Introduce Yourself: Parking (storing) in a sloped driveway

Parking (storing) in a sloped driveway

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Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
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Topic: Parking (storing) in a sloped driveway

Posted By: Modogsb
Subject: Parking (storing) in a sloped driveway
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 12:43pm

Hi all,

We are new to the pod/trailer world. Just bought a 20' 182G and will be storing in our driveway which is slightly sloped. I did a few calculations and estimate it's about 3.5 degrees. I wanted to ask the forum about storage. I'd like to keep it level but am okay not doing so if safety is compromised. We have very moderate weather in Santa Barbara so no hurricanes but earthquakes...

Here's a link to what I'm looking at:

https://youtu.be/qLkvYYNWSjM

Here's what I do know:

-don't run the fridge unless level

Here's what I ask:

1. Should I block on tongue hitch to raise it in attempt to level it? I'm guessing this will be better to distribute the weight evenly..?

2. I have plastic heavy duty chocks but I'd like to get taller chocks and may put a removable curb (bolted) in the driveway... whichever you recommend.

3. I imagine I should disconnect the battery so not to drain?

Another other suggestions/tips.

Replies:

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 3:43pm

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 182!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 4:34pm

Here's what to do. Use rubber wheel chocks , don't use plastic ones. Home Depot for about $15 each solves any worries about the chock moving on asphalt or campsites. No issues with mine in a couple years on some very un-level sites and my driveway, which looks like yours, or steeper. These chocks DO NOT move!! They are large and excellent.

The fridge can be run no problems. I cool it down a day or two before a trip on shore power plugged into the garage. I switch to propane before pulling out no problems.

I also walk around in mine no wiggles because all 4 stabilizers are down. I use a folding step platform to make it easier to load/unload and if I need it at a site where the door is high because of unlevelness. I hated jumping down!!

My tongue jack is nearly all the way as it is shown, I have a couple of bricks and a 4X4 timber under it. I do have the axle riser kit installed.

I installed a 2 battery marine cutoff switch. I leave the batteries disconnected between trips and plug in a few days before to make sure they are charged. I remove the batteries after the last trip in September or October and bring them inside for the Winter. I check them a couple times during the Winter and charge as needed. They are currently 4 years old and still charge fully and last easily for a 3 night weekend trip.

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2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI

Posted By: Jazz trumpet
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 6:07pm

Thanks, Tolman,

I have a similar slope and will buy the rubber chocks.

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John and Marilyn
2016 Rpod 180
2001 Chevrolet Suburban

Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 8:46pm

Originally posted by Modogsb

Here's what I ask:

1. Should I block on tongue hitch to raise it in attempt to level it? I'm guessing this will be better to distribute the weight evenly..? Block on the tongue hitch? I'm not sure what you mean by this. My driveway has a pretty good slope so if you are asking if something is needed under the tongue jack to help raise the nose of the trailer in the event the jack will not extend far enough on its own, the answer is yes.

2. I have plastic heavy duty chocks but I'd like to get taller chocks and may put a removable curb (bolted) in the driveway... whichever you recommend. The curved Camco plastic yellow chocks are actually the best in my book. The key is to wedge them good between the tire and driveway. Then put the tow vehicle in neutral and let the rig roll forward setting the camper into the chocks. This prevents that surge you get when disconnecting on a slope. I also wrap a coated cable through the wheels and around the axle for added safety to backup the chocks and deter theft. Thanks to techntrek for the idea.

3. I imagine I should disconnect the battery so not to drain? Yes, many of us install disconnect plugs or switches to stop the parasitic draw that results in dead battery and battery damage.

Another other suggestions/tips. Tons of help here, what model POD do you have???

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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 10:08pm

I'll go with Podster on the plastic chocks. If you push the trailer against them and then drop in the other side, they're jammed in and nothing moves. Other minor item - if you get too pushy with your stabilizers, you'll take the weight right off the tongue jack. You may not desire this unintended consequence. Stabilizers are a personal matter and shouldn't affect the hill holding. Chocks and tongue will.

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Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6
New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8

Posted By: Modogsb
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 1:13pm

Thank you all for the very helpful info and photos. I feel much more comfortable about putting in the driveway. Very excited to get this baby on the road. Cheers