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Old 05-21-2011, 06:37 AM   #1
Gorgeguy
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King pin stabilzer???

I am just getting ready to take the "new to me" 2006 2955RL out on some trips. How important is it to have a king pin stabilzer? I assume it makes it more stabil walking around the bedroom. I will have a little extra weight up front since I am having a washer/dryer combo installed this week.
 
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Old 05-21-2011, 07:01 AM   #2
jimcol
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I used one for about a year then sold it on Craigs list. Really didn't help that much if any and was bulky to haul and store. I installed the Steadyfast system similar to JT stabiliziers. They seemed to help more than the king pin stabilizier but not sure I would go the expense of them again. I think jack stands under the frame help more than anything. Jim
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Old 05-21-2011, 08:01 AM   #3
Carl n Susan
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There was a discussion on this issue just last month. Check out
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=44186

The "Search" function will uncover many, many more discussions about the value of tripod stabilizers.
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Old 05-21-2011, 08:11 AM   #4
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Mine will continue to collect dust in the shop this trip out.
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Old 05-21-2011, 09:16 AM   #5
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Save your dollars and get a full trailer stabilization system like JT StrongArm or SteadyFast. A king pin stabilizer can cost $80 to $140. For around $250 to $300 you can get far more stabilization that just for the front of the rig.

The problem with most stabilization systems is that they provide vertical stabilization with very little horizontal stabilization. Then there's side to side stabilization like with a Wayne's RV stabilizer which improve this but still not quite enough.

The best and still affordable are the JT Strong Arm, SteadyFast systems, or similar systems - I think BAL has one but is in single pieces and therefore expensive by the time all the bars you need are installed - that use side to side AND front to back stabilization to reduce movement tremendously. These also fasten permanently to the rig for ease of setup. Usually, just a couple of knobs to tighten things up, then loosen them to retract the system. Great value, price, and convenience for what you get. I am already sold on these type (probably SteadyFast) as soon as DW says it's okay to spend the money.

I won't even get into the solid performers because of their high costs, unless you want to know about these. Now we're talking $1,000s.
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Old 05-21-2011, 10:58 AM   #6
Bill-N-Donna
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I simply use locking wheel chalks between the tires and are happy enough with that. I have a King Pin stabilizer in our building but don’t haul it around. It seems to be more work than it’s worth. However, it does help a little bit.
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Old 05-21-2011, 11:53 AM   #7
Gorgeguy
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Thank you all for the advice, I will save my money and not worry about the KP stabilizer.
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Old 05-21-2011, 02:54 PM   #8
PapaBeav
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I have one that was given to me by a friend that bought a Motorhome and have only used it twice in the last year and a half. I am thinking of just giving it back to him or getting rid of it. To me it's not worth the hassle.
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Old 05-21-2011, 04:39 PM   #9
bncinwv
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Like JimCol, I have always used four stacker jacks located fore and aft of the suspension system of the rig. They are lightweight, cheap, and eliminate about 80-90% of the excessive movement in the rig. I believe the suspension of the rig itself is what causes most movement, so that is what I attempted to eliminate the effects of. Have been using the same set of stacker jacks on the old and the new rig. The jacks are the adjustable kind with screw-type threads on the support post on the top. Not saying it is superior to any system, but it works for us.
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Old 05-22-2011, 03:41 AM   #10
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ours seems to work well. We've found that it needs a goodly amount of weight and legs spread as far as possible.
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Old 05-22-2011, 03:51 AM   #11
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I use it so I don't hit my head on the king pin. Don't ask me how I'm aware of this.
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Old 05-22-2011, 06:24 AM   #12
The Weekenders
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I like my King Pin stabilizer. As someone mentioned, keeps from hitting my head on the KP and I can hang our welcome sign on it.
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Old 05-24-2011, 05:10 AM   #13
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by lsessoms

ours seems to work well. We've found that it needs a goodly amount of weight and legs spread as far as possible.
Same here. When I got it as tight as possible by hand, I'd tap the "gear up" button a few times to add a little weight.
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Old 05-24-2011, 04:44 PM   #14
ray fischer
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I use when I sit for awhile, DW claims it helps. I prefer it so that my grandkids don't konk their heads on the pin box. We have a seasonal site so its always on there. On overnights it stays in the truck bed.
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Old 05-29-2011, 02:56 PM   #15
KardRV
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We went to Old Orchard Beach Maine this weekend with the kids and their friends. Night #1 we did not use the stabilizer, having JT's on the trailer. We felt the rocking of the kids. Night #2 I used the stabilizer and 90% of what we felt was gone. I think that having the stabilizer and something like JT's is a great system to take the movement. Good Luck.
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Old 05-29-2011, 05:23 PM   #16
grampachet
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A good friend is out camping with my daughter and family. He is sitting in his trailer in severe pain as he somehow ran his shoulder into his hitch real hard and if he had been using a stabilizer he might be enjoying the trip.
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Old 05-29-2011, 05:44 PM   #17
sfish
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Jts Work for us .I dont wake the DW up any more.
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Old 05-30-2011, 11:01 AM   #18
akf15e
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Wouldn't be without mine. It's the only thing we use and the only motion I feel is a bit of rocking when I am sitting at the computer desk and someone comes in the front door. Also we hang our sign on it and I agree on the fact that it keeps me from knocking my noggin on the pin.
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Old 06-04-2011, 04:44 AM   #19
Alwims
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We use ours anytime we are staying more that a week somewhere. We also use stabilizers between the wheels and a screw jack on each side, one in front of the left wheels and one behind the right wheels. We usually stay in one place for a minimum of 3 months. We only use the 2 legged pin box stabilizer as it seems to be enough to help when the washer goes into spin cycle. Even all this doesn't take all the movement out and it's not going to. It's not on a foundation, it's a camper on wheels. These Montana's are so nice that folks seem to forget that sometimes.
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Old 06-16-2011, 03:57 AM   #20
JohnG3
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Had a king pin stabilizer, more trouble than it was worth. Bought a Winfield landing gear stabilizer and love it. One minute set up or take down. Moved it from the Titanium to the Montana with not problems.
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