Which Dually Tire for RV Leveling Blocks? Inner vs Outer

Winter Parking Considerations

During the off-season when you're frequently parking for extended periods, proper leveling becomes crucial for multiple systems in your motorhome. Refrigerators need to be level to function properly, slide-outs require level positioning for smooth operation, and your comfort depends on not sleeping on a slant. The choice between inner and outer dually tires for leveling blocks has significant implications for your setup's stability and effectiveness.

Outer Tire: The Preferred Choice

I recommend using the outer dually tire on your leveling blocks for several important reasons. The outer tire position provides better mechanical advantage for leveling because it's further from the vehicle's centerline, creating more leverage. When you lift the outer tire, you're essentially using a longer lever arm, which means less height is needed to achieve the same leveling effect.

Additionally, the outer tire placement keeps your motorhome's footprint more predictable and consistent. Since you mentioned the road crown issue, using the outer tire helps standardize your setup regardless of slight variations in road slope. This consistency becomes particularly valuable during seasonal parking when you're doing this setup repeatedly.

Weight Distribution and Safety

Many owners worry about weight distribution between the dual tires, but modern RV axles are typically designed to handle uneven loading across the dually pair during normal operations like leveling, though you should verify this with your chassis manufacturer. The outer tire typically handles slightly more lateral forces during turns anyway in most dually configurations, so supporting it on blocks doesn't create unusual stress patterns.

However, there are safety considerations regardless of which tire you choose. Your leveling blocks should be rated for your motorhome's gross weight - verify the exact weight rating requirements with your RV manufacturer and ensure blocks exceed your unit's specifications, and the contact area should be sufficient to prevent settling or shifting. During winter months when you might be parked for weeks at a time, consider rotating which side is elevated periodically to prevent tire flat spots and suspension settling.

Seasonal Setup Strategy

For frequent winter parking, consider expanding your leveling system beyond single-tire blocks. Many owners find that proper leveling becomes even more critical during cold weather when slide-outs and other systems are more sensitive to being out of level. Your current 2x8 ramp system is a good start, but you might benefit from wider blocks that can accommodate both dually tires.

If you're planning to park regularly throughout the winter months, investing in a more comprehensive leveling system pays dividends. Hydraulic leveling jacks eliminate the tire choice question entirely, though they're obviously a more significant investment than your current block system.

Tools and Materials for Improvement

To enhance your current setup, consider these additions:

• Wheel chocks for the non-elevated tires
• A torpedo level to verify your results
• Rubber pads under your wooden blocks to prevent shifting
• A small hydraulic jack for fine-tuning if needed

Long-term Considerations

Your instinct about using the outer tire aligns with best practices used by experienced RV technicians. The outer position provides better stability, more consistent results, and easier access for adjustments. During extended winter storage periods, this consistency becomes even more valuable as you develop a reliable routine for your setup.

Spring preparation will be easier too, since you'll have developed a standardized leveling procedure that works every time. The outer tire approach also makes it easier to add wheel covers or tire protection during long-term parking, since the elevated tire is more accessible.

Tools & Supplies You'll Need

Fix It Right. Fix It Once.

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