has the "Unwinding" problem these are a cheap but brilliant solution.
STOP RV Scissor Jack Loosening - Lock 'em Down Where You Set 'em | eBay

[etex211]

The biggest enemy of tires is air, not sunlight. Dry rot will occur whether they are outside or not. I wouldn't worry about. You'll need to replace the tires in 3 or 4 years either way.

[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by etex211

The biggest enemy of tires is air, not sunlight. Dry rot will occur whether they are outside or not. I wouldn't worry about. You'll need to replace the tires in 3 or 4 years either way.

This. Also, the covers don't do anything except be one more thing for you to add/remove during setup.


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[bansai]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

A bit off topic but if anyone has the "Unwinding" problem these are a cheap but brilliant solution.
STOP RV Scissor Jack Loosening - Lock 'em Down Where You Set 'em | eBay

I guess I shouldn't be surprised there's a product for this. Might pick some of these up if we ever do a longer term stay somewhere.

[SkyBound]

Scissor jacks are very strong vertically but not so great with horizontal forces. I wouldn't trust my trailer on jacks alone. I have seen other seasonal campers remove their wheels so they can get the trailer lower to the ground. They always had cinder blocks along the frame every few feet.

In your particular case, I would just leave the wheels on and replace tires as required. Just not worth the hassle or risk.

[TWP723]

Your best bet has been mentioned already. Leave them on the unit and cover them.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by etex211

The biggest enemy of tires is air, not sunlight. Dry rot will occur whether they are outside or not. I wouldn't worry about. You'll need to replace the tires in 3 or 4 years either way.

Interesting, where do you source your info for this statement. Sun destroys just about everything that is exposed to it over time. I'm including paint and other finishes, fiberglass [boat tops], canvas [awnings and boat covers, rubber bungee cords, and for my money tires.

I will continue to cover my tires.