Forum Discussion

bdlaise's avatar
bdlaise
Explorer
May 28, 2014

Wobble Stopper

It pays to read the trailer life magazine. In the May 2014 edition I found this tip/modification in the 10 minute tech section submitted by two other RVers. I used the same materials. These things really do reduce the bounce and wobble in the trailer. They're easy to setup and didn't cost that much to make. The materials needed are two 8 ft 2x4s, two 10-to 14 ft cargo straps *get the ratcheting kind instead of the friction type, you'll get better tightness). Cut a 45 degree angle were the 2x4 meets the top side of the frame, then determine the proper length you'll need based on the height of your trailer to the ground. I cut a 30 degree angle on mine, but you can use a 45 or what ever angle best suits your needs. The drill holes through the 2x4s for eye bolts approximately 6 to 8 inches from the end closest to the ground. I opted to split the difference and place the eye bolt in the center or just off center (towards the ground end) to keep the cargo strap out of the dirt, and provide a uniform pressure against the frame and the ground. I stained and sealed mine, for looks and protect them against the weather. Like the others RVers noted these really do make a difference.





  • Interesting idea. Question though. I'm assuming you use the ratchet straps between the 2 eye bolts. When you tighten the strap, the support literally digs into the dirt (or pavement) and the other end presses upwards against the inside of your trailer frame. I see how that could make everything more stable.

    But, when you break camp, how hard is is to get those supports out-of-there? If they've dug into the ground, or wedged themselves on the asphalt or concrete, can you still break them free? Or do you have to raise the trailer end to free them?
  • Nvr2loud wrote:
    Bigbird65 wrote:
    I'm confused. Why would I want to add that stuff when the leveling jacks stabilize the trailer just fine for me? Must be something that I'm missing.


    My trailer wobbled a lot on the (4) corner A-type stab jacks. Enough wobble when any of my children or guests (our trailer often has 9 people inside)walked around in the middle of the night, it would wake me or my wife up.


    Since my trailer is only 22' I did not realize that long trailers had this problem. I understand now.
  • robsouth wrote:
    Much ado about nothing IMHO. I don't worry about a little wiggle. Different strokes.


    Unless you have my trailer, 9 people inside, and anyone waking up to use the bathroom at night wakes half the other people due to rocking of the whole trailer.
  • Bigbird65 wrote:
    I'm confused. Why would I want to add that stuff when the leveling jacks stabilize the trailer just fine for me? Must be something that I'm missing.


    My trailer wobbled a lot on the (4) corner A-type stab jacks. Enough wobble when any of my children or guests (our trailer often has 9 people inside)walked around in the middle of the night, it would wake me or my wife up.
  • Sounds like a nice, easy, and cheap fix!

    I would have loved making those, however I added scissor jacks right in front of my axles and right behind my axles and it works great too.
  • Long trailers will have more deflection mid-span than short ones causing more bounce because the suspension and tires are not ridgid support points. By adding the mid-span stabilizer you make a long beam 2 short ones and significantly reduce the bounce.

    This is a cool DIY solution that essentially the same as adding a 3rd set of stabilizers or a couple of jacks just ahead of the axles. People often have this stuff lying around the house so cost would be very little. Thanks for the contribution!
  • Much ado about nothing IMHO. I don't worry about a little wiggle. Different strokes.
  • Because on the longer trailer they move around a bit more than the smaller ones. That movement is very noticeable sometimes.

    I seen that tip also, just haven't gotten to it yet.
  • I'm confused. Why would I want to add that stuff when the leveling jacks stabilize the trailer just fine for me? Must be something that I'm missing.