The Monty "wiggles" - Montana Owners Club

rickety · 11-02-2005, 05:26 AM

Phyllis and I are new to fifth wheels and I just wanted everyone to know how very much I am enjoying the MOC. I have gotten so many GREAT ideas from all of you. We have only been able to put abut 8000 miles on the Monty since we bought 1 1/2 years ago, but have enjoyed every mile of it. That being said I do have a question. It's not a worrisome thing, but when I am through setting up, and go into the apartment (our name for it) I do notice that the floor, or whole RV will wiggle or undulate a little when walking from end to end. Is this normal and If so has anyone come up with a way to reduce the "wiggles"?

Again thank you all for the great ideas and what a wonderful support network. We will be full timing when Phyllis retires in about 3 years.

Rickety

Parrothead · 11-02-2005, 05:56 AM

Wiggle is normal. You can do somethings to reduce the wiggle but it never goes away completely. Do a search on chocks and read about the good ones that go between the tires and use a pair (one for each side). They are very easy to put on, a little expensive but worth every penny. If you aren't using a kingpin tripod, try that also. Since the Montys are so long, many members have an extra set of scrissor jacks in the middle of the unit. You get use to the wiggle after a while. Another thing, if you are set up for a while, check the rear scrissor jacks after a few days, they may need to be tightened a little. And check your level to make sure you are still as level as when you first set up.
Happy trails.....................

rickety · 11-02-2005, 06:46 AM

Ed, thanks for the information. I do have the tripod under the front and it did make a big difference. I chock both wheels and that alsohelped. Like I said, it is not a big thing, just was wondering. Never though about rechecking the rear jacks, will do that from now on. many thanks

Trailer Trash 2 · 11-02-2005, 07:46 AM

Rick at the Reno Rally I saw one of the members had another set of stabelisers installed in front of the forward tires, it probably stops a lot of the frame flexing when movement is present. I cant remember who did that though, maybe he will see my input and give you some answers.

TT2

HamRad · 11-02-2005, 11:00 AM

It was Steve and Vicki Reigle that have added the stabilizers just in front of the wheels. They said it definitely helps take the shake out of the trailer.

HamRad

Parrothead · 11-02-2005, 12:40 PM

Doug also has the extra jacks in the middle. His unit is really stable.
Rick are you using the chock locks that go between the tires? We've noticed a big difference from just using the plastic ones that sit in front and behind the tires.
Happy trails..........................

DHenry · 11-02-2005, 01:27 PM

I use the chock locks on both sides. I also added another stabilizer in front of the wheels and I use a tripod under the front. I still get a little wiggle but not as much as I did without these items.

Glenn and Lorraine · 11-02-2005, 01:35 PM

I have responded to this subject so mant times I have created a web page for...

Stabilizing

Using the Jacks, Chocks and Tripod has eliminated probably 90% of the movement in our rig. The remaining 10% serves as a reminder that we no longer live in a stick house.

************************************************** ******************

On Edit--
BTW-I have a set of Locking Chocks For Sale

ols1932 · 11-02-2005, 02:11 PM

I used to use the wheel chocks sold at CW but found that Roto-Choks work better. The metal wheel chocks have a tendency to slip (metal against rubber).

sreigle · 11-07-2005, 12:24 PM

Ours are behind the wheels rather than in front but I think that choice of location is more dictated by convenience as it seems to work equally well in both locations. Those scissor jacks eliminate the up and down bouncing but only help a little with the side to side wiggles.

We use the BAL between wheel chocks on both wheels and a kingpin stabilizer as well as the standard rear stabilizers. Each helps some but we've never totally eliminated the wiggle. After awhile you get used to it. I might even miss it if it were gone. Well, maybe not.

Fordzilla · 11-07-2005, 08:12 PM

I bought the sizzors jacks and plan to put them on this fall yet before storing the trailer for the winter. I am going to do the same as sreigle, others have done and add them behind the wheels for extra support.

sreigle · 11-11-2005, 06:41 AM

Here's a picture of ours.

H. John Kohl · 11-11-2005, 10:39 AM

Steve,
Is that jack used or strong enough to raise the trailer or just take a little of the spring sag out of it. I heard Mobile Suites put a hydraulic jack just behind the tire, like the class A, and did not use anything on the tailend of the trailer. I like that idea if the frame is stiff enough.
I think the Pin brace up front will keep the wag out of the nose and this one you showed should make it quite stable.
Thanks

Parrothead · 11-11-2005, 01:35 PM

Hey, John I like your new Marine insignia in your signature. Even if I am an Army brat. My step-grandson, a Marine just got back from Iraq, safely thank goodness. I have two cousins (children of my cousins) that are Marines also. One did 2 stints in Iraq. His final comment to us as he was leaing the first time was "See you on CNN". Thank you for your service to our freedom.
Happy trails.....................

H. John Kohl · 11-11-2005, 02:02 PM

Thanks, after watching your and Steve's signature pop I thought I would try it.

sreigle · 11-12-2005, 10:20 AM

John, it definitely is strong enough to raise the coach. I just set it snug as that's enough to stop the up and down movement on the springs. But at first I'd go to snug and another turn or two but that just threw me out of fore-aft level and also would lift the rear stabilizers off the ground.

I was thinking maybe I could use these for lifting the rig to change a tire but don't think I want to try that. The jacks are plenty strong enough, I think, but the angle it would put the coach on might loosen or snap the screws mounting the jack to the frame. The screws are self-tapping screws that came with the jacks. I bought the jacks at Camping World. I had doubts whether screws would hold as well and considered using through-bolts but changed my mind. These have been on here for a couple of years and are just as tight and solid as when new.

If you install a set, plan ahead enough to make sure you have clearance through the frame for the bolts. Remember that frame is an I-beam with a vertical member. You'll need to make sure you drill holes on both sides of that vertical piece. The jacks have several holes to choose from.

Also, make sure the horizontal screw on the jack will clear everything as it travels back and forth. I didn't check that and ended up having to cut off 3/4 inch of that screw, which is all I can cut off without chancing the screw dropping out at the extreme end of its movement when raising it. That was on the other side, not the side the picture shows. Before cutting, mine was notching the galley dump pipe. Eventually it would have worn through.

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