Stabilizers
With a tag along I was will to put up with a lot wiggling a jiggling when sobody else was moving around in the trailer. Now that I have a heavy 5ver i admit the wiggling is lees than with a tt but I'...
Forum Discussion
mbrule wrote:
I am seriously considering either the JT Strongarms or the Steadyfast system. Has anybody installed either themselves? If so, how was the job?
Does anybody have experience with both, I like the way the Strongarms attach to both jack and stabilizers (I like symmetry) and it seems this would work better.
The Steady fast have things to tighten, probably and easier install, but only attach to 1 jack and stabilizer, leading me to believe that they would not work as well?
Opinions??????????
My fiver is a 32 ft Kountry Star 11k dry 15k GVW if that matters
Thanks!
We just received the SteadyFast system for our Cruiser 5th wheel, 33ft length. Have not mounted it yet, as our unit is in for repairs. We were going with JT Strongarm but then determined our front compartment leading edge has nothing but sheet metal to mount the cross stabilizers to.
Lippert (the JT Strongarm and frame manufacturer) welds a 2" angle iron from frame end to frame end underneath leading edge of front compartment in such case when mounting the JT's. This would add almost 10lbs to the 40lbs weight of the stabilizer kit. Plus the brackets at each end of every strut are attached with only one bolt (more flex and play).
With our unit it just made sense to go with SteadyFast so as to avoid the extra weight and expense to purchase and weld angle iron to frame. In looking over the SteadyFast parts, everything was sturdy and very well done, with a very good powder coat finish. I do like idea of having to tighten only 3 handles Vs 6.
The brackets on the SteadyFast are very robust (with solid cast turn screws) and actually grip the end of the tubing Vs having a set screw. JT Strongarm also use a setup procedure where you tighten your back stabilizers then raise front end to tension them, tighten front stabilizers and come down a little to tension them. SteadyFast claims this is not necessary with their system.
I do hear you on the symmetry. But with SteadyFast strut going all the way across to the solid frame and gripped in solid bracket mounted with 4 bolts - stability reported to be just as solid as JT's. Good luck with your choice.
