Stabilizing versus leveling

[ripple963]

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

[routlaw]

Yes have done this for years. Level and stabilize and not to worry. That said I do make every effort to get as level as possible before with blocks etc before setting down the jacks.

Hope this helps

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, ripple963 said:

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

ripple963 - 

First - 

Welcome to the Forum.  There is a TON of information here and it is amazing what one can learn by simply "poking around".  There is also the Oliver University where you can find videos and help on all sorts of things involving your Ollie.  Please do not hesitate to contribute to the Forum with your own ideas, mods and travel experience - pictures are especially welcome (they to say 1,000 words).

Second - 

You can use the "search" function to find previous "threads" that just might help with what you are looking for.  Unfortunately, our search function is not what one might call "the best" and there have been posts here over the past few days regarding ways that you can use to help refine your search and to actually speed up that search.

Third - 

Your question - there are numerous threads on the Forum regarding this very question.  There was a time a number of years ago when Oliver actually noted that our jacks could be used for both stabilizing and leveling - and - jacking one side of the scamper in order to change a tire!  However, due to a number of "issues" over the years, Oliver now only recommends the jacks be used for stabilization.  Having said this, there are many of us who still use the jacks for all things even to include tires changes/bearing service, etc..  Please note here that if you are inclined to use your jacks for purposes other than those recommended by Oliver, you do so at your own risk and should take ALL of the proper precautions in order to protect yourself (and others) from all relevant risks similar to what you do when jacking a car/truck wheel off the ground.  If you intend to do this then I'd highly recommend that you read everything that you can find here on the Forum so that you are aware of how to do this properly without damage to your new Oliver and/or the people near you.

Forth - 

Congrats on the new Oliver!  The longer you live with this camper the more friendly it becomes.

Bill

[Mike and Carol]

We use ours for leveling all the time, have for the last 10 years.  I’ve also used them to change tires.  As Bill mentioned, this has been discussed a lot here, if you want more data do a search and you’ll find lots of opinions!  Mike

[John Dorrer]

4 hours ago, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

Yes to both. I used one to change a tire. After I level, I have used one rear jack to tweak a side.

 

[BigTexas]

With all the cautions mentioned above, I do what others have mentioned.  Get the trailer close to level using lifts or blocks under the wheels, if needed, and then use the jacks the last few inches to make the trailer level.  The jacks are pretty robust and seem to lift and support the trailer without problem.  Having said that, I also highly recommend the use of blocks under the lifts to  reduce the amount they have to extend.  

I read this forum weekly if not daily and find it a valuable resource of information for owning, using and enjoying your Oliver.

[ScubaRx]

14 hours ago, ripple963 said:

Picking up a new Oliver LE II in March.  From what I've read on Oliver's tech pages, it seems they recommend using the jacks for stabilizing only.  However, the manufacturer's website indicates they can be used for leveling.  I called the manufacturer and the customer service person confirmed using them for leveling, stating that they can lift 3,000# per jack.

So, my question: is anyone using their jacks for both leveling and stabilizing?

Any advice appreciated.

We do use them for leveling and have done so since our first Oliver bought back I early 2008. 
 

Advice:

After unhooking the trailer, chock the tires fore and aft.

Raise/Lower the front jack first to get the trailer level front to rear. 

If the trailer is not level side to side, use the jack to raise the low side to level. Then lower the opposite side to stabilize it. 

Make sure you place a block between the jack foot and the ground. That way when you forget to raise them before driving away, you won’t ruin $1200 worth of jacks.

Routinely check the bolt that holds the foot plate to the inner jack tube. If this bolt works loose, you will lose the foot plate that will cost you close to $40 to replace.