Stabilizer Jacks

I have both. You still need to use wood or something under the tires to level the trailer side to side. The electric or manual stabilizer jacks won't do it.

Folks talk about frame flex, but that's not really a big reason why trailers still shake after the stabilizers are down.

The main reason is that almost all the trailer weight still sits on the springs. Those things designed to allow the trailer frame to move and avoid road shocks.

If you look at leveling jack systems on Class A, Class C, fifth wheels - you will see that the main jacks are close to the axles. The way those systems level and stabilize those rigs is to get weight off the springs/ suspension.

Adding one manual scissor jack to my TT on each side just behind the rear axle has done more than anything to minimize trailer shaking while we are moving around inside. My 5 ton scissor jacks lift the frame about three inches.

I also have BAL extenders on the rear stabilizers which prevent the side to side and front to back movement inherent in those type stabilizers.

Electric stabilizers look like they put the pressure near the ends of the trailer. But if you take a good look at where the weight is actually held - it is very close to the trailer centerline. Which of course enhances side to side movement of the trailer on the springs. Electric stabilizers will seem to increase movement if a person is uses to four manual scissor jacks on the corners.

However, electric stabilizers will speed your setup/ teardown time a little bit.

(PS - one thing I did after I got this TT was to use the manual backup cranks raise/ lower the rig. On the stabilizers, on the tongue jack and the slides. Just to be sure I knew how to do it, how it felt, and how much effort it took. Did that on the dealer lot after the PDI with the techs watching.)

I'm never buying another rig without an electric or hydraulic leveling system.

Enjoy having both be electric. Keep in mind that stabilizer jacks are only for helping with the rocking motion of the TT and are not used to level.

I would never have a TT without electric stabilizers, I like the button better then the crank. Some people pick up the front and rear of the trailer so far that the middle bounces when you move inside. You only need to stabilize the trailer, not pick it up.

As stated a yes on the tongue power jack but having had both power and manual stabilizers I think the manual do a better job. I would never order a TT with power stabilizers and wouls delete them for manual on my next rig. I also always add a manual one in front of the front tire to eliminate the mid-frame bounce. Adding the BAL stabilizer bars to the stabilizers makes a world of difference too.

Power tongue jacks are great. I'll never have power stabalizers. Too many problems. Manual stabilizers and an electric \ battery operated drill is much better. Just my oppenion.

I have both powered and love them both. I see no reason to avoid them. There are manual overrides for each in case of failures. Until them, I enjoy the push of a switch when I'm setting up camp in the rain, or 90+ degree days.

mikemc53 wrote:
OK, we are getting very close to purchasing our first travel trailer in over 20 years. Had a few small to mid-size trailers and 1 pop up, in the past but nothing for quite some time now. Kind of have things narrowed down between a few makes/models (Flagstaff Classic Super-Lite, Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite, Jayco Jayflight) and it will be in the 32-36 ft range. I will be asking a lot of questions going forward, I'm sure, but for now I am just curious about stabilizing jacks.

Most of the units we have looked at have power jacks (stabilizer and tongue) and I was just wondering about everyone's experience with leveling and stabilizing a travel trailer. I did it in the old days with floor jacks and jack stands but not sure how these newer methods work, or if they actually do, as compared to manual scissor jacks.

All thoughts and advice appreciated.

Thanks.

As mentioned power tongue jacks are great and I could not stabilize my trailer w/o one. As far as the power stabilizer jacks, I personally would never have them for two reasons ... 1) I thing putting something electric down in that harsh road envioronment is nuts and most importantly 2)IMO they are useless for really stabilizing a trailer as are again IMO all these OEM provided stabilizer systems.

Larry

Powered tongue jacks are the bomb, powered stabilizers can be hit or miss. Of those listed I like the Flagstaff/Rockwood better