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05-12-2014, 04:01 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Eastern U.P. of Michigan
Posts: 237
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Tri-Pod Stabilizing Jack
I've seen some rigs with them and some without them. We haven't taken delivery of our High Country yet, so I don't know how much shaken's gonna be goin' on. You thoughts are much appreciated.
__________________
A rainy day campin' is better than a sunny day workin'.
'14 Montana High Country 305RL - Reese Goose Box - Morryde HD shackles & wet bolts - JoyRider shocks - JT StrongArms - Torklift steps - Correct Track - Progressive EMS-HW50C - Clear Source water filter - On The Go water softener
'21 Ram 3500 w/6.7 Cummins - Sinister Diesel oil bypass
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05-12-2014, 04:10 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: oxnard ca
Posts: 182
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I really can't speak to that. Dealer gave us a tripod when we purchased trailer so I have not had it out without tripod on. I know the coach will bounce somewhat.
__________________
John
Now Retired (At Last) Long Time Coming
Soon to be retired after 41 years with DOD
2006 Duramax Silverado 2500HD
2013 327 RES Cougar
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05-12-2014, 04:23 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fraser Valley BC Canada
Posts: 7,015
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There are a few members, including myself, who have tried the tripod and found it not only ineffective but also cumbersome. After a short trial period, I sold the tripod on Craig's List. More members have purchased and installed the Steadyfast or JT Strongarm stabilizing systems and have found them to perform much better, are easy to set up and there is no need to remove and find a place to store them.
More expensive but far better results and will go a long way to reduce or eliminate any "shakin' " that might or might not be going on.
If I were you, I'd spend the money on one of the two systems mentioned above.
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
2005 2500 GMC Duramax
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05-12-2014, 04:34 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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I agree with Festus2. We tried a tripod and found it really didn't help much at all. The two stabilizer systems, Steadyfast and JT Strongarm are excellent choices and run about $300 for the kits. Installation is relatively simple if you're somewhat handy.
There is an alternative to the above kits. BAL Lock-Arm Stabilizing Bars do the same thing as the above kits, come 2 bars per box and cost about $70 per box. To stabilize a fifth wheel, you'd need 3 boxes, two bars per front landing gear jack and one for each rear jack. That's a total of about $210, quite a bit cheaper than the above systems, just as effective (IMHO) and easy to use. Here's one source: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If I were you, I'd look at alternatives to the tripod, it just doesn't seem to stabilize much except the kingpin.....
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-12-2014, 04:41 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 1,270
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As Festus said -- we had JT Strongarms installed & our bulky tripod has been collecting dust since then. Several stabilizer brands available now & well-worth considering.
Terri, the Chevy co-pilot
__________________
'06 Chevy 2500HD 6.6L Duramax/Allison 4x4 CC SB
2010 Laredo 265RL {SOLD}
Reese 15K Pro-series (manual slide)
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05-12-2014, 05:10 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
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I used the tripod on my last RV, it helped. I combined the tripod with the x chocks. The biggest difference I noticed was less movement at night while sleeping. Before the x-chocks and tripod I felt every time the kids rolled over, the combination of the two reduced that quite a bit. I never really noticed or was bothered by movement during the day.
I don't have any experience with the above mentioned systems. The new RV has the 6 point system, I don't feel any movement.
__________________
Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
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05-12-2014, 05:29 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Huntley, IL
Posts: 155
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We have had Steady Fast Stabilizers on our last two 5th Wheels and find them far superior to the old tripod. As stated earlier, easy and no storage issue.
__________________
Jeff & Karen
2013 Ford F250 6.7L CC SB
2014 Cougar 333MKS
Huntley, Illinois
formerly Norton Shores, Michigan
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05-12-2014, 05:32 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,605
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I put a set of Bal locking arm Stabilizers on the landing gear gear and a set in the rear scissor jacks and ditched my tripod. No more shaking except the suspension bounce. The tripod was Ok but a pain to set up, heavy and took at lot of storage room.
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05-12-2014, 05:48 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Eastern U.P. of Michigan
Posts: 237
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Wow. Isn't there anyone who has a try-pod and likes it?
The few times we were in the 305RL it seemed rock solid. OK, solid compared to our Passport and 'Like a Rock' solid compared to the Forest River Windjammer we're tradin' in.
Thanks all and keep 'em comn'.
__________________
A rainy day campin' is better than a sunny day workin'.
'14 Montana High Country 305RL - Reese Goose Box - Morryde HD shackles & wet bolts - JoyRider shocks - JT StrongArms - Torklift steps - Correct Track - Progressive EMS-HW50C - Clear Source water filter - On The Go water softener
'21 Ram 3500 w/6.7 Cummins - Sinister Diesel oil bypass
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05-12-2014, 08:40 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,910
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From the Keystone site, it appears the rig doesn't come with a Mor Ryde king pin unit, which would make a tripod useless, but with the conventional front jacks and rear stabilizers and standard king pin, you might find more stability with a tripod. I would think, an aluminum model might be easier to setup and weight less to transport. You might try it without, to see if any shaking is OK, and if it shakes too much, then spend the money on tripod or some of the other stabilizers mentioned. No sense spending fun money if you don't need to.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
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05-12-2014, 09:49 PM
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#11
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
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Bought Tripod used, works for me just fine used with stabilizers and CHEAP Also have X chock but have not needed or tried it yet. Prior to having the Tripod was plenty of rocking and rolling
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)
Veteran
PSU (GO LIONS)
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05-13-2014, 08:12 AM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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If you think about the suspension on a fifth wheel, you'll see that a stabilizer (tripod) on the front will help prevent movement at the point of contact (king pin) but will do nothing to remove the "suspension bounce" or movement in the rear of the RV. X-Chocks will help eliminate any "rolling" of the wheels and stop a bit of the "side to side" movement at the suspension, but can do nothing to stop the "up-down" movement of the springs. So, with a tripod, you will still have suspension bounce both vertically and horizontally (up/down and left/right) at the suspension any time there's movement induced behind the axles. A portion of this movement will be felt forward of the axles because the frame is "essentially rigid".
If you lower your rear scissors stabilizer jacks until the "almost touch the ground" and then push them side to side, you'll see that they "roll a little". This lateral movement is common in scissors jacks and demonstrates that they won't stop all "lateral movement" at the rear of the coach. This lateral movement can only be reduced if the "roll" in the scissors jacks is eliminated. The "stabilizer bar" type system does this.
Steadyfast, JT Strongarm and BAL Lock-Arm stabilizers installed on the front landing gear will all help eliminate all movement at that location (forward of the axles) and installing a set (2) from the rear scissors jacks to the rear bumper/frame will stop movement behind the axles. This action is called "triangulation" and is extremely effective at stabilizing an RV. The only essential movement remaining is suspension flex/tire bounce in the center of the coach. That movement is significantly reduced by frame rigidity.
Unfortunately, with a tripod under the king pin, the only place movement is stopped is at that point. It is reduced somewhat in the elevated portion of the coach, but as you move further back, there is no appreciable reduction because of the coach suspension.
Think of it as holding a garden hose in your hand and turning on the water. The hose will "whip" back and forth but where you're holding it in your hand, it will be steady. That's kind of what a tripod does, it stabilizes the area where it's applied, but can do nothing for the "other end" of the coach........
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-13-2014, 12:09 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mishawaka, Indiana
Posts: 238
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitewolf
Wow. Isn't there anyone who has a try-pod and likes it?
The few times we were in the 305RL it seemed rock solid. OK, solid compared to our Passport and 'Like a Rock' solid compared to the Forest River Windjammer we're tradin' in.
Thanks all and keep 'em comn'.
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ok... i'll admit it. I have and use my tripod... I've looked at the other kits and they all looked like too much work (effort) for me to install compared to the couple minutes to pop the tripod up!!! Maybe one day I'll go with the other kits as they are probably more stable... ok... or maybe not! LOL
__________________
Roger and Dawn
Mishawaka, Indiana
2013 Cougar 280RLS / 2012 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
2001 Wrangler (Moab Rock Crawler) / 2008 Can Am Outlander 400 4x4
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05-13-2014, 03:59 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
If you think about the suspension on a fifth wheel, you'll see that a stabilizer (tripod) on the front will help prevent movement at the point of contact (king pin) but will do nothing to remove the "suspension bounce" or movement in the rear of the RV. X-Chocks will help eliminate any "rolling" of the wheels and stop a bit of the "side to side" movement at the suspension, but can do nothing to stop the "up-down" movement of the springs. So, with a tripod, you will still have suspension bounce both vertically and horizontally (up/down and left/right) at the suspension any time there's movement induced behind the axles. A portion of this movement will be felt forward of the axles because the frame is "essentially rigid".
If you lower your rear scissors stabilizer jacks until the "almost touch the ground" and then push them side to side, you'll see that they "roll a little". This lateral movement is common in scissors jacks and demonstrates that they won't stop all "lateral movement" at the rear of the coach. This lateral movement can only be reduced if the "roll" in the scissors jacks is eliminated. The "stabilizer bar" type system does this.
Steadyfast, JT Strongarm and BAL Lock-Arm stabilizers installed on the front landing gear will all help eliminate all movement at that location (forward of the axles) and installing a set (2) from the rear scissors jacks to the rear bumper/frame will stop movement behind the axles. This action is called "triangulation" and is extremely effective at stabilizing an RV. The only essential movement remaining is suspension flex/tire bounce in the center of the coach. That movement is significantly reduced by frame rigidity.
Unfortunately, with a tripod under the king pin, the only place movement is stopped is at that point. It is reduced somewhat in the elevated portion of the coach, but as you move further back, there is no appreciable reduction because of the coach suspension.
Think of it as holding a garden hose in your hand and turning on the water. The hose will "whip" back and forth but where you're holding it in your hand, it will be steady. That's kind of what a tripod does, it stabilizes the area where it's applied, but can do nothing for the "other end" of the coach........
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John,
You make some good points, but I have to disagree with you. When the suspension moves the entire trailer moves with it. The tri pod stabilizes the king pin, but there are also residual effects at the axle suspension. If the king pin cannot move the axle suspension movement will be reduced. By using a tri pod on the king pin, x-chocks on the wheels, and stabilizers at the rear you are eliminating movement points. They will not eliminate all of the suspension movement, but they will provide added stability which will reduce the bounce somewhat.
As I stated earlier, the main difference I noticed was in the front bedroom, which pretty much goes along with your point that it will stabilize at the king pin. That was the main reason I bought the tri pod, so I would feel less movement while trying to sleep. Was the tri pod the answer to all movement? No. Was it better than nothing for a minimal investment? Yes. Are there better systems? Absolutely, but they come at a cost.
__________________
Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
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05-13-2014, 06:38 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Brent,
I think the "main thing" to consider is that if you're happy with your system, then that's all that really matters for your application. I'd say, sleep well with the tripod on place and don't let the small stuff get ya......
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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05-13-2014, 07:47 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Las Cruces
Posts: 4,665
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I agree, except one thing........my new Alpine has the 6 point leveling system, no movement what so ever. I gave the tripod to my dad
__________________
Brent
2013 Alpine 3500RE
2019 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
U.S. Air Force Retired (25 yrs)
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05-14-2014, 02:34 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 410
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitewolf
I've seen some rigs with them and some without them. We haven't taken delivery of our High Country yet, so I don't know how much shaken's gonna be goin' on. You thoughts are much appreciated.
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We have a High Country and I also was looking into a stabilizing system before we used the unit. We found that we don't need a stabilizer, the unit is soild without it. I would use your new unit first and then make your decision.
__________________
2021 GMC Sierra 2500 AT4
2012 Montana High Country 313re
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05-14-2014, 08:26 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mishawaka, Indiana
Posts: 238
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I have traditionally lowered the rear jacks before lifting the front (to make it level) whenever possible as to reduce some of the loading of the suspension. This seems to help reduce some of the shakiness as well.
__________________
Roger and Dawn
Mishawaka, Indiana
2013 Cougar 280RLS / 2012 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
2001 Wrangler (Moab Rock Crawler) / 2008 Can Am Outlander 400 4x4
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05-15-2014, 02:43 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Northern NH
Posts: 191
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I have a tri-pod and LOVE it! It prevents me from banging my head on the pin box!!
__________________
2015 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali CC LB DRW Sonoma Red/Cocoa Dune
2010 Keystone Laredo 316RL
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05-23-2014, 12:24 PM
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#20
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: canada
Posts: 17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whitewolf
Wow. Isn't there anyone who has a try-pod and likes it?
The few times we were in the 305RL it seemed rock solid. OK, solid compared to our Passport and 'Like a Rock' solid compared to the Forest River Windjammer we're tradin' in.
Thanks all and keep 'em comn'.
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We've only been out with our 24REL a couple of nights but like the tripod very much. I admit we've not tried the Steadyfast or JT Strongarm systems, but our tripod provides a lot of stability. Just my 2cw.
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