Can the stabilizer jacks support the full weight?

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   Hi,

So we did a test setup today (day two of our new 179).  I've got a BAL Levelling Jack, but given the tilt and ground we were on it just wouldn't go very far around the tire I needed to lift (given how much the tire was flattened with the roll).  The levelling jack plates were disturbingly "out" and pushing more into the sidewall than lifting directly on the tread.  Not liking the look of that, once I set the stabilizing jacks, I dropped the BAL Levelling jack (quickly), shoved it further under the tire (quickly) and jacked it back up to take the load (quickly).

This two-try approach seemed to work well, but I've learned "don't use the stabilizing jacks to level" so I wonder what the risk is I'm running with the above procedure.  Is it that the frame is at risk of bending because it's only supported at the corners?  Temporary flex that might cause part of the structure to deform/crack?  Collapse of a stabilizer jack?

Other than running some crazy PSI on the tire to keep it rounder, I see no other way to level this thing with the BAL levelling jack.  I don't get the sense I bought the wrong size (as A: I recall only seeing one size and B: once it was properly fitted it seems the perfect size).

Thoughts?

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DataSquid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Mar 2015 Location: Waterloo, ON Online Status: Offline Posts: 16	Topic: Can the stabilizer jacks support the full weight? Posted: 25 Apr 2015 at 8:40pm
	Hi, So we did a test setup today (day two of our new 179). I've got a BAL Levelling Jack, but given the tilt and ground we were on it just wouldn't go very far around the tire I needed to lift (given how much the tire was flattened with the roll). The levelling jack plates were disturbingly "out" and pushing more into the sidewall than lifting directly on the tread. Not liking the look of that, once I set the stabilizing jacks, I dropped the BAL Levelling jack (quickly), shoved it further under the tire (quickly) and jacked it back up to take the load (quickly). This two-try approach seemed to work well, but I've learned "don't use the stabilizing jacks to level" so I wonder what the risk is I'm running with the above procedure. Is it that the frame is at risk of bending because it's only supported at the corners? Temporary flex that might cause part of the structure to deform/crack? Collapse of a stabilizer jack? Other than running some crazy PSI on the tire to keep it rounder, I see no other way to level this thing with the BAL levelling jack. I don't get the sense I bought the wrong size (as A: I recall only seeing one size and B: once it was properly fitted it seems the perfect size). Thoughts?
	-- Dan 2015 R-Pod 179 TV 2014 Audi Q5 TDI RP related videos at: https://www.youtube.com/user/DataSquid (Add me to your Google+ Circles to see all posted vids)

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508	Posted: 25 Apr 2015 at 8:58pm
	I have always been told to only set the stabilizer jack once you have leveled the pod. They are not made to be used as regular jacks.
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 25 Apr 2015 at 9:11pm
	Using the BAL leveler is actually simpler than you think. On the low side that you wish to use the BAL leveler, pull the camper forwards onto 1-2 inches of wood or lego levelers (I use the plastic lego levelers). This is to create clearance for the BAL. THEN after the low tire has been elevated, slide the BAL leveler under the tire and raise the camper with it. Then block the other free wheel front and back (wheel chocks). Now safely disconnect the POD from the tow vehicle. You can use the stabilizers after the camper is leveled front to back. Leave the plastic or wood underneath the elevated tire, so it will be easy to remove the BAL when you are ready to leave. Reverse the order to leave. Stabilizers up, connect tow vehicle, remove wheel chocks, lower BAL and remove, pull forward off of the blocks and you're done.
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Posted: 25 Apr 2015 at 10:11pm
	How much pressure do you have in your tires? And no, the stabilizers are just that. They aren't jacks. They are meant to keep the pod from rocking, not for lifting or leveling. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 7:25am
	Are we talking about this gizmo? BAL R.V. Products Group 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler If you try to use the POD stabilizers to lift, you will bend them very ease, although not terribly expensive, they are a PITA to replace.
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 8:55am
	Yes that's the thing. They only work without assistance when used on small diameter tires. When the tire gets larger, the tire should be elevated a bit first, especially when on softer ground. The BAL can sink into soft ground and when lowered, can't be pulled out. So it's prudent to put something under the tire before lowering , and it can also help with sliding the BAL under when installing.
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

DataSquid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Mar 2015 Location: Waterloo, ON Online Status: Offline Posts: 16	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 11:03am
	Thanks for all the info! I'll be adding some lego levellers to the setup.
	-- Dan 2015 R-Pod 179 TV 2014 Audi Q5 TDI RP related videos at: https://www.youtube.com/user/DataSquid (Add me to your Google+ Circles to see all posted vids)

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 5:16pm
	I just ordered these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0028PJ10K

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 5:20pm
	See if this works: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0028PJ10K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1430083072&sr=8-1&keywords=Tri-Lynx&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=41gcEmamlsL&ref=plSrch

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508	Posted: 26 Apr 2015 at 5:22pm
	Nope
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171