Hi All
New to this site & just bought 2nd hand folding camper, which we can't wait to try out but looks like we will have to wait until next year.
Folding camper is to be stored over winter in my garage.On reading other threads i understand that that the 4 leg steadies are used only to steady the camper and not to level it ( i.e. to be non weight bearing ). However whilst storing the camper should I have the jockey wheel up or down? and when I do finally get to use the camper , again should the jockey wheel be up or down.
I have never owned one of these and it did not come with any instruction. Any advice for this novice would be appreciated
Use your jockey wheel when storing as well as when in use. When in use, your jockey wheel acts as the 'front to back' leveller ... when in store, it doesn't really matter how level it is (indoors) ... the steadies should not be used for load bearing, just to ensure the unit doesn't move about when you walk around inside ... they do need a bit of pressure on the ground/plates, but not too much i.e. wind down till you get a firm response ... I use an attachment to a power drill, set to about number 7, so that it automatically stops when that level of resistance is met.
Some people use 'winter wheels' to save having the weight on tyres in the same place throughout the inactive period ... it's better for the tyre structure.
When storing mine,(outside), I lower the jockey wheel to the lowest, drop the rear stands or steadies in your case, then raise the jockey wheel and lower the front stands. Dont forget to lock in place. This takes the weight off the wheel bearings and tyres.
All good advice. Mine is stored in the garage all year round with just the jockey wheel down, tyres at normal pressure etc. It's been like this since 2009 when we bought it and I've not had any problems. In fact, between August 2010 and May 2012, it didn't move at all as I was ill and we couldn;t go out and it was stored like that then. Also, when its in the garage I can only access one side of the camper anyway as the other side is tight against the wall. Still on original tyres etc. If you can and want to follow the advice above, why not, but don't think you have to go to these lengths because obviously you don't.
We store ours in the garage with just the jockey wheel down, we don't put the steadies down...can't fit down the sides to do it even if we wanted to! Handbrake off and a couple of bricks in front of the jockey wheel just in case, but the garage floor is level, it's not going anywhere...we've never bothered with winter wheels.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Levelling & storing camper
