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Newbie

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
Hello everybody. I am Scott and I just made the plunge I am a proud owner of a new 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS. My TV is a 2013 Ram 2500. I look forward to a lifetime of learn and enjoying my camper and look forward to learning from ya'll.
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS
28 REPLIES 28

Halmfamily
Explorer
Explorer
Welcome Scott. It was just over 18 months ago I was in the same spot you are. A new fifth wheel, new truck and new adventures. This forum and the great folks on it made our life much easier and entertaining if I might ad. Good luck, relax and have fun.
One thing that has help for and aft motion are X-chocks and keeping front landing gear as short as possible by using blocking them. This has helped us a lot.
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT DRW D/A 4x4 (Big All)
2006 Ford F350 PSD SRW King Ranch 4x4 (Henry) (Sold)
B&W Companion, 90 Aux Fuel Tank, Scan Gauge II, Curt f/m hitch, Swagman XC
2015 Forest River Sierra 360 PDEK
DW Diane, DS Michael, FB Draco and Sabian

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
laknox wrote:
Scott_85 wrote:
Question for ya'll is a king pin stabilizer really needed and also stabilizers for the slides ? Still a little nervous cause this is our first camper and we went big.


First suggestion for a newbie. Make sure you have lots of popcorn on hand when asking questions that have been posted and answered dozens of times. :B :B :B

Lyle


Yeah I know I just don't like to search and another good point instead of asking myself where did I read that, I know right where the answer is cause its in the tread I started. :B
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
Scott_85 wrote:
Question for ya'll is a king pin stabilizer really needed and also stabilizers for the slides ? Still a little nervous cause this is our first camper and we went big.


First suggestion for a newbie. Make sure you have lots of popcorn on hand when asking questions that have been posted and answered dozens of times. :B :B :B

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member

ependydad
Explorer
Explorer
You should *not* use slide stabilizers. This is one of the few things that owners manuals are clear about. They can cause damage and shouldn't be used.

The king pin stabilizer - a few say they work, most say they don't. Look at triangulation stablizers (SteadyFast system, JT's StrongArms, etc.) as a start. If you're pretty long, having scissor jacks just ahead of the axles makes a big difference.

See if this page helps you:
http://www.learntorv.com/2013/06/shake-shake-shake-rv-stabilization.html
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

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
Question for ya'll is a king pin stabilizer really needed and also stabilizers for the slides ? Still a little nervous cause this is our first camper and we went big.
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Explorer II
Oooh - I see a summer of fun in your future!!

As someone who was a 5th-wheel newbie up until we left for Florida with ours - each trip gets easier. We're almost PROS now ๐Ÿ˜‰
Ed, Deb, and 2 dogs
Looking for a small Class C!

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Welcome!

Nice combo....good match!!
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks everybody for the warm welcome.
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

JohnnyT
Explorer II
Explorer II
Welcome to the forum... I hope your RVing experiences all start at wonderful and work their way up..

JohnnyT Moderator
2004 40DS02 Travel Supreme ISL 400
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford F150
M&G Brake & Break Away
Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow bar

WoodGlue
Explorer
Explorer
I'm not a 5th wheel owner, but welcome to the forum and enjoy your new RV!

WoodGlue
2002 Land Rover Discovery II
2014 Lance 1685 - Loaded - 4 Seasons - Solar - 2 AGM's
When Hell Freezes Over - I'll Camp There Too!
Lance Travel Trailer Info - Lance 1685 Travel Trailer - Lance 1575 Trailer

Scott_85
Explorer
Explorer
I know one guy on here and recommend this place, he is good guy most of the time and he likes to speak his mind.
TV: 2013 Ram 2500 Laramie, G56, Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch.
5er: 2013 Coachmen Chaparral 280RLS

MFL
Nomad II
Nomad II
Welcome to the forum Scott! It looks like you are starting out with a very nice combo!

There are lots of knowledgeable folks on here. Heck, I even know a few things.

Jerry

GASMAN6674
Explorer
Explorer
Welcome
Might also want to check out FROG (forest river owners group)
www.forestriverfourms.com for more brand specific info
Jim & Debbie England
Do you have Gas? Propane Exceptional Energy
2015 F350 CCLB 6.2L/4:30 Vermilion Red
2020 Cougar 364BHLGone but not forgotten 2012 Ridgeline 34RLT fifth wheel/2012 V27FK V-Cross TT

wski
Explorer
Explorer
Welcome to land of OZ and let the journey begin on the yellow brick road.;)