Which tripod stabilizer?

[8ntw8tn]

I've decided to try using a tripod stabilizer while we're spending the winter in the Texas Hill Country. After a reasonable amount of time researching them I've decided on the Ultra-Fab stabilizer and have tentatively narrowed it even further to the aluminum model. According to the specs I've read the aluminum model will support 1200# while the steel model supports up to 1500#. My question, for those in the know, is whether or not that additional 300# is really necessary or desirable, since most of the weight is still being supported by the landing gear. Our 5er has a listed dry weight of 11,200, but I'm estimating it's a good 13k with all of the 'stuff' we bring south with us. I'm OK with buying the steel model if necessary; it's even $20 less expensive but weighs about 20# more. I just don't want to horse that extra weight around if I don't have to, even if it is only twice a year. Opinions?

[larry_barnhart]

We have enjoyed our JT's for several years. Before them we had a scissor jack installed in front of the tires to keep the alpenlite solid because the wife sits above the tires doing needle work. They still help and both products are very good and maybe as good as a fifth can be. Carrying a tri pod product seemed a bad idea because of the size of them.

chevman

[0rion]

I'll admit....I didn't read the entire thread and I'm sure it was mentioned so I'll second it. I use 2 ratchet load bars for a pick up truck bed. They're about $20, take up less room and are lighter than a tripod. Work great. Took almost all of the side to side wiggle out of ours. I put them up the front and then jack the rear jacks up putting a lot of load on them and it helps take weight off the suspension which really solidifies the entire camper.

[cutty72]

JT Strongarms for me. It's amazing how much they solidified my 39' 5er TH!

[JIMNLIN]

Timay wrote:
You can get the BAL strongarm stabilizer for $80.00 per PAIR - need two pair for the front = $160.00, an even better price!

Tim

I use a pair of them at the rear of my trailer along with the pin stabilizer for the front.
And adjustable chocks to eliminate fore and aft movement when staying for several days.

For a nite or two I just drop those rear stabilizers.... unless the campsite is so out of level that it leaves the front landing jacks close to fully extended. Then I use the pin stabilizer.

[Timay]

You can get the BAL strongarm stabilizer for $80.00 per PAIR - need two pair for the front = $160.00, an even better price!

Tim

[avvidclif1]

8ntw8tn wrote:
Well, we went to the RV show in San Antonio, but got no further information. In fact, the show was kind of a disappointment; not nearly as many units displayed, fewer vendors, and no stabilizer products at all. Upon inquiry to a salesman about JT Armstrongs or Steadyfast all I received was a "deer in the headlights" look. Should have known; he's selling trailers and that's his only interest. But I digress. Steadyfast's web site indicates Explorer RV is a dealer for their product and I'm going to contact them soon. I can find JT Strongarm's at Tweety's and Camping World web sites, but I'd like to see a display of the product. The nearest Camping World (Buda, TX) does not have a display. Does anyone know of another dealer(s) in the San Antonio/Austin, TX area? Kind of a stretch, I know, but I want to be able to compare the products before deciding and laying out the cash. Thanks.

Camping World has the JT's on sale for $249, good price.

[whiteeye42]

don't waste your money i have both a bipod and a tripod stabilizer and neither one of them works to take the wiggle out of the front of the trailer lucky for me i did not buy either one of them they were both gifts

[filrupmark]

One more for JT'S Ours have been great.

[8ntw8tn]

Well, we went to the RV show in San Antonio, but got no further information. In fact, the show was kind of a disappointment; not nearly as many units displayed, fewer vendors, and no stabilizer products at all. Upon inquiry to a salesman about JT Armstrongs or Steadyfast all I received was a "deer in the headlights" look. Should have known; he's selling trailers and that's his only interest. But I digress. Steadyfast's web site indicates Explorer RV is a dealer for their product and I'm going to contact them soon. I can find JT Strongarm's at Tweety's and Camping World web sites, but I'd like to see a display of the product. The nearest Camping World (Buda, TX) does not have a display. Does anyone know of another dealer(s) in the San Antonio/Austin, TX area? Kind of a stretch, I know, but I want to be able to compare the products before deciding and laying out the cash. Thanks.

[jevanb]

I used a tripod for years and noticed the diff, then this past year, I made my own JT strong arms, BIG difference, but I still put out the tripod because 6 kids running around can shake your teeth out and they all seem to move around when they sleep

[kohai]

8ntw8tn wrote:
I've decided to try using a tripod stabilizer while we're spending the winter in the Texas Hill Country. After a reasonable amount of time researching them I've decided on the Ultra-Fab stabilizer and have tentatively narrowed it even further to the aluminum model. According to the specs I've read the aluminum model will support 1200# while the steel model supports up to 1500#. My question, for those in the know, is whether or not that additional 300# is really necessary or desirable, since most of the weight is still being supported by the landing gear. Our 5er has a listed dry weight of 11,200, but I'm estimating it's a good 13k with all of the 'stuff' we bring south with us. I'm OK with buying the steel model if necessary; it's even $20 less expensive but weighs about 20# more. I just don't want to horse that extra weight around if I don't have to, even if it is only twice a year. Opinions?

Steadyfast is great and easier to use than JT strong arms (only 3 locking handles needed).

[8ntw8tn]

Aargh! Slow internet here in the park. Double post.

[8ntw8tn]

I've been getting a lot of mixed reviews, both here and in the park. However, those promoting the J.T. Strongarms have some very good points. We're going to the RV show in San Antonio this weekend and I'm going to check out both systems. One issue I have is that the tripod I had originally settled on indicates a minimum height of 42"; I have only 41" between the ground and the pin box, so that may eliminate the tripod since this is the primary location at which it would be used. Thanks again for all the responses.

[Dutch___Di]

We know quite a few fellow RV'ers who seem happy with their tri pod. For me, as a fulltime RV'er that system just didn't work. We still had way too much movement when someone was walking around inside, we had to put it up and take it down each time we moved and we had to find a place to store it when traveling. Plus ours was very heavy. The only thing Dutch felt was good about it was that he didn't bang his head on the pin box. We have had our permanently installed front and rear stabilizers on our Carriage for almost 9 years. For us it was just what was needed. No more complaining about movement from me has made Dutch a happy camper. Of those we know who switched to a permanently installed stabilizer system they say they would never go back. Let us know what you decide. Hugs, Di