People who go camping on a regular basis know the importance of having all the right equipment. Travel trailer stabilizer jacks are a very important piece that needs to be included before you go on your first trip. Most will come with them, but if not you need to purchase them. Make sure you get the type that is designed for your particular vehicle. They will keep things from moving around while you're living in it by providing a temporary foundation.
Keeping the vehicle stable is really important. Not only will things roll around, but as you walk through it will bounce. For two-wheel vehicles resting only on the tongue could cause it to tip backward or start shifting and rolling if they are not in place. The larger RVs usually are pretty stable because they are sitting on four wheels. They do also come with these types of jack stands to help keep it from rocking.
There are a few types available. Hydraulic ones use liquid pressure to keep them in place. The manual ones have a crank to raise and lower them. Electric motors can be used to raise and lower them as well. In all cases, once you are set up, you need to use them on all four corners. Two wheels plus the front stand will not do the job.
When you set up camp in a vehicle you want to start by finding a level piece of ground. It is not always possible, but having it closer to level when you start will make the job easier. The front tongue on two-wheeled vehicles is used to accomplish this. RVs have a system to do this automatically.
Place both blocks and chocks. The first part is to put chocks under the tires. One in front and one in back of a tire will keep the RV from moving forward or back. Using a rubber mallet, put these in place nice and tight. Put blocks under the jacks. The stands have a tendency to dig into the dirt or blacktop and they are not as stable this way. With a thick piece of wood, you can provide the surface needed to keep them from sinking in due to the weight.
Lower or raise the jacks. The ones that are attached to the vehicle will be lowered into place. The others will be raised to meet the trailer corner. In either case, they need to be set to provide a strong foundation and keep the vehicle from rocking or bouncing while you're in the campground. When you are entering and exiting or walking you should not feel the vehicle move too much if they are installed correctly.
When you are ready to go, just reverse the process. Take down the stands and put the blocks away. Be sure the emergency brake is on before doing so to make sure it doesn't roll when you pull the chocks out. A slight movement isn't too big of a deal. Before removing the shocks, hook the hitch up to the tow vehicle.
Camping is a fun way to relax and enjoy nature. To do so, you want to be sure you are setting up camp safely and making sure your vehicle is secure before settling in. The stands that are used need to match your vehicle or they could slip while in use and cause damage. Providing a stable foundation will keep things in place and make the trip more enjoyable.
Keeping the vehicle stable is really important. Not only will things roll around, but as you walk through it will bounce. For two-wheel vehicles resting only on the tongue could cause it to tip backward or start shifting and rolling if they are not in place. The larger RVs usually are pretty stable because they are sitting on four wheels. They do also come with these types of jack stands to help keep it from rocking.
There are a few types available. Hydraulic ones use liquid pressure to keep them in place. The manual ones have a crank to raise and lower them. Electric motors can be used to raise and lower them as well. In all cases, once you are set up, you need to use them on all four corners. Two wheels plus the front stand will not do the job.
When you set up camp in a vehicle you want to start by finding a level piece of ground. It is not always possible, but having it closer to level when you start will make the job easier. The front tongue on two-wheeled vehicles is used to accomplish this. RVs have a system to do this automatically.
Place both blocks and chocks. The first part is to put chocks under the tires. One in front and one in back of a tire will keep the RV from moving forward or back. Using a rubber mallet, put these in place nice and tight. Put blocks under the jacks. The stands have a tendency to dig into the dirt or blacktop and they are not as stable this way. With a thick piece of wood, you can provide the surface needed to keep them from sinking in due to the weight.
Lower or raise the jacks. The ones that are attached to the vehicle will be lowered into place. The others will be raised to meet the trailer corner. In either case, they need to be set to provide a strong foundation and keep the vehicle from rocking or bouncing while you're in the campground. When you are entering and exiting or walking you should not feel the vehicle move too much if they are installed correctly.
When you are ready to go, just reverse the process. Take down the stands and put the blocks away. Be sure the emergency brake is on before doing so to make sure it doesn't roll when you pull the chocks out. A slight movement isn't too big of a deal. Before removing the shocks, hook the hitch up to the tow vehicle.
Camping is a fun way to relax and enjoy nature. To do so, you want to be sure you are setting up camp safely and making sure your vehicle is secure before settling in. The stands that are used need to match your vehicle or they could slip while in use and cause damage. Providing a stable foundation will keep things in place and make the trip more enjoyable.
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