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?

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?A lot of people who have actual experience with them will tell you not to waste your money on a tripod and to buy, or build, stabilizer arms that help anchor the landing legs and rear stabilizers. JT Strongarms and BAL are 2 that get mentioned often. Several people have posted DIY stabilizers. Another thing people do is to use between-the-tire screw-tightened chock and jack stands in front and behind the axles to prevent bouncing on the suspension.Lyle

I've never tried a tripod as so many have said they offer minimal benefit. I instead installed JT Strong Arms. Huge improvement! I can still feel when people walk in the trailer but far less than without the JT's.

Don't waste your money. I bet if you ask around in your RV park you can get one for free...B.O.

The pin stabilizer won't stabilize the front and rear of the trailer. I use a aluminum bi pod pin stabilizer which eliminate side to side sway at the front of the trailer. And of course side to side sway at the rear will need to be addressed. For that job I use the BAL telescoping stabilizer. And I use adjustable chocks that eliminate fore and aft movement. Medical condition requires me to have a rock solid unit with no bounce/sway. I've used the bi pod pin stabilizer since 1984 on our first 5th wheel trailer. You don't have anything yet so I would suggest you look into the JT system or some similar.

Tried a tripod and took it back for a refund after one use. The J.T.'s Strongarms will do more good.Ken

Which tripod stabilizer? | Good Sam Community

larry_barnhart
Explorer
Jan 16, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 16, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
JT Strongarms for me. It's amazing how much they solidified my 39' 5er TH!
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jan 05, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 05, 2015
One more for JT'S Ours have been great.
8ntw8tn
Explorer
Jan 03, 2015
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
Explorer
Jan 01, 2015
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

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