Forum Discussion

me2's avatar
me2
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016

Best way to stabilize a big 5er ? Hydraulic landing gear ?

We have a Chaparral 355. It has a complete bedroom in the back with a loft. We usually have 6 to 8 people in the trailer at night, usually 3 or 4 people sleeping in the back.

What is the best way to "stabilize" a big 5th wheel so that it doesn't shake or wiggle when someone moves in it ?

I've used a pin stand, which stabilizes the front of the trailer, but the back is still very prone to bouncing around.

Do wheel locks help ?

Do the hydraulic landing gear systems make the trailer very solid or do they allow it to wiggle too ?
  • me2's avatar
    me2
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2016
    So the hydraulic landing gear isn't better than the telescoping screw legs ?

    Would the landing gear from a larger trailer be more stable ?

    How about 4 jackstands with hydraulic jacks built into them ? Heavy and cumbersome, but stable ? I use 2 5 ton jackstands in the back of my trailer right now. Heavy, cumbersome and time consuming, but it stabilizes the back.

    Thanks for the replies.
  • klr650goldwing's avatar
    klr650goldwing
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2016
    This is a great question. I've tried many systems; all 'said' to 'stop' the wiggle. All help somewhat, but none remove the wiggle completely. Short of jacking the trailer up and placing concrete blocks under it, I don't believe the wiggle will be stopped. Reduced yes, totally stopped, no.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 11, 2016
    X2 on the JT Strongarm struts (or other similar systems). I used a king pin tripod the first year. Helped a little. Installed JTs the next year. Much, much better. Never used the tripod again.
  • stew47's avatar
    stew47
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2016
    i seriously need to look into that. when my kids run through the fiver moves a bunch

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