Every now and then I see a 5th wheeler with a tripod under the pin, apparently for added support. Does this really do anything? The trailer sits on the wheels, the landing gear and the rear levelers?
The "bi-pod" would actually do something--two legs jammed completely tight to the pin. The tripod with the little cup on top swiveling around can't stop lateral movement.
I used to have a tripod, but found it was too much trouble for very little gain. I guess if you were parked for a looooong time at a park it might be cost effective.
I just installed JT Strongarm stabilizers. What a huge difference! I will sell the tripod now.
If you are looking for an inexpensive solution to stabilizers, search homemade stabilizers. You can use ratcheting cargo bars and get very similar results!
Thanks for the many, quick replies. If it's not a major necessity, I don't think I'll spend the money, plus it's just something else to pack and unpack. Vacations are supposed to reduce your workload. :)
I've only seen one in use in many years of camping. That fellow said it did not do much, but he was using it because he had bought it but did not use it about as much as he did use it. When we had a 5th wheel, I never considered one. You will just have to decide for yourself it the minor "aid" is worth the bucks to you.
Works for some, not so much for others. Doesn't seem to work as well with tall, heavy 5th wheels. We got rid of ours, which did nothing, when we installed the JT Strongarms.