Lippert Electric Stabs

Question

Just an observation....These came on the TT from the factory. When setting up on uneven ground they're designed to rock side to side to compensate for it.But - this same feature also allows the TT to rock side to side (or roll) when moving around inside it or getting in and out. The system isn't as stable as having individual manual stabs on each corner. I think I'm going to try putting a jackstand under the frame on each side near the axle and see if this helps.I wish there was a way to lock the pivoting mechanism after the TT was all set up.

huntindog · Answer

mbopp wrote:Just an observation....These came on the TT from the factory. When setting up on uneven ground they're designed to rock side to side to compensate for it.But - this same feature also allows the TT to rock side to side (or roll) when moving around inside it or getting in and out. The system isn't as stable as having individual manual stabs on each corner. I think I'm going to try putting a jackstand under the frame on each side near the axle and see if this helps.I wish there was a way to lock the pivoting mechanism after the TT was all set up.They are NOT designed the way you are thinking.I had the misfortune of taking mine apart to straighten out an oops of mine. I learned quite a bit about how they work. Will post later, as it's involved and I'm out of time.

brulaz · Answer

For whatever reason they do tend to rock from side to side a bit.

Most of our side-to-side motion comes from people entering /exiting the trailer. The steps stick way out from the side. So I've put jacks under the last step; they help quite a bit.

Perhaps jack stabilizers going across the trailer would help also: JT's Strongarm

Have already reduced up/down motion by strengthening the arms so I can really tighten them up without bending them.

Have reduced the front to back motion with between wheel chocks.

ron3rd · Answer

We've got the same stabs on our new trailer as the OP and notice the same thing.  I prefer the manual crank down stabs.

huntindog · Answer

The Lippert system makes it impossible to rack the frame. The "C" channel cross piece rides inside a slightly larger "C" channel. When the first leg hits the ground, it stops lowering and the motor continues running while the inner channel , motor and screw drive slide inside the larger channel, and the opposing leg lowers until it hits the ground. Both legs then raise together maintaining equal pressure between them. This system is IMO the best available. While it is not perfectly stable, it is VERY good. Much better than the other older systems. The original screw jackstand jacks are of course the most stable, but they do have drawbacks in ease of use. Especially when boondocking on soft ground which often requires restabilizing every day or two

If the steps are causing movement, it is likely frame flex. The steps do impart a LOT of force due the the leverage they have.
Adding jacks just in front of the wheels, will have a big impact on it.

myredracer · Answer

We have the electric stab jacks and they don't do the greatest of jobs of "stabilizing". After spending all that extra money for them, you can add BAL Lock-arm stabilizing braces, jack stands in each corner and/or bottle jacks (or jack stands) next to the axles.

Take a look at the stab jacks while someone walks up the steps into your unit. You will be surprised how much they flex. Personally, I think they could do a better job of designing these things...

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Lippert Electric Stabs

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