Stabilizers

Jimf1234 wrote:
My hydraulic landing is very sturdy but the rear of the camper with 4 bunks in 2 slides moves quite a bit when the kids are moving. I realize they are 4' beyond the camper but does anyone recommend a set for the rear? I'm almost thinking about adding more stabilizers to the rear.

BAL makes the same type of telescoping brace. But they sell them in sets of 2. We had the same problem with a RL unit, you could watch the rear scissor jacks tilt back and forth. People would ask me in campgrounds how they worked. I would have them push on the rear corner, then loosen the set screws and let then push again.

J.T.'s
cheap..do the trick

My hydraulic landing is very sturdy but the rear of the camper with 4 bunks in 2 slides moves quite a bit when the kids are moving. I realize they are 4' beyond the camper but does anyone recommend a set for the rear? I'm almost thinking about adding more stabilizers to the rear.

I just put Steadyfast's on mine a few weeks ago and they make a world of difference. I was able to put them on in about 4 hours and that was taking my time doing it. I wouldn't do without them now.

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.

We bought the Bal Lockarm stabilizers. They are similar to the JT's. We are very happy with them, easy to install and they work very well. Just checked and of course they are now cheaper than when we bought them. ($67.50 a pair) at Amazon with free shipping! I was going to DIY a set and it really wasn't going to be much cheaper. One unexpected advantage to the Bal's is they use the same size bolt as the X-chocks and the rear scissor jacks (3/4 inch).

I want to buy them but will have to make a set myself too expensive for two pieces of pipe that slide into each other with a welded nut and T handle bolt. coming soon to my trailer

mbrule wrote:

Atom Ant wrote:
I installed the front and rear JT Stabs on our last rig. It took me the better part of a day. It's all pretty straight forward. Each unit is a little different, but to access the rear crossmember to verify I was hitting steel instead of a tank required me to cut a slit in that belly material to access it and then install a patch over the belly material to reseal it.

Not to derail the stabilizer discussion... But, you have brought up another point of interest to me. How does one patch the belly material? On my last trailer I had to make some cuts (and may be this one too t install the stabilizers )due to a water mishap, and never did find a good way to patch the cuts.

Thanks everyone!!!

Mine had that really hard plastic that was tough to cut but would distort across the bottom and looked terrible. I patched it with some black automotive firewall sealant.

Atom Ant wrote:
I installed the front and rear JT Stabs on our last rig. It took me the better part of a day. It's all pretty straight forward. Each unit is a little different, but to access the rear crossmember to verify I was hitting steel instead of a tank required me to cut a slit in that belly material to access it and then install a patch over the belly material to reseal it.

Not to derail the stabilizer discussion... But, you have brought up another point of interest to me. How does one patch the belly material? On my last trailer I had to make some cuts (and may be this one too t install the stabilizers )due to a water mishap, and never did find a good way to patch the cuts.

Thanks everyone!!!

I installed JTs on my rig - best mod I have ever done. Trailer is now pretty solid when parked. Love them.