As a brand new camper, there are a lot of things to learn, and a lot of questions about the best way to do things. The important thing to remember is that you can learn as you go. There’s no need to expect yourself to know everything before you go camping for the first time. 

One of the more common questions that new campers have is whether or not to put down the stabilizer jacks each time you park your camp trailer. 

There are a few things to consider when it comes to putting down your stabilizer jacks. The following information should help clarify when you need to put down your jacks, and when you’re good to keep them up. 

Parked Vs Camping

There are two types of parked camp trailer - the type where you are sleeping in it for the night, and the type where it is parked in storage when not in use. It is an important distinction to make in regards to when to use your stabilizer jacks. 

If you are camping in your trailer, putting down the stabilizer jacks is a must. It will make a tremendous difference in the feel of the trailer while you are using it. The stabilizer jack’s purpose is to, well, stabilize the trailer. You will notice a huge difference in the solid feel of the trailer when your stabilizer jacks are down compared to when they are not. 

When it comes to parking your camp trailer in storage, there is really no need to have the stabilizer jacks down. From a mechanical or structural standpoint, having the jacks down while storing the trailer does not make a difference. 

Chocking 

When you park your trailer, whether it is for storage or while camping, chocking the tires is a must. While storing your trailer between camping trips or during the off-season, it is smart to chock your tires at a minimum. Even if you decide to put your stabilizer jacks down during the time you store your trailer, chocking your wheels is still a smart idea. 

Trailer Level 

One other question related to storing your trailer is whether or not to keep your trailer level or on an incline while in storage. Because the roof of your trailer is slightly domed, accumulated moisture from snow or rain will naturally run off the trailer. Some people like to store the trailer on a tiny incline with the nose slightly up so that the moisture will ruin off the back of the trailer rather than just the sides. If you choose to do this, avoid tiling the nose too far so it will not put too much pressure on one set of tires and axle. 

Leveling Blocks

Using leveling blocks in combination with your stabilizer jacks serve two great purposes. First, you will not have to lower your jacks as far down since they will connect with the leveling block higher up than the ground level. Finally, it is helpful to use leveling blocks so that your stabilizer jacks are not sitting in moisture or mud. Over time, this can lead to rust on your stabilizer jacks. 

Conclusion 

Your best bet is to use your stabilizer jacks anytime you are camping in your trailer, and while storing your camp trailer between trips or during the off-season, you are good to keep your stabilizer jacks up. Happy camping!