Forum Discussion

SUMRX4's avatar
SUMRX4
Explorer
Nov 05, 2021

Question about unit stabilization

Just purchased my first 5th wheel. 42' KZ front living. Well I had been curious how sturdy it would be with those hydraulic jacks. After all it's just one point straight down with no lateral support. I didn't notice that big of an issue with it shaking but wife brought it up. I know I can add blocks under the jacks and the shorter they end up the more support they would have but I'm wondering what else I can do? I realize a 42' camper on a few stabilizers isn't going to be rock solid but just curious if there is any suggestions out there. I have never owned a set but would the scissor type locks that fit between the tires help? I have heard they help on smaller TTs but I'm not sure on this application.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 05, 2021
    Do you have "strong arms" or similar?

    Blocks will help a little but not drastically. You need something to stop fore & aft and side to side movement.

    Also, at 40ft, do you have stabilizers near the middle? The axles are designed to flex as you go down the road, so they provide marginal ability to stop the middle from flexing as people walk around. Most big 5ers have the landing gear plus 4 stabilizers.
  • SUMRX4's avatar
    SUMRX4
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    Yes I have landing gear and 4 jacks. Two each in front and behind the axles. That's all it currently has and I'm looking for some extra stabilization.
    What are "strong arms"?
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    Nov 05, 2021
    SUMRX4 wrote:
    Yes I have landing gear and 4 jacks. Two each in front and behind the axles. That's all it currently has and I'm looking for some extra stabilization.
    What are "strong arms"?


    These:
    J T Strongarms

    Had them on my last 5th wheel. Made it rock solid.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 05, 2021
    SUMRX4 wrote:
    Yes I have landing gear and 4 jacks. Two each in front and behind the axles. That's all it currently has and I'm looking for some extra stabilization.
    What are "strong arms"?


    Google: JT strong arms.

    There are other brands that do the same thing but they form a triangular braces, so they resist the side to side and fore & aft movement.

    You can do a tripod on the kingpin and it helps but not nearly as much.
  • schlep1967's avatar
    schlep1967
    Nomad
    Nov 05, 2021
    If you are getting movement it is likely because there is still support being provided by the suspension. Lower the jacks a little more so they are holding more of the weight.
  • lostdog's avatar
    lostdog
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    When we are going to be set for awhile I put down all 6 jacks really hard, to the point that the wheels are just touching the ground. These hydraulic jacks are very strong, My four rear jacks are 4000lb capable each and the front 2 are rated at 6000lb. That's a total of 28000lbs of capability. When we are set up that way the only time we may feel some motion when in our rig is when the washer is spinning. ah but I'm sure somebody will chime in and say you can't put that much weight on those jacks.
  • SUMRX4's avatar
    SUMRX4
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2021
    We are headed out again next weekend. After the auto level sequence I will run each down a tad more and see it that helps.
    I looked at the strong arms but Didn't see any with hardware to mount to the round hydraulic jacks. Just the square electric jacks. Am I missing something?
  • TravelinDog's avatar
    TravelinDog
    Explorer II
    Nov 05, 2021
    I have a 39 ft Cougar 5th wheel that we just brought home. After unhooking it from the truck, chocked the wheels and let the auto leveling system do it's job. There is absolutely zero movement front to back or laterally.

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