2 Newbie Questions

[MotherNature]

Hi all!

Before I ask the questions I just wanted to thank all of you for your insights and comments - you've really helped us make good decisions about buying, maintaining, and enjoying our popup   (06 sea pine)

Question 1:  I feel kinda stupid asking this, but is it bad for the popup to try and use the stabilizers to try and level out the thing?  By this I mean that there's a certain member of my household (I'll just call him DH ) who, when noticing that maybe one corner is a little low, tries to further crank down the stabilizer to try and level it out.  Please advise!

Question 2:  What are everyone's opinions about moving the thing while it's popped up?  We've hand-pushed ours for short distances (3 campsites down a paved road and another time to a site next door).  I know that technically you probably shouldn't, but for those little distances I decided to take a chance.  What kinds of potential damage might this cause (so I can do some further risk assessment)?

Thanks for all your help  :morning:

[fallsrider]

Congratulations on your new PUP!

No, you're never supposed to level your PUP with the stabilizers. They, and the frame, are not designed for that. Level the unit first, then raise the roof, then lower the stabilizers and just firm them up a little. If your frame starts raising up very much, you're going too far.

Basically, the stabilizers just take the bounce out of the suspension at the axle.

I personally wouldn't move my PUP with the roof up, but if you did it gently, it might be OK. Can you move it with the front bed still set up? On mine I can't hook to my TV with the bed out. Having the beds set up gives the roof some support from flopping back and forth. I wouldn't want to damage the lift posts by shaking the roof around without the lateral support the roof receives from the setup beds.

Just my $0.02 worth!

Other opinions may differ.

Edit: My PUP also has A/C, which is extra weight up there to flop around. If you don't have A/C there will be a little less stress on the lift posts.

[dcampbell1969]

You can probably read in the manual where it tells you not to use the stabilizers to lift the pup off the ground for changing tires.  The same principle applies for leveling.  Of course you would have less weight, but it's not intended for that use.

[CajunCamper]

I agree with fallsrider, you should never use the stabalizers to level the camper. This can twist the frame of the pop up causing all sorts of problems. Moving the pop up while popped up another no no. The lift system can get out of balance causing major issues for you when raising and lowering the top. It's best to take the extra time to lower the top before moving. I have to admit though, I would love to have been in the campground to watch that manuever.

Good Luck

CajunCamper

[AustinBoston]

Question 1:  I feel kinda stupid asking this, but is it bad for the popup to try and use the stabilizers to try and level out the thing?  By this I mean that there's a certain member of my household (I'll just call him DH ) who, when noticing that maybe one corner is a little low, tries to further crank down the stabilizer to try and level it out.  Please advise!

Three words: Never. Never. Never.  They are stabilizers, not jacks, even if they look like they are jacks.  Pop-up frames are not built to take the kind of uneven forces involved in jacking at the corners.

BTW, if the pop-up looks uneven, it's the ground that's uneven, not the pop-up.

Question 2:  What are everyone's opinions about moving the thing while it's popped up?  We've hand-pushed ours for short distances (3 campsites down a paved road and another time to a site next door).  I know that technically you probably shouldn't, but for those little distances I decided to take a chance.  What kinds of potential damage might this cause (so I can do some further risk assessment)?

Another no-no.  While this probably won't damage the frame (the weight is still on the wheels), it puts the lift system in jeopardy.  The roof weight, instead of being latched to the side walls, is instead on the end of these long levers (lift poles) and able to swing back and forth.  Not something I would do.

BTW, if there is any warranty on your '06 Sea Pine, doing either of these will invalidate it if you get caught.

Austin

[wavery]

While I agree with not using your "Stabalisers" to level your PU, I think that it is less of a problem to move your PU with the roof up.

I have moved our PU a few times with the roof up and door in place. One time, we actually towed the PU across the CG to a different site. We did slide the bunks half way in and of course, we went slow and easy and I will tell you that the roof moved FAR less then it does in a moderate wind.

Having said that, if your lift cables are fragile, you increase the chance of breaking a cable. However, a strong wind would probably break it also. I think that there is little risk of damaging the actual lift supports. They are built to handle pretty violent swinging and I don't think that anyone would try getting on the freeway with the roof up :yikes: .

[Hackker]

Good thing I read this site, I think I've used the stabilizer jacks to level my Niagara a few times.  I take it you use the front crank to level it from front to back first and then put the stabilizers down?

[sewserious]

Good thing I read this site, I think I've used the stabilizer jacks to level my Niagara a few times.  I take it you use the front crank to level it from front to back first and then put the stabilizers down?

Read your manual!!!!!!  That is the BEST thing anyone can do.  Read it front to back and then read it again.  Three times doesn't hurt.  All this information is in there.

[wavery]

Thank you for brining up this topic again. I just posted a new thread covering this issue. It comes up a lot. We usually say "Don't do it" but seldom explain. Thought some discussion may be in order.
http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?p=167848#post167848

[wavery]

Good thing I read this site, I think I've used the stabilizer jacks to level my Niagara a few times.  I take it you use the front crank to level it from front to back first and then put the stabilizers down?

partially correct.

First you level side to side by lifting the low side tire by pulling the trailer onto blocks or using a Bal Leveler. Then you level front to back with the tongue jack.

[PattieAM]

Yes...Read your Owners Manual - cover to cover.  Make a list of 'steps for set up', and list for 'breakdown'.  Mine is very clear to tell me:  Level side to side first, then front to back, then raise the roof, then put the stabilizers down.  

Using stabilizers to level and moving the trailer while popped up will put stress on the lift system, frame, etc., and you can end up with serious problems.

[tlhdoc]

The jacks on most PUs are stabilizing jacks, not leveling jacks.  PUs have flimsy frames and they will not take the strain of leveling the trailer with the jacks.  If you move the PU slowly and don't cause the roof to sway you are probably ok, moving it with the top up.  To be safe pop down first.   Enjoy your PU and camping.