Winter storage and stabilizer jacks

[KillbearCamper]

I own a X23B trailer and, unfortunately, I have to store it over winter from October to April. When I put it in storage, I did not extend the stabilizer jacks, as per the manual. The trailer is resting on the front jack (on top of some PT wood) and the rear tires. Is this the best way to store this trailer over winter? I also set it up to be on a slight tilt so that snow/water would be encouraged to slide off.

Thanks

Killbear Camper
2010 X23B Acura MDX

 

[BlueBrick]

I don't use the stabilizer jacks for a couple of reasons. They are; Frost heaves the ground under your trailer and could cause one or more corners to be forced up and stress/twist the frame. The stabilizers are just that, stabilizers, not designed to support the weight of one corner. If you get frost and the trailer is resting on it's suspension and the front tongue jack, then it can move without stressing the frame.
And, if you get a large build up of snow and ice on the roof, that weight would go directly onto the jacks rather than compressing the springs a bit, which would force the corners to support the weight of the trailer. The corners are not designed for that, the main frame rails attached to the suspension are.
If you put some more info in your signature or location then people replying may be able to give you more specific info, as in frost may not even be a relevant factor to you.
Hope this helps.

 

[Crabman]

Sounds like you did good! I do not use the stabilizers either when storing, and most others do not, including dealers.

 

[Rustic Eagle]

snip...... Is this the best way to store this trailer over winter? I also set it up to be on a slight tilt so that snow/water would be encouraged to slide off .....snip

KillbearCamper,

First, welcome to the Jayco forums....., and yes, you are storing it correctly.

I assume you pulled the battery and have it on a battery tender..., but do check the battery fluid level once in awhile as well.

Bob

 

[clutch-FRF]

We used to set our trailer up so we could live in it in the yard incase of a power outage. If I had to leave it somewhere else I would not use the jacks. Now we just go to a warmer place.

 

[KillbearCamper]

Thanks everyone. Frost and snow is definitely an issue since I store the trailer in Northern Ontario. Good point about the battery. I did take it out and it is in my basement. When it gets closer to camping season I should put it on the trickle charger.

KillbearCamper

 

[Phar0e]

We just saw our 23j at the dealers and we looked at the 23b while we were there, both had a crack in the edge trim on the kitchen table tops. I was wondering if that was due to cold weather expansion and contraction (we are in Manitoba)? I made a mental note to store the table top in our basement next winter. Anyone have thoughts on that?

 

[Rustic Eagle]

snip.......I was wondering if that was due to cold weather expansion and contraction (we are in Manitoba)? .....snip

Wow, I hadn't heard of that issue before..., be interesting to hear if someone else has.

Bob

 

[tlhdoc]

Last spring (2011) I set the table up as a table. I used it as a bed for some of my winter camping. The laminate was cracked. Jayco replaced it under warranty.

 

[RedHorse1]

While my table top hasn't cracked I can see a bit of a sag in the table particularly when it is in the "bed" position.
Thinking about securing stiffeners to the bottom side.

 

[Phar0e]

Hmmmmmm that might be a good idea especially if it is used as a bed fairly often. Good to know