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New 5vr. Pin stabilizer or JT strong arms

grayghost58
Explorer
Explorer
Hey y'all. We just upgraded from TT to a 5vr. Was wondering if a pin box stabilizer is needed while were camping. If so, we would like the kind that locks to the pin so someone just can't make off with it while were gone from camp. I've looked at a few and was kinda leaning toward a BAL stabilizer but not sure if it locks to the pin. On the other hand, If I install JT strong arms will this eliminate the need for a pin box stabilizer or do you need them to help support the front of the coach? Thanks
19 REPLIES 19

larry_barnhart
Explorer
Explorer
I have said many times the best thing about a JT or similar product is on a windy day they are awesome.
chevman
chevman
2019 rockwood 34 ft fifth wheel sold
2005 3500 2wd duramax CC dually
prodigy



KSH 55 inbed fuel tank

scanguage II
TD-EOC
Induction Overhaul Kit
TST tire monitors
FMCA # F479110

Flapper
Explorer
Explorer
N-Trouble wrote:


Anyone who claims its "not needed" simply hasnt experienced what its like to have a rock steady trailer. If you had the JTs or Steadyfast on your trailer then took it off you WILL notice how much these things move around without much effort.


Actually, I did put them on my 5th. And they do make a difference. BUT, in my case, while much better, I would never call it "rock steady". Too many variables to make such a blanket statement. Hence the advice to evaluate first. Every 5th is different. If the wiggle bothers the OP, then by all means get them. But if it doesn't, there are so many other RV add-ons that the money could instead be put toward.....
2012 F150 Eco, 4x4, SCrew, Max Tow, HD Payload
2017 Grand Design Imagine 2670MK

bpounds
Nomad
Nomad
N-Trouble wrote:

Anyone who claims its "not needed" simply hasnt experienced what its like to have a rock steady trailer. If you had the JTs or Steadyfast on your trailer then took it off you WILL notice how much these things move around without much effort.


Yeah? So what? It's a trailer.
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver

N-Trouble
Explorer
Explorer
bpounds wrote:
grayghost58 wrote:
Hey y'all. We just upgraded from TT to a 5vr. Was wondering if a pin box stabilizer is needed while were camping. If so, we would like the kind that locks to the pin so someone just can't make off with it while were gone from camp. I've looked at a few and was kinda leaning toward a BAL stabilizer but not sure if it locks to the pin. On the other hand, If I install JT strong arms will this eliminate the need for a pin box stabilizer or do you need them to help support the front of the coach? Thanks


Did wiggle bother you in your TT? If not, I would wait and see if you feel the fiver needs it. I have never been tempted to add anything. Don't need it.


Anyone who claims its "not needed" simply hasnt experienced what its like to have a rock steady trailer. If you had the JTs or Steadyfast on your trailer then took it off you WILL notice how much these things move around without much effort.
2015 Attitude 28SAG w/slide
2012 GMC 2500HD SLT Duramax
B&W Turnover w/Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch

Racine96
Explorer
Explorer
Strongarms, you will notice the difference.

bpounds
Nomad
Nomad
grayghost58 wrote:
Hey y'all. We just upgraded from TT to a 5vr. Was wondering if a pin box stabilizer is needed while were camping. If so, we would like the kind that locks to the pin so someone just can't make off with it while were gone from camp. I've looked at a few and was kinda leaning toward a BAL stabilizer but not sure if it locks to the pin. On the other hand, If I install JT strong arms will this eliminate the need for a pin box stabilizer or do you need them to help support the front of the coach? Thanks


Did wiggle bother you in your TT? If not, I would wait and see if you feel the fiver needs it. I have never been tempted to add anything. Don't need it.
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver

ependydad
Explorer
Explorer
Halmfamily wrote:
We put a Steadyfast system on our fiver and it made a huge differnce. Only three handles to turn and installation tool around three hours.


I started with a JT knockoff and then got the SteadyFast system. Hands-down, I prefer the SteadyFast system. Less bars, less moving pieces, and the tightening handle is easier on the hands.
2017 Spartan 1245 by Prime Time
2018 Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW w/ 4.10 gears and 8' bed
FW Hitch: TrailerSaver TS3
Learn to RV- learn about RVing - Towing Planner Calculators - Family Fulltiming FB page

Wiscampsin
Explorer
Explorer
Another vote for JT Strongarms.

Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Explorer II
BB_TX wrote:
I don't think you need to worry about someone stealing your pin box stabilizer. Most people are trying to sell them after a couple years. Install JTs or similar if you really want to reduce movement.

The front of a 5er does not need additional support in any case.
Ditto! I found a new stabilizer in the garbage bin at Jekyll Island this year. We have home made JT set up.
Eddie
03 Fleetwood Pride, 36-5L
04 Ford F-250 Superduty
15K Pullrite Superglide
Old coach 04 Pace Arrow 37C with brakes sometimes.
Owner- The Toy Shop-
Auto Restoration and Customs 32 years. Retired by a stroke!
We love 56 T-Birds

alexleblanc
Explorer
Explorer
Flapper wrote:
Neither is needed. Spend a few nights in your trailer first. See whether others moving around inside bothers you or not. (Usually it will be the one asleep in the bedroom that feels others moving in the rear).
Generally, the Strongarm style stabilizers take more of the wiggle out than do the pin box types. You'll never get all of it, as the tires and trailer suspension still allow some motion, but it will improve things a lot. But see if it bothers you first, many never need anything.


I second this advise, I have thing extra on my unit now and its nearly movement free compared to my last TT. You may be perfectly happy with how it works, try it first before you spend money on it.
TV - 2017 F350 CCSB SRW Platinum 6.7 + 5er - 2021 Grand Design Reflection 311 BHS + B&W Companion
On Order - 2022 F350 CCSB SRW Platinum 6.7

filrupmark
Explorer
Explorer
We like our JT's . Need a free pita stabilizer?
2004 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.0 Diesel, Bilstein 4600 Shocks, 16K B&W Patriot, Michelin M&S
2014 Augusta Flex AF34RS Trailair Tri Glide pinbox,
JT Strong Arms , Bridgestone R250'S, KYB Monotube Gas shocks
Finally a smooth ride !!!

Merrykalia
Explorer
Explorer
We will never have another fifth wheel or TT that doesn't have the JT's. Love ours.
2017 Ford F350 Crew Cab 6.7L 4x4 DRW

N-Trouble
Explorer
Explorer
JTs or Steadyfast should be standard equipment on 5er IMO. After putting the Steadyfast on mine I'll never own another without it. Pin box tripods dont do much plus you have to find a place to store them when not in use.
2015 Attitude 28SAG w/slide
2012 GMC 2500HD SLT Duramax
B&W Turnover w/Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Explorer III
Yep, what Martyn said. The most bang for your buck.
Howard and Peggy

"Don't Panic"