Forum Discussion

TravelinDog's avatar
TravelinDog
Explorer II
Jun 22, 2022

5th wheel front tripod

We're currently staying at an rv park and while walking around I notice out of 100+ 5ers 2 have what looks like a support tripod under the kingpin.
What is the purpose of it when you already have 4 or 6 jacks plus the tires on the ground?

30 Replies

  • Best is what someone has a pin box like this with a front pin stabilizer.

    One came with our CarriLite, gave it away.

  • There was a time when I thought this was important. Eventually my sea legs got adjusted to the movement and I don't care. I often skip the scissor jacks in the rear too. The tripod is long gone.
  • What is the purpose of it when you already have 4 or 6 jacks plus the tires on the ground?

    Jacks and tires won't make a stable trailer for folks like my self that may have a medical problem (motion sickness).
    Don't confuse jacks with stabilizers.

    Jacks can only lift so they may not stop side to side/fore and aft movement on some trailers.
    Same for tires in a rv trailer.

    The tri pod....or bi pod as I have, can only stop side to side movement at the front of the trailer.

    Why did those two use a tri pod ??? We can only guess.....but I assume they work for them.
  • TravelinDog wrote:
    We're currently staying at an rv park and while walking around I notice out of 100+ 5ers 2 have what looks like a support tripod under the kingpin.
    What is the purpose of it when you already have 4 or 6 jacks plus the tires on the ground?


    None whatsoever. :)
  • As long as my wife thinks it makes the rig more stable, it will be installed for any stay of more than one night.

    Why not??
  • I had one given to me and I couldn't tell any difference with or without. It was just one more thing to do when setting up and breaking camp.
  • I've tried one, and gave it away. Waste of money, did little, to no, good and a real pain to haul around. If you need a solid trailer, support the trailer with the wheels off the ground, or invest in JT Strongarms.
  • Our FW is rock solid and no bounce, if yours is like that then it's a waste of money, but if you need it, they work.