5th wheel front tripod

[TravelinDog]

We're currently staying at an rv park and while walking around I notice out of 100+ 5ers 2 have what looks like a support tripod under the kingpin.
What is the purpose of it when you already have 4 or 6 jacks plus the tires on the ground?

[Thermoguy]

I use mine if staying in the same place for more than a couple nights. I don't have a 6 point leveling system, just the landing gear and 2 cheap scissor jacks in the back. We still have movement, but it works, you can tell the difference. It came with the RV so why not use it.

[TravelinDog]

Thanks for all the responses guys, I was just curious.
General consensus = waste of $$.

[StirCrazy]

valhalla360 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
All jacks on ground the wheels do not bounce. YES the RV can have some lateral movement. MobileSuites rams have a 5 degree slant out at the bottom helping with this. All six jacks on the ground along with my boxes under each jack my 24k RV is VERY stable.

Assuming a relatively long trailer with 4 stabilizers on the corner, the frame will flex enough in the center that you can feel it. This is why many of the larger trailers have gone to the 6 stabilizer approach. It puts one close to the axles to stop that flexing.

actualy there are measurments on weather you need 4 or 6 from the maker of ground control. surprising enough mine measures long enough for 6 (39.5 feet) but only had 4 and its rock solid.

[TXiceman]

We tried one for a time and finally decided it was not worth the effort. I tried to sell it but wound up giving it away to a noobie to try out.

Ken

[Puddles]

With the cheap lightweight frames that are now installed by manufactures, I think any support you put under the pin can only help when you're using the trailer while unhooked.

[Michelle_S]

MORryde now sells a unit similar to that Valterra unit, but inserts into the rear Receiver Hitch

[fj12ryder]

Just an aside: we use the back ramp door as a patio quite frequently and since the rear jacks of the 6 point level system is just to the rear of the tires, there is a fair amount of movement when we're back on the "patio". We got one of those Valterra stabilizers: Valterra Stabilizer . While they look really chintzy, they do an admirable job of taking the movement out when we're back on the "patio".

[valhalla360]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
All jacks on ground the wheels do not bounce. YES the RV can have some lateral movement. MobileSuites rams have a 5 degree slant out at the bottom helping with this. All six jacks on the ground along with my boxes under each jack my 24k RV is VERY stable.

Assuming a relatively long trailer with 4 stabilizers on the corner, the frame will flex enough in the center that you can feel it. This is why many of the larger trailers have gone to the 6 stabilizer approach. It puts one close to the axles to stop that flexing.

[StirCrazy]

my old 5th I had one and it helped but it had the rear stabalizer jacks like the cheep campers had 15 years ago. my new 5th has the auto leavling system, so more heavy duity linera jacks front and rear and is pretty much rock solid when set up. the tripod worked on my old 5th but the new one it didnt make a difference. so it got given away. if your back end is solid but the bedroom area moves you have other issues.

Steve

[Cummins12V98]

All jacks on ground the wheels do not bounce. YES the RV can have some lateral movement. MobileSuites rams have a 5 degree slant out at the bottom helping with this. All six jacks on the ground along with my boxes under each jack my 24k RV is VERY stable.

[valhalla360]

We used to have one and it helped but it was a hassle for shorter stays as you would have to pull it out and then store it.

A bit more expensive but the JT strongarms (or clones) are more effective and less effort.

As to why:
- Wheels are on springs, so they will still allow bouncing.
- Simple vertical stablizers can only provide resistance to vertical motion. Side to side and front to back motion is unchecked. Adding a device that resists side to side and front to back will take a lot more of the motion out.

PS: As much as people like to claim rock solid, there will always be a little movement.

[BB_TX]

larry barnhart wrote:
You didn't want the tripod I tried to give you so after your comment was put it out front and have a FREE sign it was gone the 2nd night.

chevman retired from Rving again

Back when they were more popular I set mine out front of the trailer with $60 sign on it. Sold in an hour. And still lost half my money.

With basic front jacks and rear stabilizers they help a little. Emphasize little. Sold mine when I installed JT Strongarms.

[ACZL]

ford truck guy wrote:
They are great to support a flag pole under.. Thats it

I could think of cheaper flagpole holders! LOL

RE: the question about supporting the front end in the event of front leg failure, the tri-pod would be toasted! I agree w/ others on this point.

You want stability and don't have 6pt level up, go w/ JT Strongarms

[mooky_stinks]

I used to have one years ago before automatic levelers. It did seem to help some but it’s long gone now.