Forum Discussion

jornvango's avatar
jornvango
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2017

Stable-lift ?

We are considering having a stable-lift system installed on our 2014 Livin Lite 8.6 truck camper. Since we love to boondock on public lands, we are looking for a solution that will allow us to easily remove the truck camper while we are camping on uneven/unstable ground. The 4 wobbly jacks on our TC are too scary for us to use in these circumstances, but we do love to have the truck available for exploring while boondocking. We are currently considering trading in the TC for a travel trailer for this very reason. Obviously, installing a stable-lift will be cheaper than the money we would lose on trading in the TC and buying a travel trailer.

Does anyone have the Stable-lift system and if yes, how is the performance on uneven ground?
How about taking it off on forest land, desert ... does it sink in case of heavy rains?

Regarding potential negatives of the product: I'm aware of the difficulty to install (while reading up on the product); I would find a shop to install them. I'm also aware of the reduced ground clearance.

Thanks,

Jorn
  • Reddog1 wrote:
    It is unfortunate, but it all probability the majority of the posts on this thread will be negative made by members who have never had a Stable Lift. Never having had a lift sure would bring up a lot of reasonable questions. Never having had a lift really does not put much validity in conclusions.

    I have had a lift since 2005, and had to remove it last year due to changing to a DRW truck. I may offer some experiences with my lift later today, depending on how the thread goes.

    Wayne


    I read the OP's post carefully. The OP was concerned with the 'wobbly jacks" on uneven ground. I don't see how a Stable Lift would help with that, especially if the ground is uneven or sloped. Maybe I'm missing something. I can see them used on a flat surface but not in the woods or ground thats uneven.

    Why I said to lower the unit as far as possible on the jacks and make sure the jack to camper mounts ate tight. You never want to use a TC with the jacks extended unless you like being seasick from the sway...

    I'm not negative or positive, I just don't understand the OP's post, which is why I commented confused.
  • Reddog1 wrote:
    It is unfortunate, but it all probability the majority of the posts on this thread will be negative made by members who have never had a Stable Lift. Never having had a lift sure would bring up a lot of reasonable questions. Never having had a lift really does not put much validity in conclusions.


    In other words, it's like almost every other thread. :)
  • It is unfortunate, but it all probability the majority of the posts on this thread will be negative made by members who have never had a Stable Lift. Never having had a lift sure would bring up a lot of reasonable questions. Never having had a lift really does not put much validity in conclusions.

    I have had a lift since 2005, and had to remove it last year due to changing to a DRW truck. I may offer some experiences with my lift later today, depending on how the thread goes.

    Wayne
  • I have no doubt that Stabile Lift does what it's designed to do if you don't hate the look. But, I can't see how it would work at different heights for each jack either. Better to lower the conventional jacks on blocks or stall mat squares.

    I'm not saying it is typical, but sometimes the ground isn't very level even at campgrounds. In Yellowstone's Bridge Bay campground in one space, I had a different number of blocks under each tire to level the camper. I'm not sure how that would work with Stabile Lift, but it seems like it would either be unlevel or put a lot of twist in the system.

    As far as fear of collapsing goes, anything can break.
  • I've had the system on two campers. Absolutely loved it! the ONLY issue i had, had more to do with where I lived, a block from the Oregon Coast. That issue was rust. When I lived in the valley, it was completely rust free. Without a doubt, it was worth every penny and then some. On both occasions, I went to Montana and had the maker do the install. Again, wonderful experience.

    There was so much adjustability, it was like cheating vs the dumb jacks that were scarey as hell when raising and lowering a 4000+ lb camper. Being able to drop her in a minute with zero regard for any fear of jacks collapsing, was priceless. The system doesn't care if your un level, it will compensate for it when you simply alter your raising from a particular side. I believe they used to say 70mph winds filly extended was what they rated it at.
  • His questions seem pretty clear to me:

    Does anyone have the Stable-lift system and if yes, how is the performance on uneven ground?
    How about taking it off on forest land, desert ... does it sink in case of heavy rains?


    Can't answer the first question but looking at the system to me it doesn't look like it would work well on uneven ground.

    On the second question, common sense would say "no worse than jacks" because the stabil-lift system puts more square inches on the ground.
  • My lift has never been affected by strong winds as much as it has been with conventional jacks. This is especially true if you put the three stabilizers on it.

    Wayne
  • There are some reviews online if you Google stable lift,,explaining pro and con..
    Only negative I see,
    it leaves TC very high of the ground when off the truck which can make it being easily knocked over in strong winds,,??
  • I don't quite understand your dilemma. While I'm not familiar with your TC, Most TC's can be used off the truck with certain precautions. That being, you need to lower the camper down on the jacks as close to the ground as possible. You never want the jacks extended because they are wobbly extended, however, they aren't when retracted (so long as the mounts are tight) (you have checked them haven't you)?

    far as sinking in, I carry 4 wood planks 8" x 4" x 1" thick to put under each pad. so they don't sink and I too camp almost always off the beaten path, in the woods, on, uneven ground.

    One thing you need to do is check your owners manual or call the manufacturer to see if your unit can be used off truck. Most can, but some cannot.