Help me pick a stabilization system

[Re_and_Cheryl]

Well the wife wants me to do something about the amount of movement out new 36' Coachmen has. Our old Prowler had a lot too, but she didn't want to put money into that as we knew it was a temporary step when we bought it.

I've been doing some research and most say kingpin supports do little to nothing and suck up storage room. The leading stabilization units I have found are the JT strong arm and the Steady Fast system. Both seem to accomplish stabilization the same way but the Steady Fast only braces on one front and one rear jack, it's also more expensive.

Looking for your thoughts and/or experiences

Re'

[pcm1959]

We have the 4 point Quadra Big Foot hydraulic leveling system on our Carriage Cameo. I went with the Steadyfast due to the simplicity and only 3 knobs to turn. It is awesome! Love it and our coach is virtually motionless now - even with the tires off the ground. You will not regret your purchase. Phillip

[broark01]

You see those tires on the ground and the springs between them and the frame? That does not stop the trailer from bouncing. Get a couple of scissor jacks (one for each side) and jack up the center spring hanger (assuming dual axles) on each side an inch or 2. Makes a rigid connection between the trailer frame and ground and removes the tires/springs from the equation.

[Martyn]

fj12ryder wrote:
I'm very happy with my JT Strongarms.

x2 - best addition to my fiver, by far.

[big_bird_2]

I have a "Plug It Right"; which is similar to JT, only not as expensive. It is a simple to moderate DIY project. Keep in mind you will be on your hands and Knees every time you lower or raise your FW and you will still feel some movement. If you want to do it right, you need a 6 point leveling system. You get a jack, leveler and stabilizer all in one. These are somewhat new to the FW market and true to the RV industry cheap comes before quality. A modification system like "Plug It Right" is under $300. A 6 point is $4,000 to $5,000 and you will find it a skilled DIY project.

I never had a stabilization problem with my backpacking tent!

[JesLookin]

We ordered the Steady Fast for $310 last night. I am going to install on the front first & see if we can get away with just the fronts. Can add the rear later if needed.

[Re_and_Cheryl]

Well. I settled on the Steady Fast. It seems it went on sale just today for $310 shipped. Closer looks at pics provided by both companies led me to believe I'm getting more for my money with this system. Just looks better built and easier to use. I also like the clamps they use instead of the "T" handle set screws on the JT.

Re'

[fj12ryder]

I'm very happy with my JT Strongarms.

[Ed9824v]

I have the JT'S purchased used at swapmeet 6 or $100 they rock in a good way

[SkiSmuggs]

I am very happy with the SteadyFast system and have only installed the front supports. It took care of most of it so am having trouble getting motivated to install the rear.

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

Kind of hard to answer because most will only be able to speak to the system they have unless they have had both systems. I chose the SteadyFast and am happy. Once it's installed you can pretty much forget about it with the exception of loosening and tightening them when you raise and lower the gear (or stabilizers).

[BB_TX]

Have had JTs on mine for years. Works great. Definitely worth the investment.
Had a king pin tripod for a while. Helped a little but no comparison to the JTs.

[Miles_Away]

I used a tripod for several years and found that it did little or nothing for the trailer shake when moving about, and wasn't worth the set-up, take-down and storage issues. I spoke with several owners who were using landing gear braces and they were vary happy with the results. I shopped around and found several brands on the market, and finally settled on the four brace system (front only) made by "BAL". They worked just like all the others, but were about half the price. I have had them on the trailer for three years and have been very pleased. In response to the comment regarding rust, there are already a lot of holes drilled in your frame and with proper priming and sealing, four more will not create an issue.

Another thing what will help with shaking is to shorten the length of your landing gear and rear supports is by using taller blocking under them. Makes for less wiggle room.

[RollandB]

I put on The Eliminator (simular to JT Strongarm), they did a good job but with out rear kitchen, still had movement. I just added Winfield cross arms on the rear scissor stabilizers which really helped a lot. I decided to go the route of making a mod, then working with it before making any additional changes. Next up, probably Roto Chocks.

[josten367]

I have a king pin tripod and it works well for me but all the movement is now in the back of the FW. I think the Steady Fast system would help a lot, just haven't done it yet.
I have also put bottle jacks in front of each of the tires, it helps, but doesn't fit the issue.

[Bumpyroad]

drilling 14 holes in the frame seems to me to be asking for rust.
bumpy