Rockin' & rollin'

[dennisl]

Just took our first short trip in the new Mountaineer 307 RKD and generally liked it a lot. One thing we both really noticed however, was that it really "wiggled" around much more than our previous fiver. Of course, this unit is about 3 feet longer and hundreds of pounds heavier than the old one. We do have the "bipod" stabilizer under the king pin, which helps greatly in the bedroom/bathroom area. That is the area the old unit was the worst for moving around. Now the worst movement by far is the kitchen/living area. We have a rear kitchen model, and you could see the coffee sloshing around in the coffee maker when you walked across the room! I had extended the rear stabilizer jacks and tightened them up a few times, but still had a lot of motion. Several questions - 1. Is this type of movement a common problem? 2. Will placing something larger like 4X4 under the stab jacks help? 3. What other suggestions do you have to fix the problem? I hate to admit it, but I'm gettin' too old to rock and roll! Thanks for all the great help so far. This is a great source of information and assistance.

[Mac]

Dennis,

Chocks between the tires will help a great deal, most people will agree. I have BAL's from Camping World but I know others use Roto-Chocks. I know it helped our exponentially.

mac

[SlickWillie]

When we brought the fiver back in last week, I set up using concrete blocks (we're set up at the home base). This meant the jacks (front and rear) were not extended nearly so far. I have been surprised how much more stable it is. I saw a Mountaineer in Grand Isle, LA that had what looked to be plastic pyramid blocks under the jacks. I want to find four of those first chance I get. The concrete blocks are a little heavy to haul around.

[robb]

I just installed a set of RV stabilizers from plugitright.com on our 3400RL Montana, seem to stop ALL movement.
Cost less then some of the others.
Robb
Volvo 610 pickup

[Robb, can you please explain how you got a Volvo 610 registered as a PICKUP? There are a whole bunch of guys out here waiting for that nugget of information!]

RVW, MOC Admin

[montymorgon]

Check this website out: http://www.jtrv.com/our_products.html They are a wonderful product.

[nailbender]

I also use the JT's Stabilizers and they really help. With the JT's and wheel chocks the movement is greatly reduced.

[sailer]

I use A&W jacks between the tires and they really help also get some big blocks or build you own out of 2x6 to make a stack 8" high about 12" sq in the front then a block or 2 in the rear helps also,,the ft king is very important john

[bncinwv]

We use the CW Bal-chocks also (the kind yhat comes with the wrench to tighten them). Use 8x8 solid blocks under all stabilizer jacks and use four stacker jacks halfway between axles and stabilizer jacks. This has virtually eliminated movement at a relatively cheap price. There is still some movement when the washer goes into one of it's high speed spin cycles though. I have heard nothing but good reviews on the JT stabilizers if you want to invest a little more money.
Bingo

[OntMont]

Some R&R seems inevitable, but the suggestions above all help. Another tip we had at the last Fall rally was not to tighten the rear stabilizers too tight, just snug.

[clutch]

SlickWillie, you can get those plastic blocks at WallMart/.

[Mudchief]

Dennis, I have tried it all and it helps but I got tired of hauling around all those blocks,tripod and jacks. I got rid of that and purchased the JT Strong arm stabilizers and that stopped all of the movement. You can get the system for around $300.00 and takes about 5-6 hours to install. I would not own another 5th wheel without them.

[bigmurf]

You can also look at PLUGITRIGHT.COM They have a set for a lot less.

[ronnilu]

Look up some quality stabilizers that have worked extremely well for us: Steadyfast.com. We no longer have to carry a lot of stabilizing equipment around with us and sold our tripod too. Now all we have to do is tighten three knobs after setting up and cranking down the jacks.

[Bill and Lisa]

We use the plug it right stablizers (went with them over the JT's simply because of price). Them and BAL Chocks remove 90% of movement. No longer haul around and use my kingpin stablizer.

Bill

[sathompson1]

Stay away from a King Pin Stabilizer. They are a real pain and they don't work very well. This last weekend I was out in Quartzite Arizona and I saw a new Cross Brace Stabilizer from Winfield RV Products. It permanently attaches to the front landing legs. When your Montana is level you merely insert two pins and twist the braces to tension it. It was pretty slick. They demonstrated it on my rig and it worked great. It was simple and easy to use. At the RV show I looked at JT strong arms and Steady fast, but I am afraid of voiding my frame warranty by drilling all of those holes. After seeing the Winfield Cross Brace Stabilizer I think I will buy. They only cost $179 and install in minutes. They said they are a new company. Has anyone else seen or heard of them.

[jjackflash]

Dennis,Iam thinking about installing the JT's.
Iam looking on E-Bay and found this,can anyone out there tell me if this is a good price? It includes the rear ones and also free shipping.looks like he may take reasonable offers.
Also,has anyone had any problems with installation on a 3400?
Jack
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JTs-Strong-Arm-
RV-Jack-Stabilizers-Complete-New-Set_
W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50073QQihZ0
14QQitemZ330192048548QQrdZ1QQsspagename
ZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

[bsmeaton]

We installed the JT stabilizers on this rig, and I'm sold. It is a rock. The pin tripod is laying in the basement of the house.

Good wheel chocks are also a must, but they cannot overcome the sidewall movement in the radial tires like the JTs can.

[The Oldguard]

quote:Originally posted by jjackflash

Dennis,Iam thinking about installing the JT's.
Iam looking on E-Bay and found this,can anyone out there tell me if this is a good price? It includes the rear ones and also free shipping.looks like he may take reasonable offers.
Also,has anyone had any problems with installation on a 3400?
Jack
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JTs-Strong-Arm-
RV-Jack-Stabilizers-Complete-New-Set_
W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50073QQih
Z014QQitemZ330192048548QQrdZ1QQsspagename
ZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

Jack, this web site is only $299.95 with free shipping.
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog...?productid=924

[jjackflash]

quote:Originally posted by The Oldguard

Jack, this web site is only $299.95 with free shipping.
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog...?productid=924

Thanks Bill,I'll look into that!
Jack

[exav8tr]

I had JT's installed last week at Q. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! Gave my king pin stabilizer away while I was there. One thing to remember when you buy for a 3400 is that the rear jacks are telescoping and not scissor. Makes a difference.....