Forum Discussion
Huntindog
Aug 17, 2016Explorer
Old-Biscuit wrote:Huntindog wrote:
It depends on which power jacks you have.
The Lipperts (and at least one other knockoff) adjust automatically to uneven ground and maintain equal pressure between the two legs. This can be an advantage when boondocking as the legs will settle/sink into the ground. More so if it rains. This settling is usually not equal from one leg to another. The equal pressure of the Lipperts keeps this settling from racking the frame.
If you install the BAL locking mechanisim it will defeat the equal pressure feature.
If you camp on concrete or asphalt pads, then this is not a concern.
If you boondock, it is something to be aware of
I boondock a lot and always in unimproved sites. So I would rather keep the equal pressure feature.
If you choose to install it, and sometimes camp off the beaten path, you can simply not engage the locking struts.
You lock the struts in place AFTER stabilizer jacks are extended and snug. No change in how the jacks deploy/adjust to uneven ground
What I am talking about is the settling that occurs after setup.
With the old style jacks, this settling was often uneven resulting in sticking doors and a bathroom door that would not latch.
It was usually a lot worse when it rained after setup.
With the new jacks, settling still occurs, but even pressure is maintained... So no racking of the frame and the resulting door problems.
You are correct that this feature does allow some side to side movement. It is a trade off. When it gets annoying, I know its time to tighten up the jacks as they have settled. A quick touch on the buttons and all is good.
As I said, you can have the best of both worlds. Use the locking struts when on solid surface, and don't use it when on a surface that can settle.
About Travel Trailer Group
44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025