Tripod stabilizer

[JAC1982]

For those of you who use tripod stabilizers, do you find it makes the inside feel less "shaky" when multiple people are in the camper?

Background on this, 2 weeks ago we were boondocking and had some friends staying on the bunks in the garage area of our 5th wheel toyhauler. When they moved around it shook the trailer pretty well up front where we were in the bedroom. It was 2 people, and neither is a heavy person, and it was just normal walking around, getting in/out of bed etc. We were parked in a dirt field, and have electronic leveling system, no other stabilizers.

I was thinking maybe a tripod might help things be a bit more stable so movements in the back don't rattle around the front so much. But... maybe not. Thoughts?

[magic43]

JT Strongarms for me.

[allen8106]

We had a tripod and it worked so-so. Better than not having anything. what really helped the most is the JT Strongarms I installed. Since I installed them I ditched the tripod stand.

[C_Schomer]

I used the aluminum telescoping legs from a 5K capacity OSHA deadman tripod and built a head that fits snuggly around the king pin. I put most of the front weight of the trailer on the tripod and not so much weight on the front legs. My rear stabilizers are very sturdy and the combination of everything makes my trailer rock solid. Craig

[larry_barnhart]

As I have said before because we sit for 6 months each winter we have the JT's and before installing them we had scrissor jacks installed just in front of the front tires. Plus the wind is not an issue for us.

chevman

[rhagfo]

Well spend your money wisely, tripods cost $125 to $150, and don’t work very well!
You can get JT Strongarms for about $225, well worth the extra $100!
PPL Morton Homes JT Strongarms

[FlatBroke]

Jump on the bandwagon, buy one, use one and sell one.

[Lexx]

We use a combination of Andersen Jack Blocks, Steadyfast Stabilizers, and a BAL kingpin tripod stabilizer. The trailer is now vastly more stabile.

The Jack Blocks allow us to level without extending the jack arms as much. This decreases the lever arm effect so there is less arm to deflect.

The Steadyfast is noticeable more so in the main room. While the rest of the trailer is much more stabile, I could still feel the rocking and rolling in the master bedroom.

The BAL kingpin tripod stabilizer has made a HUGE difference In stabilizing the master bedroom.
I suspect it is because of how much the master overhangs. The tripod stabilizer adds the sorely needed support.

We have triplet 8 yr old boys that run and jump. It no longer feels like we’re inside an old airplane in heavy turbulence.

[jdb7566]

If you have a rubber bushed pin box such as a Mor-Ryde, a tripod isn't much help, a non-bushed pin box works well, at least that has been my experience.

[Pipeman]

Had one, still have it. It's a memento and has been in the shed for more than a decade. I installed the steadyfast system and they work very well on my 35 ft 5er.

[kennethwooster]

We used one for 10years. Definitely helped. We had a 31 ft. cameo with the Big Foo I had t hyd. Stabilizers. Stabilizer helped. It only had 4 legs. Now we have a Beacon from Van Leigh. It has 6 legs. We don’t need the stabilizer any more

[JAC1982]

Thanks all! I'll look into those StrongArms, they look interesting. Of course the better option is the more expensive one 🙂

And yes, our rear stabilizer is just past the rear tires. The trailer still extends pretty far beyond there so it does make sense why it would move like it did when there's people back there. We don't often have people staying with us so that's good at least.

[JIMNLIN]

The pin stabilizer will only stabilize side to side motion at the trailers front and does nothing for the rear.

Since '03 I've used a aluminum bipod pin stabilizer that stops side to side movement up there. For the rear I use BAL telescoping stabilizer which stops all movement back there.

I use adjustable chocks between the tires that eliminate fore and aft movement.

Or JTs or other brands types work just as good.

[rhagfo]

N-Trouble wrote:
Only ones that like em havent used a good chassis stabilizer like Steadyfast or JT Strongarm

This is the way to go! We have the JT's and they are great.

PPL MH JT Strongarms

JT Strongarms Amazon

[amxpress]

When I use my tri-pod, I drop the front of the trailer down and load the tri-pod. It makes a different when moving around in front, a little when moving around in the rear of the trailer. If I adjust my Strongarms per the instructions and use my tripod, my trailer is very stable.