Is a stabilizer jack for fifth wheel hitch worth the money?

[MrGadget365]

I notice that some full-time RVers have a stabilizer jack on their fifth wheel hitch when it's parked. What benefits does the stabilizer jack provide? Is it worth the expense and weight to lug around?

[Allworth]

Since my wife thinks it makes her life better, then it is worth it!

[Lexx]

I am very sensitive to the rocking and rolling in fifth wheels. We have triplet 8 y.o. boys so there's a LOT of commotion going on at all times.

So I had the Steadyfast stabilizer system installed. That seemed to great reduce the motions by about 80%. But we still felt the bouncing in our bedroom when the kids jumped off their rear bunks. So I installed the BAL kingpin tripod. That got us to about 95% elimination of the vibrations. I still feel a bit of it, but it's nowhere near as irritating now.

I suspect BAL tripod helped because the Steadyarm system took care of most of the motion, but the master bedroom is partly suspended over nothing. And that's where my head is. So having the tripod under the kingpin really reduces the purposing effect when the kids are jumping.

[Grady23]

I installed JT stabilizer system on my 35ft rig. ALL the difference in the world for stability. virtually no shake at all when parked.
I had to have a crossbar welded for the rear struts so they didn't interfere with the pullout rack. Used 1/4 inch angle hard steel.

[memtb]

I think that several factors may lead to an answer. How sensitive are you to some RV movement? Are you using conventional “stabilizers” or have hydraulic leveling....which “should” offer a little more stability. How heavy is the RV, and how “stiff” is the frame of your RV? We have a heavy RV ,20K pounds when loaded) with a rigid frame.....you could Square Dance inside, with little shake or movement! A lighter, less rigid framed RV, would likely exhibit much more movement!
It’s strictly a personal preference thing! For us, in 30 years of 5th wheel use.....we’ve never seen it as an issue! memtb

[JRscooby]

My Dad full timed for years. Often when family came to visit his site he would put down the rear stabilizers. When I asked he said as long as he was the only 1 in camper it only moved when he did. Unless something rattled, he did not notice. But somebody else step in would wake him from sound sleep.
Once he had door open was messing in the front. He said that 'coon might of been inside all night if the stab where down.

[Jjsimon111]

Worthless, I had one and used it a couple of times and after lugging it around I got rid of it.

[Jjsimon111]

Worthless, I had one and used it a couple of times and after lugging it around I got rid of it.

[Allworth]

When we are set up in the same spot more than two nights, my wife thinks it makes the rig more stable. That makes it worth it!

[cummins2014]

Had the Steadyfast on my 2008 Montana . With this new fifth wheel with the six point level up nothing more is needed. Yes had the kingpin jack years ago , pretty much worthless.

[2oldman]

I guess you're talking about a king pin stabilizer. They work, just clumsy and heavy. Together with wheel chocks and rear stabilizers my rig is pretty solid. I don't like movement.

[Pipeman]

Mine has been holding up the wall in my shed, where it's been placed to store, for years. I installed the steady fast system on my 5er.

[edatlanta]

Or do nothing. The cost is zero and after a while you get used to the motion. I have a washer/dryer combo in my front bedroom and the motion would really bother me early on, now I can sleep right through all of the cycles and don't even wake up. I frequently turn the w/d on and immediately go to bed, then I have fresh clean/dry clothes when I get up in the morning.

[TXiceman]

I have one and some sites, you cannot use it due to trailer pin too high or too low. Does it do much good....not really.

I am tired of hauling it around and ready to prop it up at the front of the trailer with a for sale sign.

Ken

[JIMNLIN]

As you said you saw in campgrounds many folks use them. I use one and I understand they only work to control side to side movement at the front of the trailer.
For the rear I use BAL telescoping stabilizer jacks which eliminate rear side to side moving.
I use a pair of adjustable chocks between the tires which eliminates fore and aft movement. Due to a med condition I have to have my trailer rock solid.

Or as some folks do....go with the JTs or that type of product if your unit has the wiggles when some one moves or walks inside the trailer.