JT Strong Arm vs. BAL lock arm

[DavidJay]

I see both of these mentioned on the forum. The JT product is just about twice the price. Is the difference worth it? We plan to keep this trailer for a decade and travel extensively (retiring in a little over a year).

I don't want to be penny-wise if the JT units are significantly better, I can buy two sets (4 arms) of BAL lock arms on eBay for $134 (shipped).

[ROC-REQS]

DavidJay,

You may also want to look at the SteadFast Stabilizer System also.

I put these on my FW and I'm happy with them.
Had something similar to the JT Strong Arms on my TT and I like the SteadFast system better.

Just my opinion for what it's worth.

Good luck.

[flyboy1]

David;
Had JT Strong arm on my Montana 3665RE, worth every penny, they made the 5er rock solid.

[DavidJay]

Yea, I saw that system on Amazon as well. Priced about the same as the JT, but I did not see it mentioned on the forum.

[dpica15]

I have the BAL system, they are very easy to install and do a good job stabilizing the RV

[robkelly]

We've had both, BAL on a TT and JT on a 5er. Both did the job well, but I preferred the JT as I didn't need a wrench to tighten them

[DavidJay]

I think I have decided what I will do:

I ran across the JT leg brackets on Amazon for $22. I really like how they attach with the foot hitch pin. So I am going to pick up a set of BAL arms. I will use the BAL swivel bracket on the frame and connect to landing gear with the JT bracket.

I can get that done for under $100.

[vcbice]

My JT leg brackets did not attach with the foot pins. They had bushings and bolts. Holes in the legs were drilled for the bushings. Bolts passed through the saddle brackets and the legs.

The ones in the rear replaced the 'foot' bolt.

[DavidJay]

Here are the brackets that I purchased. I like how these brackets instead of the bent sheet metal "L" brackets that come with the BAL,product.

[DavidJay]

I only intend to install 2 arms on 1 landing gear to start. The trailer is fairly stable when walking around the living area but she moves around a fair bit when people are moving around in the front bedroom.

I can add more if needed (after all, I have a second bracket!)

[Big1]

Originally Posted by DavidJay

I only intend to install 2 arms on 1 landing gear to start. The trailer is fairly stable when walking around the living area but she moves around a fair bit when people are moving around in the front bedroom.

I can add more if needed (after all, I have a second bracket!)

Hey DavidJay can you take a pics of your setup, I've been thinking about getting one for my 5th wheel?

[FeatherFam]

We have the BAL. Honestly, the JT looks like a better design and build. I did not want to spend the extra dollars for it on our Jay Feather. For a heavier rig (like your FW), I would definitely go with the JT. The BAL product is working well for us on the ultra-light Feather. If we go heavy one day, I will install the JT or similar product. All of them are effective products; we notice the difference when they are engaged. We have them for side to side on all four stabs. I ordered large t-grip bolts for ours, but the plastic t handles broke, so I am back to using the stock bolts and a ratchet. It's really not that big of a deal to put the ratchet on them.

[FeatherFam]

Originally Posted by DavidJay

Here are the brackets that I purchased. I like how these brackets instead of the bent sheet metal "L" brackets that come with the BAL,product.

Very smart and cool! I can definitely see the need for these. The BAL Lock-Arm is a minimally built product.

[vcbice]

Yep, those are the ones I have. JT also supplies the bushings to fit into the trailer leg. Then the bolt goes through the saddle and the leg.

I think the bushing is there to keep the setup from elongating the holes in the LG legs.

Also, part of that setup are the special bolts JT uses. They have a clevis hole on one end and nut on the other. They are the anchor point for the other stabilizer arm.