Levelling with jockey wheel for long term parking

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.

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.

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.

Handbrake off? Is that to prevent it jamming?

Yes.  As an aside, you can give yourself a nice name on here by going into 'My Profile'.

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.

Yes, they can stick on if left. A lot of people let their handbrakes off when pitched on site for the same reason.

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

I'll be moving the van slightly every month or so to avoid flat spotting the tyres. Must admit I'm really nervous about leaving it with brake off. It'll be chocked, and will also have a Bulldog Titan wheel clamp on it.

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