X-chock vs. Jack Stabilizers

brulaz wrote:

tkoden wrote:

Just wanted to post an update. I used 4 automotive jack stands (its all I had and wanted to test before I bought other ones) under my travel trailer the last time I set it up, following Larry's suggestions. Since I did not have an electric tongue jack I used a carjack to raise and lower the tongue. The trailer is solid as a rock and I will continue to setup my trailer like this, I highly recommend it. Thank you Larry!!

My experiment has been less successful. I got two of those Al jacks, raised the rear about 1" about 18" behind rear wheel and dropped the frame onto them. Had to put them up on blocks to reach the frame without too much of the screw extension. Used the regular stab jacks and tongue jack up front.

If I then stand in the centre of the trailer and shift my weight (190#) front-back, left-right, the trailer still shifts. Not rock solid. They are just as good as the stab jacks that came with the trailer though, and a lot less fragile.

Thing is, these jacks are not completely rigid, loosely threaded, and where they press against the frame is also a rocking point, back/forth, side-to-side. They seem to need stabilizers like everything else.

I'm now thinking of going to heavy duty scissors jacks with the JT Strongarm stabilizers JT Strongarm

Unfortunately, your so called experiment did nothing to test what I have recommended in this thread. Putting just two screw type jacks only 18" from the axle is going to do little for support. You need to re read my original post and subsequent ones on proper placement for the jack stands. Second, only using two jackstands when compounded with leaving the same poor support in the front again at the wrong place should not surprise you in giving you poor results. My "system" if you can call it that has several parts with the main ones being they type of support used, location of that support and how to set the tension on those support points. Then this needs some potential tweaking for optimum results. Hapazardly slapping things together and half heartedly setting things up like you appear to have done will give you less than desireable/wanted results.

I can only say that at least two so far in this thread have actually taken the time to do what I have advocated and both have been pleased .... I can fully understand the resistance from those that have invested the BIG BUCKS in their existing systems not wanting to say they are wrong or have WASTED a hugh amt of $$$$ so some of the comments are understandable. Finally all these other "additions" will help, but my whole point is that they are not cost effective nor are they the most effective in solving the issue.

Larry