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Old 05-10-2019, 11:03 AM   #1
Laredo Tugger
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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
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Old 05-10-2019, 11:13 AM   #2
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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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Old 05-10-2019, 11:16 AM   #3
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JT Strongarms and be done with it!
Check PPL Motor Homes for good pricing, should be about $225.
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Old 05-10-2019, 03:55 PM   #4
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Ditto the JT Strongarms. Found mine on Amazon for 209.00. Easy to install. Solved the movement.
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:09 PM   #5
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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
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Old 05-10-2019, 08:37 PM   #6
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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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Old 05-11-2019, 01:44 AM   #7
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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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Old 05-11-2019, 05:59 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 05-11-2019, 06:57 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsb5717 View Post
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.
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Old 05-11-2019, 08:26 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo View Post
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."
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Old 05-11-2019, 08:43 AM   #11
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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.
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Old 05-11-2019, 08:57 AM   #12
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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.
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Old 05-11-2019, 03:28 PM   #13
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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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Old 05-12-2019, 05:11 AM   #14
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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.
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Old 05-12-2019, 06:06 AM   #15
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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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Old 05-12-2019, 10:34 AM   #16
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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
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Old 05-12-2019, 10:42 AM   #17
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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.
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Old 05-12-2019, 10:43 AM   #18
Laredo Tugger
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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
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Old 05-12-2019, 01:31 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laredo Tugger View Post
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...
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Old 05-13-2019, 05:01 AM   #20
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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
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