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05-10-2019, 11:03 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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5th Wheel Stabilizers
Just got back from a trip in the 5er and noticed a lot of movement in the trailer as DW and I moved about,especially in the front.
What is the best stabilizer for a fifth wheel?
Looking for advice from those that have been there with this problem and maybe have had good results with one of the available options.
So far I have found the JT Strong Arms, the various Tripods and a manual stabilizer that jacks into the frame on each side with a ratchet strap leverage concept.
Any input before I slap the credit card on the counter would be appreciated.
Thanks
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
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05-10-2019, 11:13 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Rock Island
Posts: 457
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I’m in the process of making one myself, I have wood or steel, 20 degree angle or so, ratchet strap between the bottom of the legs. I’ll test it in a few weeks.
For buying one, I like the idea of “universal RV stabilizer” at camping world for $39.97. Lightweight and inexpensive.
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05-10-2019, 11:16 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,180
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JT Strongarms and be done with it!
Check PPL Motor Homes for good pricing, should be about $225.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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05-10-2019, 03:55 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,389
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Ditto the JT Strongarms. Found mine on Amazon for 209.00. Easy to install. Solved the movement.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana High Country 305RL
2015 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW
Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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05-10-2019, 08:09 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 783
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I have been using these with great results since 2016. They come in a 2-pack. I use 4 each total... so you will need 2 boxes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
__________________
Jeff & Jan - Retired & Full-timing since 2013
2019 Ram Big Horn 3500 Aisin 4x4
2012 Alpine 3450-RL
Double Coin 235/75R-17.5/16 J rated 125lb
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05-10-2019, 08:37 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 247
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While I ponder other options I've found a $12 bottle jack under the frame near the front wheels on each side helps a lot. Basically, stop the suspension from being suspension. I'm sure there are better things out there to help with the side to side movement but I'm pretty happy with the results from both a time and money perspective.
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05-11-2019, 01:44 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dade City
Posts: 1,039
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We use this HD Stabilizer, it works for us. Our Laredo has the 4 electric leveling jacks and found this king pin stabilizer to solve most of the movement issues. This thing is heavy, made out of steel, about 26 lbs, and hard to store, but it works. The DW and I have talked about installing rear stabilizers to finish the movement issues.
https://www.campingworld.com/heavy-d...zer-20307.html
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05-11-2019, 05:59 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,389
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The king pin stabilizers work great. I used one for many years and they remove a lot of sway. For me I just wanted something that worked that I didn't have to unpack/set up then take down/repack. The JT Strongarms are always there...just tighten them. No unpacking/repacking/making a place to store them.
We are planning on doing more traveling and I like the idea of streamlining set up and tear down.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana High Country 305RL
2015 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW
Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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05-11-2019, 06:57 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsb5717
The king pin stabilizers work great. I used one for many years and they remove a lot of sway. For me I just wanted something that worked that I didn't have to unpack/set up then take down/repack. The JT Strongarms are always there...just tighten them. No unpacking/repacking/making a place to store them.
We are planning on doing more traveling and I like the idea of streamlining set up and tear down.
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I disagree that Kingpin stabilizers work very well, sure didn’t for me.
JT’s on the other hand are rock solid, and self storing, quick and easy.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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05-11-2019, 08:26 AM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,849
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo
I disagree that Kingpin stabilizers work very well, sure didn’t for me.
JT’s on the other hand are rock solid, and self storing, quick and easy.
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This is what I found as well. Using a kingpin stabilizer will take the bounce and SOME of the sway out of the upper bedroom area, but it does nothing for the lower part of the trailer, especially behind the axles. That part will still "bounce on the suspension" and adding stabilizers behind the axles (like Keystone does) will only reduce the bounce and does nothing for the sway.
We installed BAL stabilizer bars (similar to JT Strongarms) and they helped significantly. Keep in mind that all RV trailers are built on a "I-beam/C-beam" foundation. There will always be some movement/spring action from the chassis rails. It's just the way trailers are built. You'll never achieve a "S&B Slab foundation feel" in an RV, but you can come close with appropriately located stabilizer jacks and stabilization (your choice of which method/brand).
I suppose it would be safe to say, "Kingpin stabilizer tripods will reduce SOME movement in the forward part of the trailer but don't do a great job on movement behind the axles."
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-11-2019, 08:43 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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Looks like the JT system will get the nod. I do like the self storage and ease of use design. They weigh about the same as the 4 jacks and probably less than a stabilizer.
Not disappointed with anyone's reply. All great options.
Thanks
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
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05-11-2019, 08:57 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Noticing from your picture I have another suggestion that helps as much as anything, shorten the stroke on your levellers by adding blocks under each, the less they are extended the more stable the rv.
I'm also in the "didn't help" category on the hitch tripod. After wrestling with putting it up/down/storing about a year I gave it away.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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05-11-2019, 03:28 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Visalia
Posts: 88
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We use a tripod king-pin stabilizer in the front, and 2 Camco telescoping jacks at the rear, and that seems to take out 90 percent of the movement. It means for me an extra 15 minutes of set up time, but worth it to me anyways.
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05-12-2019, 05:11 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,180
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The reason that the JT Strongarms and Bal system work so well is Triangulation . Both create a closed triangle between the frame, the strut, and the landing gear and jacks. Anything else will still have wiggle.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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05-12-2019, 06:06 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dade City
Posts: 1,039
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I find it interesting that the OP has the 4point leveling system and there are solutions from people with 6 point leveling systems to units using under wheel levelers. Like comparing apples to oranges. What works for one may not work for others. Personally, I prefer to support the large living area in front of the front jacks by supporting the kingpin. It may prevent that corner cracking so prevalent in 5th wheels and at the same time help stabilize the unit.
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05-12-2019, 10:34 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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Correct Frank,I do have the 4 point (auto) leveling system.
Are you saying the king pin stabilizer (the tripod stand) is less likely to allow the trailer to develop cracks around the corners verses the JT Strong arms that holds the trailer ridged?
At least that's what I take from your post.
Thanks
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
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05-12-2019, 10:42 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,309
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In almost six years on and off the road, almost full-timing, we almost never find a couple happy with their tri-pod support. The vast majority will. as TT said, be glad to have you tote it off. But buy what you like; it's your $200.
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
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05-12-2019, 10:43 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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Also on topic (well almost), I had my auto level re-calibrated at the dealer recently. It was too low in the front each deployment. They fixed that problem but now when I go to the "return to unhitch" position (pushing left and right simultaneously) the display say's that function has been disabled. Is this a simple fix for me or will the dealer have to reprogram the jack controller?
Thanks
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
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05-12-2019, 01:31 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dade City
Posts: 1,039
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laredo Tugger
Correct Frank,I do have the 4 point (auto) leveling system.
Are you saying the king pin stabilizer (the tripod stand) is less likely to allow the trailer to develop cracks around the corners verses the JT Strong arms that holds the trailer ridged?
At least that's what I take from your post.
Thanks
RMc
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That is my thought. I have nothing against the JT strong arms. The wife and I opted for the HD tripod stand for the reasons stated and it has performed well. Is there more to be gained in the movement issue, yes. Are we willing to do more, no. That is our choice. All I am saying is with our rig and set-up we are happy.
Lets clarify this, we have a front bedroom and rear living. Before the tripod when I retired at night the wife was unhappy doing her crafts in the rear. Now she clams she can hardly feel any movement. You know the saying, Happy...
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05-13-2019, 05:01 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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After a little research in the Lippert manual I found the answer to my own question in post #18. Evidently if the auto level sequence starts in a below level condition, the return to hitch height function will be disabled. Never had that happen before. Just FYI for others.
Simple fix.
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
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