Forum Discussion

fugawi's avatar
fugawi
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2017

JT Strong Arm Stab. vs. 2 Addit. Front 30” Scissor Jacks

I have a 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5FBDS. I want to reduce the shake when people move around when parked with the landing gear and rear stabilizer jacks down. I was planning on JT Strong Arm stabilizers based on forum research.

I went to get the JT Strong Arm install done, and the tech suggested I instead consider two additional 30” scissor jacks, one mounted on each side near the front of the frame. The cost would be less, and he thought it would be better for the landing gear life.

He said the JT Strong Arm install would require installing an additional metal reinforcing plate in the middle so that the arms are not skewed coming from the landing gear to the bottom middle of the frame. He also said they have seen some issues with additional load being placed on landing gear causing landing gear failure related to JT Strong Arm. Last, there may be a conflict with the spare tire which is mounted on the bottom front of the trailer.

Any thoughts on using two new 30” scissor jacks bolted to the frame near the front, about 4’ back from the front, instead of the JT Strong Arm setup?

Thank you.
  • Grady23's avatar
    Grady23
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2017
    I put the system on mine and its VERY stable. I come in around 285 and it stops almost all movement in the rig. The only mounting problem I had was the rear attachment point on the frame. There wasn't one on my rig because of the pull-out bike mount. I welded a piece of 1 inch angle iron from side-to-side inside the frame and under the pull-out rack. I used 3/8 for overall strength. Once in place, it was simply a matter of drilling the holes and mounting the bracket. BTW-- The "tec Support" at Lippert was worthless -- PERIOD. Remember to paint with anti-rust for a lasting job.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Feb 12, 2017
    magic43 wrote:
    Each Strongarm forms a triangle which is the most rigid geometric design. A scissor jack alone is just another post with no brace.


    You can't beat a triangle for SOLID!

  • magic43's avatar
    magic43
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2017
    Each Strongarm forms a triangle which is the most rigid geometric design. A scissor jack alone is just another post with no brace.
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    Feb 11, 2017
    Learjet wrote:
    find a new tech, bad advice.


    Couldn't agree more! :)
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Feb 10, 2017
    The only thing I would even begin to believe is that the front mounted spare might cause interference if it extends near the bottom front edge of the trailer. That is where the mounting bracket for the front side to side stabilizers is installed. That could be accounted for, but might require fabricating a special bracket.

    The scissor jacks would do nothing to stop side to side or front to back movement. The JTs are an excellent addition and worth the money.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2017
    Colo Native wrote:
    I am in the process of putting on JT's now. The put the wrong swing bolts in the kit so I am waiting on that

    I had the same issue, the top part of the bolts needs to be flat not slightly domed. I needed to send pictures and have a call with their CS. I hope the have the replacement stock corrected.

    To the OP's question find a new Tech, both of my arms to the front legs are slightly skewed and work great. The only issue is it is harder now to raise the lower LG, I use a block and a couple foot stick for leverage. The 5er is rock solid with them!
  • firemedic1992's avatar
    firemedic1992
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2017
    Learjet wrote:
    find a new tech, bad advice.


    I agree, I have had the JT Strongarms on 2 trailers and they are fantastic!
  • Colo_Native's avatar
    Colo_Native
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2017
    I am in the process of putting on JT's now. The put the wrong swing bolts in the kit so I am waiting on that
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2017
    2 more scissor jacks won't do diddly to eliminate wiggle. Unless you get 4 of them and mount them near the wheels and lift the wheels off the ground. JT Strongarms work very well. They may not eliminate all the movement, but they will eliminate a lot of it. Now I can put my full cup of coffee on the table and not worry about it spilling if someone walks around.

    You need a new tech.

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