Slideout Stabilizers

[5ER]

This subject may already been discussed to death? How many of you use the slideout stabilizers and what do you think of them? I was thinking of getting some to take out some of the rv movement.

[bncinwv]

The only place that is safe to use the slide-out stabilizers is on a concrete surface. any settling of the rig can cause displacement of the slides. There are better approaches to eliminating floor movement. JT Stabilizers or similar are one way. Make sure tires are chocked in between the tires (Bal-chocks, Roto-chocks, etc). We elect to use four jack stands positioned fore and aft of the tires supporting the frame of the rig. I would guess our approach eliminates about 90% of the floor movement. Others may have alternate solutions as well.
Bingo

[priceml]

Myself I will not use them,if a tire goes flat it will put to much strain on the slide out.

[JimF]

When we were touring Keystone the factory rep said no way on slide supports. He then had 4 large guys stand on an extended 3400 main slide, no give. Save your money and buy your wife some flowers instead, it will make her wonder what your up to.

[sreigle]

The manual for our 2007 specifically says to never use slide stabilizers. I can't speak to other years but that's what ours says. I've also heard a Keystone factory rep say that.

[Art-n-Marge]

My manual says the same thing for my 2006 3500RL, so Steve can speak for me too, when we're talking slideout stabilizers. I can think of so many reasons why they are a bad idea, but since my manual says no, I won't say anymore.

I can think of so many other things to do against what Keystone recommends and this one isn't worth it since there are so many other things to use that are better than slideout stabilizers.

[Jay Bird]

I would not recommend using slide stablelizers as the others have stated.

[5ER]

I have extra jack stands that I could use but how do you get them to be tight against the under frame? We had a 3295RK before this 3400 with less slides and it seemed to have less movement. We will be in the same spot for at least 7 months so I thought I might try improving the side to side stability.

[bncinwv]

The stands that I use are the screw type stacker jacks. I use boards beneath them to the point where the screw portion of the jack only extends about two inches from the stand.
Bingo

[Champ_49]

I can say the same. No slideout stabilizers. Trust me on this one. I spent quite a bit of time making my own stabilizers. They do nothing at all as far as stabilizing the unit. And as most state, not recommended by the factory.

Dave

[bigred715]

Bingo, What capacity jack stands are that you use and what is the height of your jack stands? Jeff

[bncinwv]

Here is what I use:

Stacker Jacks

Bingo

[old turbo]

Wife sez the only time the trailer moves when it is parked is when I am in it and moving around. She told me if I lost about 25lbs the trailer would not move anymore.

[5ER]

Bingo, I first thought you were using car jackstands but now I understand. Thanks for the info. Looks like this might be the the best way to go.

[bncinwv]

I would rate the types of installed stabilizer bars as the best way to go, but they set you back $250 or so and have to be installed. This is a cheaper alternative that works for us anyway. One suggestion I will make if you go this route, is put the jack stands beneath the frame BEFORE you extend the slides!! It will eliminate some crawling!! I also think that the effective use of between-the-tire wheel chocks contributes substantially to the reduction of the rig movement.
Bingo

[wild willy]

We bought the slide-out stabilizers, used them once, never again. Now I use them under the frame like bncinwv uses the jack stands. Works great.

[jadinolfi]

Our 3555RL was a real rocking machine especially when the W/D went into spin. I purchased and installed Steadyfast Stabilizers and it took out almost all of the shake. The kit cost about $300 but is well worth it and it installs with a good 3/8" electric drill, a socket wrench set and some time under the trailer drilling the holes and fastening the stabilizers. It comes with very good directions and if you get in trouble you can call the guy who sells them for help. It was a great investment.