Levelling with jockey wheel for long term parking
Hi all. We are completely new to caravan ownership, and just bought an Adria Altea Tyne. It will be parked on our gravelled drive, which is on a slight, but noticeable incline.
What I would like to know is whether it's recommended to use the jockey wheel to level the van over an extended period. I'm just a little concerned that putting load on the wheel and the A-frame for maybe months isn't a great thing to do.
What's the advice on this?
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Get the van level then drop the corner steadies, particularly the front ones to take some of the load off the jockey wheel. Just wind the jockey wheel up very slightly when the steadies are down. The A frame is all part of the over-all chassis so it is designed to carry the load of the caravan.
I park the caravan up for the winter with a slight fall towards the back of the van so that there is no standing water left on the roof for months on end. I choose backwards so that the water doesn't drain down over the front windows where water ingress is at greater risk. I've done this for over 30 years.
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I do not see a problem, just set up as you would on a site, i.e. also put down the steadies.
Once in position, you could wind up the jockey wheel if you are worried.
Make sure the wheels are properly chocked so the van does not try to move.
Our drive has a 1 in 10 slope, down towards the road, soI have made ramps that I let it run back onto so where the wheels sit, twin axle, is level. That way I can leave the handbrake off.
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I'd not get the van completely level but leave a slight slope to aid water run off.
Steadies down, handbrake off, jockey wheel raised, wheels securely chocked and you're done. We always took the weight off the wheels too by using axle stands but it depends on the gradient of your drive whether that's wise.
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We have always left our jockey down bearing in mind most of the weight is located over the axle ie cooker & fridge and when winding the jockey wheel up or down the van pivots on the axle so make sure the steadies are up whilst doing this and as pointed out have the handbrake off not only with they lock rust can form around the shoe causing a high spot in the drum.
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Yes, they can stick on if left. A lot of people let their handbrakes off when pitched on site for the same reason.
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Jockey wheel always down. The vast majority of the vans load goes through the wheels, but the more points of contact with the ground the better. The corner steadies are exactly that, steadies. You would never attempt to lift the van by them so why subject them to any greater load than you have to. Leave the jockey wheel down and spread the load..
Oh, and handbrake off, but chock the wheels as if it tries to roll even slightly with the steadies down you are going to bend and damage something.
Colin
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To avoid flat spotting I have until last year stored my vans on axle stands over winter. Last winter I tried a set of Fiamma Wheel Savers for £15. These are screwed to the garage floor where I store my Eriba and give me the added benefit of always putting the van into the correct place.
Colin
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How rude!! AndyJF seems like quite a reasonable name to me.
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Keep up. AndyJF is the nice new name. He was screen name xyz123 before.
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It is optional. We had a caravan for 14 years before switching to a MH and always applied the handbrake. Never had any problems with it sticking / binding. The van although used occasionally in the winter months, was left unmoved for considerable periods.
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I apologise if you have taken offence at my comment.
Now that there is no sign of his original screen name it appears that you are implying that his screen name is not "nice".
I am fully aware of AndyJF's original name and I was trying to inject a light hearted comment into the post reflecting the way the post now reads to a new viewer.
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If one does choose to leave it off, then something else will be relied on to restrain movement in the wind, etc. Doesn't matter what one uses, just remember to apply the brake before releasing the other restraint !!
Handbrake, wheel locks, motor mover do not stop a caravan moving as it can be dragged along with the wheels locked, as has been demonstrated in a number of thefts.
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I originally had put a winking emoji to indicate the tongue in cheek nature of my comment but Deleted User it because it seemed too obvious.
Too obvious? because in my world the phrase "How Rude!!" in itself defines the light hearted nature of the reply. It is sort of a Ken Dodd or Linda Bellingham (Confessions of) throw away comment.
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Your last paragraph highlights the pitfalls of using any symbol in place of language. While I have heard of Ken Dodd I have no idea who, or what, Linda Bellingham is or was.
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Some of us have had cause to use "How rude!!" In earnest on this forum. No way is it a light hearted comment.😤
Some of us often use emojis to help explain the tone of our words.
I hope that helps explain why we, quite understandably, took you seriously. You’ll know next time👍🏻
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The late Lynda Bellingham was a good actress who advertised Oxo. I think she was also a caravanner.
To AndyJF - you can see that opinion is divided on how best to leave your van when parked at home. Only you know the gradient of your drive so you are best placed to know what is most secure for your van.👍
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Do you let the caravan take the 1:10 slope to keep the roof cleaner, or do you have the whole caravan level.
I built a similar ramp with my twin axle with the wheels level but with the caravan body sloping to clear water from the roof. I became concerned about the excess weight on the (in my case) front axle suspension unit so I changed from a level platform to a stepped platform thereby keeping both wheels on the level (no rolling) but also ensuring that both axles had the same load.
No idea if it is important but it put my mind at rest.
E&P Rams now which are great, no wheels on the ground, no handbrake, steady as a rock.
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45 years ago I worked for Cheshire County Council doing work-study when they were establishing a bonus scheme. I was passenger in a large gritter with snow plough. It had probably stood 10 months. When we set off it felt like riding on threepenny bitts until the tyres warmed up and then returned to normal
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Memory I am going to get my name tattooed on my eyelids.
