Now that our 5th wheel has been totaled the wife and I are out shopping for a new rig. We are planning on taking a step back and getting a nice TT which fits our needs. We've found on we like, however it does not have Power Stabilizers. I'd like to see about having them added. Is that even a reasonable request, doable? To be clear, I'm willing to pay for the upgrade, but without having to order a new model, is it something that can be reasonably added onto?

thirtydaZe wrote:Now that our 5th wheel has been totaled the wife and I are out shopping for a new rig. We are planning on taking a step back and getting a nice TT which fits our needs. We've found on we like, however it does not have Power Stabilizers. I'd like to see about having them added. Is that even a reasonable request, doable? To be clear, I'm willing to pay for the upgrade, but without having to order a new model, is it something that can be reasonably added onto?They can be added but before you do, try shaking a trailer with the stabilizers deployed. I'll just keep my manual jacks.

Lynnmor wrote:thirtydaZe wrote:Now that our 5th wheel has been totaled the wife and I are out shopping for a new rig. We are planning on taking a step back and getting a nice TT which fits our needs. We've found on we like, however it does not have Power Stabilizers. I'd like to see about having them added. Is that even a reasonable request, doable? To be clear, I'm willing to pay for the upgrade, but without having to order a new model, is it something that can be reasonably added onto?They can be added but before you do, try shaking a trailer with the stabilizers deployed. I'll just keep my manual jacks.What are you using to put the manuals up and down, power drill and a bit?

a good cordless drill and a socket adapter with the correct size socket will make quick work of a manual jack Socket Adapter

My '17 Laredo has the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 auto levelers. Is this what you are talking about or is it just electric stabilizers you want? I had the electric stabilizers on a StarCraft unit I had before and while they were OK they were no different in taking the wiggle out of the trailer than the manual ones were really.The new Laredo with the auto leveling system is rock solid when deployed. I like it although it can be a bit temperamental at times I have always managed to get level. There is a difference between the 2 so be sure the dealer understands exactly what you are talking about.

My current TT has electric stabilizers and I prefer the manual ones because they are quicker to deploy with a cordless drill. The electric ones that I have seem to take forever while standing in an awkward semi-stooped position to hold the switch.

Having Power Stabilizers Added | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

sgfrye
Explorer
Apr 22, 2019
both of the 2 Travel Trailers we have owned (still own 2nd) have electric stabilizers not levelers. they were factory installed so we use them. i would be just as happy with manual. my wife always wants to help me setup the camper when we arrive at campground so they are convenient for her.... just push the button. i usually have to remind her to wait until i get TT level though... they have an easy hand crank overide if they fail to operate.
nickthehunter
Nomad III
Apr 22, 2019
beemerphile1 wrote:
thirtydaZe wrote:
Snomas wrote:
I use a a portable drill and socket. Takes 5 minutes to stableze the TT. I sure don't see the need for anything more than that unless you are pure lazy. I owned a DP for 15 years w/ automatic jacks and are absolutely necessary on 35K lb unit, but on a 4K TT not necessary. IMHO

what about an 11k TT?

Doesn't matter, you aren't lifting it, you are stabilizing it.
That's a good point, because depending on what trailer you are installing this on, it is probably designed to be stabilized on the four corners, but may not be able to be "leveled" from the four corners. Lift the wheels on one side off the ground and you could bend the frame. That's an important distinction, although your title says "stablize" your posts seem to me to hint your talking about "leveling". Big difference.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Apr 21, 2019
thirtydaZe wrote:
Snomas wrote:
I use a a portable drill and socket. Takes 5 minutes to stableze the TT. I sure don't see the need for anything more than that unless you are pure lazy. I owned a DP for 15 years w/ automatic jacks and are absolutely necessary on 35K lb unit, but on a 4K TT not necessary. IMHO

what about an 11k TT?

Doesn't matter, you aren't lifting it, you are stabilizing it.
thirtydaZe
Nomad
Apr 19, 2019
Snomas wrote:
I use a a portable drill and socket. Takes 5 minutes to stableze the TT. I sure don't see the need for anything more than that unless you are pure lazy. I owned a DP for 15 years w/ automatic jacks and are absolutely necessary on 35K lb unit, but on a 4K TT not necessary. IMHO

what about an 11k TT?
Snomas
Explorer
Apr 17, 2019
I use a a portable drill and socket. Takes 5 minutes to stableze the TT. I sure don't see the need for anything more than that unless you are pure lazy. I owned a DP for 15 years w/ automatic jacks and are absolutely necessary on 35K lb unit, but on a 4K TT not necessary. IMHO
Huntindog
Explorer
Apr 12, 2019
thirtydaZe wrote:
Thanks for your input. When we had TTs prior to getting into 5th wheels they all had electric stabilizer jacks. It was just what i had come to expect. I was a bit shocked when this one didnt come with them. Perhaps its actually for the better afterall.

Not really. Though they like all stabilizers have shortcomings. Having had both, I much prefer the Lippert power ones.
They have one very important advantage over the manual ones.
They maintain equal pressure on the legs at all times.
This means that racking of the frame is impossible!
No more sticking doors.... EVER!
With today's lightweight frames, this is more important than ever.
Yes they go down slower than using a power drill/manuals. but since the button lowers two legs at once, it is pretty much a wash speed wise... And not racking the frame is a HUGE deal.
Doing this after the fact though is an expensive proposition. Likely over a thousand dollars. It is much cheaper to get them already installed on a new unit.

Still, I will not ever own a TT with manual stabilizers again.
thirtydaZe
Nomad
Apr 12, 2019
Thanks for your input. When we had TTs prior to getting into 5th wheels they all had electric stabilizer jacks. It was just what i had come to expect. I was a bit shocked when this one didnt come with them. Perhaps its actually for the better afterall.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Apr 12, 2019
thirtydaZe wrote:

What are you using to put the manuals up and down, power drill and a bit?

Yep, that is what I use. I added a third pair of jacks just in front of the axles to reduce frame flex and it still takes little time to stabilize.
WayneAt63044
Explorer
Apr 12, 2019
My current TT has electric stabilizers and I prefer the manual ones because they are quicker to deploy with a cordless drill. The electric ones that I have seem to take forever while standing in an awkward semi-stooped position to hold the switch.
ken56
Explorer
Apr 11, 2019
My '17 Laredo has the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 auto levelers. Is this what you are talking about or is it just electric stabilizers you want? I had the electric stabilizers on a StarCraft unit I had before and while they were OK they were no different in taking the wiggle out of the trailer than the manual ones were really.

The new Laredo with the auto leveling system is rock solid when deployed. I like it although it can be a bit temperamental at times I have always managed to get level. There is a difference between the 2 so be sure the dealer understands exactly what you are talking about.