Forum Discussion

stifflej's avatar
stifflej
Explorer
Feb 28, 2017

Tripod on 5th wheel

I was wondering if those of you that use a tripod on the 5th wheel hitch to steady the camper what you think of them, does it work, is it worth the cost?

Thanks.

30 Replies

  • Fire19 wrote:
    We have one and use it every time we camp and we also have JT Strong Arms. When you have a Dog that likes to run in the camper you need everything you can to stop the movement. I would not be with out it and the JT Strong Arms.


    I'd sell the tripod and use the money to train my dog not to run in the trailer. :B:B:B:B:B

    Lyle
  • We have one and use it every time we camp and we also have JT Strong Arms. When you have a Dog that likes to run in the camper you need everything you can to stop the movement. I would not be with out it and the JT Strong Arms.
  • We used a tripod the 1st year. Helped a little. Installed JT Strongarm stabilizers. Much better. Managed to sell the $120 tripod for $40.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    I have one and used it to protect my head from the pin when walking under the front, didn't do much to stop the shake.
    Last fall got a great deal on a set of JT Strong Arms from Camping World and all I can say is WOW!!
    We now have as close to zero shake as possible.

  • On our 38ft 5th wheel the tripod makes the front bedroom area more stable. Here's my test- before I put the tripod in place I push on the side of the 5th wheel at the bedroom area. I am able to cause the front of the fifth to rock just a little. Once I install the tripod and put weight on it I can't make the front of the 5th wheel rock.

    Keep in mind that I built the tripod using square steel tubing and other parts I had laying around. It is strong enough that I can support the entire weight of the front of the 5th wheel which has come in handy a couple of times when I needed to work on the landing gear.
  • I put BAL stabilizer arms on my prior TH and my current rig came with JT Strongarms. Big difference when they are 'engaged' and something I would continue to have. Set up takes seconds and they were easy to install. They might be a better option than having the tripod you have to store, etc.
  • I've used one since I started this 7 year road trip and notice a difference when I don't.
  • We had it for our 40' bunk house. To us didn't seem to do anything so stored it in our garage.

    Bought a new 42' front livingroom and didn't use it the first two trips and noticed a lot of movement.
    Used on the next trip and noticed it cut down on a lot of the movement.

    We like ours and we'll keep using it.
  • fj12ryder wrote:
    Tried one, got rid of it after a few uses. Not worth the money or the hassle of hauling it around. JMO of course.


    Although I have never used one, many others on this forum, have stated the same as above. Some offed to give theirs away, just to get rid of them.

    Jerry
  • Tried one, got rid of it after a few uses. Not worth the money or the hassle of hauling it around. JMO of course.