How much pressure/torque on "stabilization" jacks?

I've used a drill to lower and retract my stabilizers for many years and my method always work. Lower the stabilizers until they hit the ground and then raise them until the camper raises about 1 inch maximum at that corner. Works every time.

First the following is not applicable for the normal stabilier jacks since IMO they are not only ineffective, but at the wrong positions for proper trailer stabilization. My trailer came with the typical stabilizer jacks at each corner, but I was so disappointed in their performance over what I had been using for the last 25 years on my previous trailer I switched back to that time proven system of the old style "screw" type jackstands. I also experimented on the best location and for my trailer found that was approx 6 to 8 feet in front and back of each axle. For me the short answer is approx. 300 to 400lbs on each jackstand, but that will vary depending on the location of the "support" and the specifics of the trailer. I used my sherline tongue scale to measure the force on the jackstands. This "support" effectively removes the trailer bounce/sway/wiggle from both the tires and the torflex type axles used on my trailer.

The only way to set them is by using the tongue jack and in my case means dropping the front of the trailer approx 2 to 3 inches, putting in the rear supports hand snug then raising the trailer approx 1 to 2 inches past level the putting in the front supports hand snug. This results in an approx 1 inch high front to back attitude on my trailer. If I need to retighten them I just raise the front somemore and only reset the front ones which results in a little less front up attitude to the trailer.

Larry

All I can say is that I "snug them up". Plus the leverage varies as to how far up they are so one single torque won't work anyway. I think I lift things about 1/2".

There can be an issue of lifting the tires all the way off- don't do that, but then again, that's never been an issue for me.

It is an RV. The 'V' stands for Vehicle. Vehicles are on wheels which are mounted to springs. Springs have a tendancy to, well, spring. It is not a house. Stabilizers do just that. They stabilise, somewhat. There will always be some jiggle & shake. Get used to it.

Put blocks under the stabizers & snug them up. If on dirt snug them up again after they have settled the next day.

At least it is not like a boat at anchor where there is always movement & there is not a thing that can be done about it.

Folks often overlook the settling of the stabilizers over a few days when on softer surfaces. I put mine down snug and then snug them up again the next morning or sometimes before bed (if we are not on pavement or concrete)..

I installed the cross stabilizers Old Biscuit showed in the picture on my previous 5er, it look 95% of the wiggle out of it. Took them off when I sold it and will install them on our new one when it warms up and stops raining in the wet side of Oregon.

AFTER leveling the trailer, I run the jacks down snug and add one-half turn. I recheck my wheel chocks and stabilizers several hours later after the tires cool down. The tires have shrunk slightly with cooler air in them so the chocks are usually loose. The ground & blocks under the jacks may have compressed and I sometimes add 1/4 turn to the jacks.

Wiggle

Between tires wheel chocks......X-chocks
Stop the wheel motion fore & aft

Additional stabilizer jacks between front and rear ones


SteadyFast lateral supports

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Stabilizing jacks will not take the 'bounce' out.......that is due to tires and suspension still on ground. (jack under frame at wheels will)

OK, bounce is bad term maybe should be wiggle?

I never thought about using tongue jack to set other jacks. Good idea.

Stabilizing jacks will not take the 'bounce' out.......that is due to tires and suspension still on ground. (jack under frame at wheels will)

I run front of trailer down (below level), set rear stabilizers snug and then run front of trailer up to level.

They stay UP while traveling cause no one is turning jack screw.......friction.