Fifthwheel supports
What is the best tripod support for a fifthwheel hutch?
Forum Discussion
Most of the weight of a trailer rests on the wheels - I.e. the flexible suspension of the axle. It is designed to allow movement while towing, and of course that allows movement when parked.
The only way to stop movement is to get weight off the wheels and transfer that weight to something that does not move. However, that only stops movement primarily of an up/ down axis.
There is also front/back movement and side to side movements which impact stability.
Tripods provide some lessening of front to back pivoting over the axles. For a tripod to add stability significant weight has to be on the tripod, and a similar weight must also be carried on some supports at or near the back of the trailer/ 5er.
Between the wheel chocks, supports under the steps, cross brace systems like JT all help.
It is a balance that each person has to achieve for their own personal taste/ comfort. How much time and money do you want to spend to achieve your personal level of comfort.
Even rigs with automatic leveling systems usually have between the wheel chocks, under the stairs support and some JT type cross bracing on the landing gear.
I see less than 1/4 of 5ers with tripods, so it appears to me that most people don’t bother with them.
Don’t spend any money on a tripod until you have camped without one. Talk to other 5er owners with and without them. Ask folks withtripods if you and walk into their rig and check the stability.
The only way to stop movement is to get weight off the wheels and transfer that weight to something that does not move. However, that only stops movement primarily of an up/ down axis.
There is also front/back movement and side to side movements which impact stability.
Tripods provide some lessening of front to back pivoting over the axles. For a tripod to add stability significant weight has to be on the tripod, and a similar weight must also be carried on some supports at or near the back of the trailer/ 5er.
Between the wheel chocks, supports under the steps, cross brace systems like JT all help.
It is a balance that each person has to achieve for their own personal taste/ comfort. How much time and money do you want to spend to achieve your personal level of comfort.
Even rigs with automatic leveling systems usually have between the wheel chocks, under the stairs support and some JT type cross bracing on the landing gear.
I see less than 1/4 of 5ers with tripods, so it appears to me that most people don’t bother with them.
Don’t spend any money on a tripod until you have camped without one. Talk to other 5er owners with and without them. Ask folks withtripods if you and walk into their rig and check the stability.
