Best way to stabilize a fifth wheel

[Tharrison]

Hello Everyone.

We have just moved from a TT to a 5W. I am thinking through the question of the best way to stabilize it.

We have the 4 point auto-leveling Ground Control 2.0 system by Lippert. So far, I like it very much. We also use BAL x-chocks between the tires, as we did with our TT.

I am now trying to decide on something additional such as a king pin stabilizer, JT Strongarms or a Steadyfast system. So far, a search of the forum has not produced a definitive answer. (Not surprising, I guess.)

Thanks for your input.

Terry

[Chuck Hovonick]

I do not have an auto-level system, but the Steadyfast works well on my 5th Wheel. The first time we used it, the expense and installation time were completely justified by three words from my wife..."That's much better!"

Chuck

[Flapper]

I put the Strongarms on mine. Did not put the ones on the rear, as it looked to be a minor improvement vs. what was already there by Jayco - your system is very different from mine though.

They eliminated a lot of the wiggle. Not perfect (I think I'd have to take off the tires and axle springs for that!), but still a really big improvement!
I would recommend.

In my previous searches on rv.net, etc. most people seem to prefer this type of stabilizer over tripods by a wide margin.

[Jmooney]

The kin pin stabilizer really took a lot ( not all ) of the shake out of the nose for me. They are a pain to pull out and set up, but worth the effort.

Nothing fancy, the functionality is the same for all of them I think.

[djalbrec]

I use the JT Strongarm stabilizers on my fiver. Then I added scissor jacks to the frame on each side in front of the wheels. This stopped 95% of any movement back and forth or sideways and also took away all the bounce experienced without the scissor jacks. I eliminated the tripod fifth wheel stabilizer completely. DW is really happy now! No more movement!

[3'senough]

I have the Plug it rights on this unit. Last unit was JT Strongarms. Both are good and each have their plusses and minuses. JT's are thicker, but the t-bolts break and rust into the threads. Wound up putting 9/16 head SS bolts to eliminate the issue with never seize. The Plug it rights have nice plastic handle to tighten and work well for me.
Then I added 4 scizzor jacks both in front and behind the axles. I let the kids each do one while I get the sewer, power and water hooked up. I needed them due to my length and I only really use them on the longer trips, but many hands make quick work! Since you have the leveling system it's probably only going to need stabilizers. Another thing is the step brace, but with the new 4 steps going out lower it's harder to get the screw jack style under it so I just use a block or 2.

[Str8shooter]

We like our SteadyFast stabilizers. Have them on our Pinnacle and had them on our former Raptor toy hauler.

[cariboocreek]

JT Strongarms here. Works great. Did not do the rear ones either.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hovonick

I do not have an auto-level system, but the Steadyfast works well on my 5th Wheel. The first time we used it, the expense and installation time were completely justified by three words from my wife..."That's much better!"

Chuck

Put "Steadyfast" on front and rear but as said I have the plain jacks..

[edatlanta]

I full time and I don't use anything for stabilization. I have just gotten used to it. I even run the washer/dryer combo in the bedroom when I'm sleeping. It doesn't bother me a bit and I don't have to haul around or set up stabilizers.

My philosophy is "ignore the movement and it goes away".

[Clayton4971]

Originally Posted by edatlanta

I full time and I don't use anything for stabilization. I have just gotten used to it. I even run the washer/dryer combo in the bedroom when I'm sleeping. It doesn't bother me a bit and I don't have to haul around or set up stabilizers.

My philosophy is "ignore the movement and it goes away".

My wife says ignoring things is my strong point ! With the washer and dryer going it's like one of those crank up swings we had for the kids when they were babies . [emoji4]

[Rusty Nuts]

We have a 2014 321 RLTS and we used Jt Strongarms on the front that work quite well. I would have liked to put them on the rear legs too but because we have the auto leveling legs we would have had to do two things: one we would have had to weld tabs on the elephant foot for attachment there and two we would have had to weld a cross bar across the frame members ahead of the spare tire to attach the other end of the stabilizers. The reason being for all of this is because the rear legs are located right behind the rear tires and they are quite long, exposing the jacks ( in the retracted position) to road hazards such as semi tire chunks, brush, etc. possibly doing major damage to the legs and stabilizers. The other problem is that it would require getting down on your knees to tighten or loosen the tee handles. I have attached a couple of photos for clarification.

[ont-tt]

Hi just wondering if anyone that installed the Jt Strongarms had an issue with the under mount spare tire, we just picked up our 2015 285rsts and I also bought the Strongarms to install, but it looks like the spare is too far forward, hoping I don't have to try and move the mount back to get them to fit.

[edatlanta]

I don't do anything. Some things just don't bother me I guess.

[namusmc65]

Originally Posted by edatlanta

I don't do anything. Some things just don't bother me I guess.

Hey Ed, great attitude! I think I have the same one. I wait until the really big life threatening situations before I really get excited. The small things in life are not worth getting riled up over. Take it easy and enjoy life while we can!

[Rusty Nuts]

Hi I just looked at a photo of your model online and it does appear the the spare is really far forward but the JT Strongarms should be attached to the front edge of the frame. Does the spare overlap the front edge? I guess it also depends on how far back your front legs are. These JTs don't require much front to back clearance but if you don't have the clearance you will have no other option but to move the spare I guess.

[GlampinLife]

I can feel the entire 5th wheel move when my 10 year old rolls over in her bed, not sure what else I can do to stabilize the trailer.

We have the 6 point leveling system, I use X-cholks and we have 3 Lock-Arm Stabilizing Bar's on our front landing gear - haven't hooked the 4th one up yet because I need to figure out a way around the generator exhaust. We even use a tripod on the king pin. I haven't put Lock-Arm Stabilizing bars on the back two jacks because I need to decide how to mount them to the round legs.

What else can be done? I'm not looking for rock solid but it would be nice if the trailer didn't shake when a mouse farts.

[3'senough]

How do you engage the arms with auto level?

I take about 1/4 " out of my legs and apply pressure to them which make all the difference in them working or not.

You will never get it all out.

[MzLiz]

I'm deaf so I don't mind a little shaking. My sister jumps on the door steps to let me know she is out there. One of my dogs watched her pretty carefully and now he jumps on the steps when he wants in )

[spepi]

I relocated my spare to the back, so the JT Strongarms would not hit it. Its also easier to change a flat without having to climb under the 5er in my opinion.