Jack Stands (spin-off of "Changes" Thread)

[TroutBum]

I was wondering...

I know every manufacturer is adament about leveling the camper, and popping up before dropping the stabilizing jacks.  Therefore, that is what we all do.

However, I was wondering what the reason is for this.

I guess there are actually two questions.  First, what is it about the lift mechanism that mandates popping up before stabilizing?

Second  (assuming the engineering problems posed by question 1 could be easily fixed), why does no one make jacks that are strong enough to actually level the camper?  Imagine the possibilities...  the next logical step  would be motorizing them and having the camper self level.  That would be really cool.

[wavery]

I was wondering...

I know every manufacturer is adament about leveling the camper, and popping up before dropping the stabilizing jacks.  Therefore, that is what we all do.

However, I was wondering what the reason is for this.

I guess there are actually two questions.  First, what is it about the lift mechanism that mandates popping up before stabilizing?

Second  (assuming the engineering problems posed by question 1 could be easily fixed), why does no one make jacks that are strong enough to actually level the camper?  Imagine the possibilities...  the next logical step  would be motorizing them and having the camper self level.  That would be really cool.

What must be remembered is the whole concept of the PU camper is #1, low profile. #2, light weight.

With this in mind, one must understand that there are thousands up individual pieces that go into the manufacturing of these campers. In order to keep their (light weight) objective, each part must be analyzed for weight vs cost ratio . This weight analysis also involves the frame and lifting mechanism, which work in unison with each other.

The lifting mechanism on the PU uses a 4-corner lifting system that use telescoping posts, lifted by cables. It must be understood that the frame on the PU is made light-weight and has a certain amount of flexibility. If the platform of the frame is made rigid and it is not perfectly square, the lifting posts have a good chance of binding and the stress could cause damage.

The ideal lifting system for a PU would be a very heavy rigid frame that is perfectly square and flat with corner posts that are equally heavy and perfectly square to the frame. Each post square to all the other posts. However, the weight involved in that system is prohibitive so a more flexible system must be used. When a person puts pressure on the stabilizers, he adds rigidity to the frame which may not be perfectly flat and level. That frustrates the design of the system.

Simply dropping the stabilizers and not putting pressure on them may not cause any problems. However, once pressure is applied to a stabilizer, to try to level the camper, it is bound to put a certain amount of twist on the frame and force the corner posts out of alignment. Just a few degrees out of alignment at the frame equates to several inches at the top of the post.

Some manufacturers state not to put the stabilizers down at all before lifting the roof. The logic is, the posts will have some ability to flex and adjust to any misalignment, thus lesson the amount of resistance while lifting because the post are less likely to bind.

[tlhdoc]

why does no one make jacks that are strong enough to actually level the camper? Imagine the possibilities... the next logical step would be motorizing them and having the camper self level.

They do make plenty of jacks that are strong enough to level the camper and they do make self leveling systems.  The frames of the PUs will not allow their use.  The frames are not strong enough and will bend.  It would be nice though.

[brainpause]

Before I knew better....

I leveled our popup using the four stabilizers. What a PAIN! The right way to do it is so much easier anyway.

Now...Having said that, self-leveling stuff is cool.

Larry

[Old Goat]

What must be remembered is the whole concept of the PU camper is #1, low profile. #2, light weight.

With this in mind, one must understand that there are thousands up individual pieces that go into the manufacturing of these campers. In order to keep their (light weight) objective, each part must be analyzed for weight vs cost ratio . This weight analysis also involves the frame and lifting mechanism, which work in unison with each other.

The lifting mechanism on the PU uses a 4-corner lifting system that use telescoping posts, lifted by cables. It must be understood that the frame on the PU is made light-weight and has a certain amount of flexibility. If the platform of the frame is made rigid and it is not perfectly square, the lifting posts have a good chance of binding and the stress could cause damage.

The ideal lifting system for a PU would be a very heavy rigid frame that is perfectly square and flat with corner posts that are equally heavy and perfectly square to the frame. Each post square to all the other posts. However, the weight involved in that system is prohibitive so a more flexible system must be used. When a person puts pressure on the stabilizers, he adds rigidity to the frame which may not be perfectly flat and level. That frustrates the design of the system.

Simply dropping the stabilizers and not putting pressure on them may not cause any problems. However, once pressure is applied to a stabilizer, to try to level the camper, it is bound to put a certain amount of twist on the frame and force the corner posts out of alignment. Just a few degrees out of alignment at the frame equates to several inches at the top of the post.

Some manufacturers state not to put the stabilizers down at all before lifting the roof. The logic is, the posts will have some ability to flex and adjust to any misalignment, thus lesson the amount of resistance while lifting because the post are less likely to bind.

Gee Wave, where do they put all the thousands of individual parts in a popup? I was'nt aware that a popup is so complicated. Your answers sometimes amuse me almost as much as your sea stories....

[wavery]

Gee Wave, where do they put all the thousands of individual parts in a popup? I was'nt aware that a popup is so complicated. Your answers sometimes amuse me almost as much as your sea stories....

When one considers every nut, bolt, washer, screw, nail, fabric, pieces of wood, pieces of fabric, cushions, individual pieces of metal (frame & siding), axles parts & brgs, tires & wheels, cables, pulleys, poles, copper tubing, plumbing pieces, hoses, wiring, switches, connectors, converter & assoc parts, lighting & plumping fixtures, other fixtures, tanks, pumps, heaters, AC, water heater & assoc parts, propane & stove parts, etc..........ya.....thousands and they put them all in, on and around the PU. :sombraro:

[AustinBoston]

When one considers every nut, bolt, washer, screw, nail, fabric, pieces of wood, pieces of fabric, cushions, individual pieces of metal (frame & siding), axles parts & brgs, tires & wheels, cables, pulleys, poles, copper tubing, plumbing pieces, hoses, wiring, switches, connectors, converter & assoc parts, lighting & plumping fixtures, other fixtures, tanks, pumps, heaters, AC, water heater & assoc parts, propane & stove parts, etc..........ya.....thousands and they put them all in, on and around the PU. :sombraro:

And Wayne barely got started...bed rails and rollers, slideout rails and rollers, canvas, screens, windows, zippers, bunk supports, awning mounts, shepards crooks, end bows, galley tilt mechanisms, tongue jacks, brakes, battery & propane mounts, propane detectors, fuses, circuit breakers, tail lights, running lights, seam caulking, gaskets, doors...

It's a wonder we don't have more problems with them than we do!

Austin

[tlhdoc]

Now I won't be able to sleep... l be in bed counting PU parts all night..

[AustinBoston]

Now I won't be able to sleep... l be in bed counting PU parts all night..

That would have the opposite effect on me

Austin (one, two, three, forrrr...fivvv...zzzzzzzzzzzz )