cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

TT guy with a 5er question

bsbeedub
Explorer
Explorer
Just curious since I know very little about 5th wheel trailers. At the campground this weekend there were many 5ers and some had just the landing gear down while others had the landing gear down as well as a tripod under the pin. What does the tripod add? Why do some use it and others don't ?
Bob & Susan
Shelby the Beagle June 8, 2005 - Dec. 24, 2016
2018 Ram 3500 6.4 HEMI, long bed, 4.10’s
2021 Coachman Chaparral Lite 25 RE
2011 Gulfstream Ameri-Lite 23BW - retired
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 - retired
16 REPLIES 16

Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Explorer
It makes the fiver just a bit more stable, and doesn't hurt a thing. Without it I can feel a little movement when I am sitting in the rear and DW is moving around in the bedroom; with it that slight movement is gone. Plus it is a handy place to lock the bikes.

We use it when we are parked for 5 months during the winter, otherwise I never mess with it.
'99 Volvo VNL610 - 425 HP Volvo; Super 10 Spd
'13 smart CityFlame on Volvo
'05 Newmar Mountain Aire 35 BLKS
Trailer Saver; Bigfoot; Pressure-Pro.
Our Travel Blog - A New Adventure

Dtank
Explorer
Explorer
bsbeedub wrote:
Just curious since I know very little about 5th wheel trailers. At the campground this weekend there were many 5ers and some had just the landing gear down while others had the landing gear down as well as a tripod under the pin. What does the tripod add? Why do some use it and others don't ?


As others have said ......for "stability".

The resultant "stability" may be real or imagined.

No big deal - if the 5th owner likes to use one, his choice.
Not an expensive item - or difficult to use.

Another use:
The tripod under the pin *will* keep you from walking under and putting a divot in your noggin from the pin.
(Otherwise you must remember what Dick Cheney *didn't* say while bird hunting!)

Never used one - or felt the need.
Real easy - but don't bother to put the rear (electric) stabilizers down.

If I *don't* use my Roto Chocks - we do notice a "wiggle".

Bonus: If the wiggle is there - nobody will be knockin' if the trailer is rockin'........:W

.

Allworth
Explorer II
Explorer II
My wife thinks it makes the overhanging front bedroom on our Titanium more stable.

As long as she believes that; I believe it is worth setting up if we are in the same place more than one night.

Setting it up; a little trouble.

Silence: Priceless.
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A LB SRW, RVND 7710
Previously: 2008 Titanium 30E35SA. Currently no trailer due to age & mobility problems. Very sad!
"Real Jeeps have round headlights"

Wishbone51
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks! I always wondered what it was for, but not enough to search for the answer. 🙂
2017 Jayco Jay Feather 25BH
2004 Nissan Titan

hone_eagle
Explorer
Explorer
At a recent full timers rally in Tennessee not one tripod was in use - FWIW
2005 Volvo 670 singled freedomline 12 speed
Newmar 34rsks 2008
Hensley trailersaver TSLB2H
directlink brake controller

-when overkill is cheaper-

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad

6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Explorer
bsbeedub wrote:
Just curious since I know very little about 5th wheel trailers. At the campground this weekend there were many 5ers and some had just the landing gear down while others had the landing gear down as well as a tripod under the pin. What does the tripod add? Why do some use it and others don't ?


Funny you ask that, because this weekend as we were walking around we wondered the same thing. I thought maybe some had a heavier pin weight or something and they had to have the support when not on the truck. Now I know the real answer.
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie Cummins 4x4
2013 Primetime Lacrosse 318bhs

C-Bears
Explorer
Explorer
I have used our tripod with our 2008 fiver and now with our new fiver with 6-point level up. For us it has never made any difference in making the unit more stable.

We never use it while traveling. The only time it is placed under the kingpin is when we are in one spot for a month or longer. During the Christmas holidays we decorate it like a Christmas tree, during other times we use it to chain our bicycles to.
2014 Montana 3725RL (Goodyear G614 Tires, Flow Thru TPMS)

SPENDING THE WINTERS AT OUR HOME IN SW FLORIDA. THE REST OF THE YEAR SEEING THE U.S. FROM OUR LIVING ROOM WINDOW!

garysol
Explorer
Explorer
Count me as another guy who gave their tripod away. I could not a tell difference if I used it or not.....
2020 GMC Canyon
2022 NoBo 19.2

I just sent my barely used tripod to another forum member last week... They are old school and had their place back in the day.. There are so many different , better ( different) options now.
Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet

Karenys
Explorer
Explorer
Our bedroom is over the kingpin and I do think the tripod takes some of the wiggle out of the front. We use it if staying more than overnight in the same place.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
For just a night or two I often skip the tripod. It just takes some of the wiggle out.

MTPockets1
Explorer
Explorer
Used the tripod on and off for a year traveling full time.... Never did really detect much difference if any, so we got rid of it. The difference in fifth wheel frame & structure may make a difference, but for our rig, not really.
2012 3055RL Big Horn - Dexter upgraded axles - G rated LT Tires
MorRyde, Genset, Dual Panes, 2 A/C, Yeti Package
2013 F350 DRW 4x4 Crew King Ranch

newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Explorer II
Tripod is old school it strong arms are much beter