5th Wheel Stabilizers

[Laredo Tugger]

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

[GHen]

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.

[rhagfo]

JT Strongarms and be done with it!
Check PPL Motor Homes for good pricing, should be about $225.

[jsb5717]

Ditto the JT Strongarms. Found mine on Amazon for 209.00. Easy to install. Solved the movement.

[Alpine]

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/B00PE2VIVE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[mtofell]

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.

[Frank G]

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-duty-king-pin-stabilizer-20307.html

[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.

[rhagfo]

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.

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.

[JRTJH]

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.

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."

[Laredo Tugger]

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

[travelin texans]

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.

[rbrdriver]

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.

[rhagfo]

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.

[Frank G]

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. :popcorn: 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.

[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

[notanlines]

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.

[Laredo Tugger]

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

[Frank G]

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

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...

[Laredo Tugger]

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

[rbrdriver]

As I stated earlier we use both the tripod and telescoping Jack's at the rear even though we do have the 6 point leveling system. Our trailer is long (42 feet) and there is a long gap at the rear of trailer past the rear hydraulic jack that almost "begs" for additional support.

[Whitewolf]

I know I'm jumping into this discussion a little late. We have High Country with the 4pt auto leveling system. We also have the JT StrongArms. Always rock solid when set up. Also I'm not storing the tripod in the basement during trips. If you get the StrongArms, just remember to loosen the t-handles on them before retracting the jacks. If you don't it'll scratch the paint off and may leave gouge marks on the inside bar. Did it AGAIN just last weekend. DOH! :banghead:

[Jmill8]

Have used tripod kingpin stabilizer for many years, it does the trick for me. Also bottle jack frame behind wheels for more stability.

[jsmith948]

I know I'm jumping into this discussion a little late. We have High Country with the 4pt auto leveling system. We also have the JT StrongArms. Always rock solid when set up. Also I'm not storing the tripod in the basement during trips. If you get the StrongArms, just remember to loosen the t-handles on them before retracting the jacks. If you don't it'll scratch the paint off and may leave gouge marks on the inside bar. Did it AGAIN just last weekend. DOH! :banghead:

Suffering from CRS syndrome, I had the same thing happen. Luckily, nothing got bent.:banghead:
Now I have one of those card stock tags (like the old sales tags with the wire).
I place the tag inside the control box door with the word STABILIZERS written on it...we'll see:whistling:

[jim1]

After 30 years of wedded bliss a little extra bounce is sometimes appreceated!

[johnlewis]

Used the JT Strongarms on our 37' 5er, and worked better than anything else we tried. Jacks to take movement out of the suspension helped, but still had more movement than we wanted. JT Strongarms were the best thing we found.

[Whitewolf]

After 30 years of wedded bliss a little extra bounce is sometimes appreceated!
:eek::lol::lol:

[harris71]

We use the BAL X-chocks between the wheels on each side. Seems to take out 98% of the movement even without a front pin stabilizer. Rig can't roll so no need for traditional wedge wheel chocks which sometimes require moving the rig to remove them. The X-chocks are easy to install and remove (recommend doing it when slides are in). They go on sale at CW from time to time.

[jsb5717]

Yes, I use those as well. There are often very good prices for them on Amazon. Between those and the Strongarms, the coach is very stable.

[Old Mustanger]

IMHO the X chocks should not be used in place of traditional wheel chucks, that would mean you install them before unhitching? I install mine after unhitching and leveling (I do try to remember them before running the slides out).

[travelin texans]

IMHO the X chocks should not be used in place of traditional wheel chucks, that would mean you install them before unhitching? I install mine after unhitching and leveling (I do try to remember them before running the slides out).

I would agree!
Have read that inserting the X chocks before unhitching the rv then moves a bit when unhooked & damages tires from extra pressure.
Personally never used them & have no experience with them, but I could see that easily happening.

[concours]

6 years ago we tried a tripod which was all but useless I installed BAL stabilisers which are similar to JT's you will see a huge difference by installing a set of 4 on the front but if you want it rock solid install 2 on the rear.

[Hamops]

I've used both the Key pin stand and JT Strong arms and the Strong Arms win hands down. The Key Pin Stand is more a boat anchor than a stabilizer.

[Whitewolf]

I used to use the X-Chocks and I really liked them on our TT's. But I had problems with the X-Chocks and the self leveling system on the HC 5r. I tried using the Chocks to stabilize the unit until I could level it. Because much of the weight is off the tires when the HC was level, the Chocks don't do anything. Once I even had one fall out. So now I use the old fashioned wheel chocks and just kick them in a little further after it leveled.

[boxcar]

I used to use the X-Chocks and I really liked them on our TT's. But I had problems with the X-Chocks and the self leveling system on the HC 5r. I tried using the Chocks to stabilize the unit until I could level it. Because much of the weight is off the tires when the HC was level, the Chocks don't do anything. Once I even had one fall out. So now I use the old fashioned wheel chocks and just kick them in a little further after it leveled.

I just bought the X-Chocks and discovered the same thing on our first outing. I'm sure they'll work on level ground but not when one side gets lifted during leveling.

I want the JT Strongarm struts but the spare tire is in between my two front leveling legs so I'd have to move the spare. I'm still hoping to find something that will work without having to move it.

[bobnelms]

I bought a tripod for the front, but that didn't do too well so I don't carry it anymore. I use JT stabilizers on the front (they work well) and also a Lippert Power Stabilizer Jack on the rear. I have a 37 foot Cougar -- and it works well.

[Preyou]

I just self installed the JT Strongarms on my 2019 Cougar 315RLS. The work very well if you bump the front jacks up after you set them. HOWEVER, lifting the bottom plate of the jacks is a bear! I tried an extension piece on the silver bullet and finally had to lay down and push up.

Any ideas??

[JRTJH]

Any ideas??

make sure the locking screws are completely released and the "inner tube on the strongarm should slide easily"... That doesn't always help, so, maybe a 5 foot piece of 2x4 ??? Use the 2x4 as a lever to lift the extension leg, then pin it in place for the trip..... A 5' piece "should" fit in the front storage compartment without too much hassle getting it in and out. Anything longer may be hard to jockey into the storage compartment.