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07-30-2020, 09:40 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Fort Thomas
Posts: 339
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Scissor Stabilizing Jacks
How many of you use blocks under the jacks?
Are they more stable fully extended with minimal blocks or do you use many blocks and only partially extend the jacks?
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2020 Keystone Passport GT 2521RL 30 FT.
Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH 1000 LBS Bars.
2016 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4X4 All Terrain V8 5.3
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07-30-2020, 09:45 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,466
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I use 2x12 cribbing (cut into squares) and doubled (for just under 4" thick) under my scissor jacks as they are pretty much at the end of their travel if extended all the way. I also tacked some loops of para cord on so I can pull them out without fuss. I also put some of those yellow stacking blocks under my 5th wheels front legs as needed for leveling and distributing the weight a bit.
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wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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07-30-2020, 10:15 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Victoria
Posts: 101
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This summer we've started using cribbing as well. Prior to this we used a block that was about 2" thick and then extended our scissor jacks until they reached the wood. We never really got rid of the shaking when the kids moved in their bunks.
With the cribbing (exact height depends on the site), we extend the jacks much less (about 15") and the shaking has been drastically reduced. I read somewhere that extending between 13-23" is ideal? Hopefully this is right.
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2016 Springdale 240BHWE
2013 F150
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07-30-2020, 11:03 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Henniker
Posts: 2,168
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The less the stabilizers are extended, the better. I have a few sets of the yellow “Lego” blocks accumulated from a lifetime of camping so I typically put a stack of 5-10 under each stabilizer.
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Rob & Amy
2019 Passport 240BH SL (current)
2024 Cougar 29BHL (Taking delivery 5/15/24)
2022 Ford F250 7.3L Godzilla Crew Cab FX4
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07-30-2020, 11:11 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Sierra Vista
Posts: 29
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We use 4x6 blocks, cut to about 10” long, to use under the stabilizer jacks. Between the blocks and the ground, we use thick (1”) rubber (recycled tires) pads, about 12” square. This provides a level surface for the jacks to mount on, minimizes the amount of dirt, mud, water which comes into direct contact with the jacks, and minimizes the chance of establishing a relatively easy electrical path from the RV to the ground.
I freely admit that last point may not be scientifically accurate, but using the blocks and pads certainly won’t cause any harm either.
Also, using the rubber pads helps to protect the ground surface, especially asphalt, from damage caused by the jacks.
Finally, we also use the blocks and pads under the RV’s front jacks, for the same reasons as outlined above.
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07-30-2020, 12:21 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 708
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We use the lego type stacking blocks for a couple of reasons
1) They have a larger area thanthe base of the stabilizer which reduces the chances of the stabilizers sinking into soft ground
2) We use them to compensate for differences in ground level.
3) They keep the metal feet of the stabilizers off wet ground which would eventually lead to rusting.
But the stabilizers alone aren't the answer to redicing the wobbles. We use X chocks on the wheels as well. They made much more difference than the factory stabilizers.
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07-30-2020, 01:03 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,752
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcmeadows1
We use 4x6 blocks, cut to about 10” long, to use under the stabilizer jacks. Between the blocks and the ground, we use thick (1”) rubber (recycled tires) pads, about 12” square. This provides a level surface for the jacks to mount on, minimizes the amount of dirt, mud, water which comes into direct contact with the jacks, and minimizes the chance of establishing a relatively easy electrical path from the RV to the ground.
I freely admit that last point may not be scientifically accurate, but using the blocks and pads certainly won’t cause any harm either.
Also, using the rubber pads helps to protect the ground surface, especially asphalt, from damage caused by the jacks.
Finally, we also use the blocks and pads under the RV’s front jacks, for the same reasons as outlined above.
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I would think that using a rubber pad under the stabilizers would make them less stable. The idea of the stabilizer is to provide a "hard point" between the frame and the parking surface. Using the wood or plastic blocks will disperse that weight over a larger surface area thereby reducing the chances of the stabilizer pad sinking into a soft surface. Those same devices will help stabilize by reducing the amount the stabilizer needs to extend.
As for "electrical isolating" the camper I'd prefer the camper frame Carty a lightning strike or other currency to ground via the stabilizer than thru me.
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Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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07-30-2020, 03:02 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog
The less the stabilizers are extended, the better. I have a few sets of the yellow “Lego” blocks accumulated from a lifetime of camping so I typically put a stack of 5-10 under each stabilizer.
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Same here!
Started out using 4x6" blocks, but got tired of the weight & the amount of storage space they took up, so started accumulating the Lynx levelers new, from garage sales & fellow rvers leaving them behind, was able to store about 20-25 in about the same area as 2 - 4x6" blocks & weighed considerably less.
My last 5th wheel had the auto level system & I used my collection of about 30 under the 6 six jacks, more on the low side jacks. IMO the less the jacks extended the more stable the coach felt.
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Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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07-30-2020, 06:48 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV
W
But the stabilizers alone aren't the answer to redicing the wobbles. We use X chocks on the wheels as well. They made much more difference than the factory stabilizers.
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I'll second that comment on the BAL X-Chocks. I got in a deal for two at nearly the price of one last fall. They make a huge difference. Although it's a short 25 foot trailer, I use both of them. More the merrier.
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2023 Cougar HT 23MLE
2020 F250 XLT CC 6.2 4WD
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07-30-2020, 06:53 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Henniker
Posts: 2,168
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We went a step further; BAL Extended X-Chocks and JT StrongArms
__________________
Rob & Amy
2019 Passport 240BH SL (current)
2024 Cougar 29BHL (Taking delivery 5/15/24)
2022 Ford F250 7.3L Godzilla Crew Cab FX4
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07-30-2020, 06:53 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Fort Thomas
Posts: 339
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I am having problems finding X chocks for a spread axle TT.
__________________
2020 Keystone Passport GT 2521RL 30 FT.
Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH 1000 LBS Bars.
2016 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4X4 All Terrain V8 5.3
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07-30-2020, 07:00 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobirds38
I am having problems finding X chocks for a spread axle TT.
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BAL makes two sizes. Check Amazon and Camping World.
__________________
2023 Cougar HT 23MLE
2020 F250 XLT CC 6.2 4WD
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07-30-2020, 07:04 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog
We went a step further; BAL Extended X-Chocks and JT StrongArms
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I installed the BAL version of the JT Strong arms on all four corners. One trip I was in a rush trying to set up the outside and beat the coming rain, I never locked the arms, just set the x-chocks. I realized this when we were packing up to leave a few days later and thought to myself that the trailer was still very stable. Funny what you discover by mistake.
__________________
2023 Cougar HT 23MLE
2020 F250 XLT CC 6.2 4WD
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07-30-2020, 07:06 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Fort Thomas
Posts: 339
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog
We went a step further; BAL Extended X-Chocks and JT StrongArms
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Where did you find your X-Chocks?
__________________
2020 Keystone Passport GT 2521RL 30 FT.
Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH 1000 LBS Bars.
2016 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4X4 All Terrain V8 5.3
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07-30-2020, 07:18 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Fort Thomas
Posts: 339
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill-2020
BAL makes two sizes. Check Amazon and Camping World.
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Thanks found them on Amazon.
__________________
2020 Keystone Passport GT 2521RL 30 FT.
Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH 1000 LBS Bars.
2016 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4X4 All Terrain V8 5.3
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07-30-2020, 07:35 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hemlock
Posts: 816
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We use 2-6x6 next to each other under each leg. Added a short section of ratchet strap as a handle. Secure with a screw and washer. Jacks are much more stable with less extension. That and X-Chocks took out most movement.
__________________
R.J. and Ginger
2019 Ram 3500 6.7 HO, Aisin Trans 3:73
Reese Goosebox
2019 Sandpiper 379FLOK
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07-30-2020, 08:20 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Milwaukie oregon
Posts: 119
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I use one stabilizer jack,on my port side,and one on my starboard side,less than half way down,most times,and it works well for me.
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07-31-2020, 02:48 AM
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#19
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Lafayette
Posts: 30
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I use a half cinder block with an orange lego on top at each corner. They have some weight but are easy to handle. I have plenty of ccc so the weight is not an issue for my set up.
https://www.menards.com/main/buildin...256-c-5647.htm
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2000 Flagstaff 227 (Bought Used 2018-Sold)
2016 Jayco X17Z (Bought Used 2018-Traded In)
2020 Springdale 202RD (Bought New 2020-Traded In)
2022 Prime Time Avenger 27DBS (Bought New 2022)
2021 Ford F250 XL 6.2L (Bought Used 2024)
Husky 32215 WDH
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07-31-2020, 05:04 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Northeast Florida/Southeast Maine
Posts: 784
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I use a dollar store cutting board beneath each of my orange lego block pads. I found the pads will sink into the ground, especially if the ground is wet from rain. The cutting boards provide more surface area for the legos to rest on and are not "hollowed out" so they resist sinking into the ground better while providing a good firm surface for the legos. Be sure to get cutting boards of sufficient thickness; if they're too thin they'll just warp and sink in (ask me how I know).
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Now: 2019 Winnebago 2500FL w/e2 WDH;Sold: 2015 Bullet Premier 19FBPR (shown)
2012 Ford F-250 Lariat Super Duty Crew Cab (gas 6.2 L, 3.73 gear ratio 2WD, 172" WB)
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