Section 3
Weight Distribution, Loading and Towing
DO NOT
use the stabilizer jacks to raise or lower your Aviator.
DO NOT
use the stabilizer jacks to support the total weight of the Aviator.
DO NOT
place jacks on the extreme corners of the frame on a fifth wheel with slide rooms. Doing so
could cause damage to the slide room.
NOTE: THE JACKS ARE ONLY MEANT TO STABILIZE YOUR AVIATOR IN A LEVEL
POSITION. ATTEMPTING TO RAISE THE TRAILER BY USE OF THE STABILIZER
JACK CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE JACK, FRAME OR BOTH.
NOTE: AFTERMARKET STABILIZER STANDS MUST BE PLACED ONLY UNDER
CHASSIS FRAME RAILS. NOTE: ALWAYS FULLY RETRACT THE JACKS BEFORE
TOWING YOUR AVIATOR.
BEFORE USING THE JACKS, BE SURE TO CHOCK THE WHEELS ON BOTH
SIDES. PLACE CHOCKS BOTH IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE WHEELS.
Before leaving on a trip, you must ensure your unit is level.
1)
You may choose to purchase levels for your Aviator to help you insure the trailer is level. Your
dealer should be able to assist you with this as well.
2)
When extending the stabilizer jacks or Tongue Jack remember that the jacks MUST be on a solid
surface. Sometimes asphalt or grass can have some give to them depending on such things as
heat, rain, etc. Forest River suggests that you use some type of material that is strong enough and
large enough to give you adequate support. Usually a 2” x 8”, 2” x 10” or 2” x 12” board is used.
Be sure there are no cracks or Knots in them. Your dealer should be able to help you determining
what type of material you should use under your Stabilizer Jacks and Tongue Jack. Your
stabilizer jack foot pads are approximately 6" square. If you choose to use a two by board, a 2” x
8” should be the smallest you should consider. The 2” x 10” or 2” x 12” would be the better
option. This would give you a large enough area for your stabilizer jack foot pads to better
stabilizer your Aviator.
3)
Your Tongue Jack rod is approximately 2 1/4” wide. A 2” x 6” or 2” x 8” would be best for
leveling support. Again check with your dealer if you are unsure what you should use.
4)
Placing boards under your tires is also a good idea on softer ground. Since your unit has two
axles, cut or purchase three lengths of 2”x 8” wood (with no knots or cracks). Some Tire
manufacturers recommend 2”x 6” pieces of wood. (Since your tires should never hang over the
edge of the leveling boards, the 8” gives you a little more room to maneuver.) If you prefer, there
are heavy duty plastic blocks you can purchase to use in place of the wood.
5)
To determine the length of board needed, measure the distance between the axle hubs and add 18-
24”. (The board should be long enough to allow the tire to rest completely on the board).
Page 35
Revised September 2012
