Camp Site Sway

[lnbski3]

First time out and i am not sure if i was correctly setup or not. I put alot of pressure (i think) on the stabilizers made sure they were secure on 2x10's and left pressure on the tounge jack but we still expereinced quite a bit of sway while walking in the trailer. Is there a rule of thumb on how tight the stabilizers need to be? My model has the 2 rear units at 90deg to the frame and the front 2 are parallel to the frame. it seems like there should be another set in the front going at 90deg or maybe move the front set to be 45 deg instead of parallel. Any ideas?

thanks
Bill

[Terry]

I tighten mine up pretty good - it makes some pretty go creak sounds - but not enough to do any damage to the frame.

One thing that may help you is some BAL or some Camco chocks that go between the two tires. It really locks things into place and prevents quite a bit of movement.

[lnbski3]

found these at Northern Tool are they equivalent or a cheap knock off?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2243_200442243

[usmc616]

I found out that if I crank the stabilizers more than half way down I got more sway. So now I stack Lynx levelers under each stabilzer jack and only crank the jacks down 5-6 inches. This way has helped to minimize the sway.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lnbski3

found these at Northern Tool are they equivalent or a cheap knock off?.....snip

IMO, cheap knock-off. The fact that the description states that they can be used while "unhitching" contradicts what the name brand units say.

Invest in the better chocks and apply them after the TT is unhitched and leveled, they really do minimize TT movement. http://tweetys.com/x-chock-tire-locking-chocks.aspx

Also, when setting your TT stabilizers, set the rear stabilizers first, then the front.

Bob

[AndyGee]

Originally Posted by usmc616

I found out that if I crank the stabilizers more than half way down I got more sway. So now I stack Lynx levelers under each stabilzer jack and only crank the jacks down 5-6 inches. This way has helped to minimize the sway.

Yep I've found the same thing more blocking and less stabilizer extension = less rocking.

[Terry]

For that price, I would invest in the BAL. I have the Camco and they do fine as well, just not as nice.

[clutch]

The problem with the trailer rocking is that the springs are still supporting most of the weight. We plan on putting another set of stabilizers just ahead of the wheels. Possibly another set behind the wheels. We set up for months at a time and the extra support would not be any extra trouble when setting up.

Just look at a trailer house and you will see the wheels off or up and blocks every 8'.