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05-24-2020, 01:18 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 533
M.O.C. #25947
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Tripod thing?
Hey All,
Wife and I are camping this weekend. we took a nice walk around the campground's today and we were looking at the different RV that are here. I notice on 3 fifth wheels that have the auto level systems, they were still using the tripod's that go under the king pin. I was told by the dealership not to use that device with the auto level. This bring's me to 2 question's...
1 Was I told the truth about that?
2 What is the purpose for using the tripod? For leveling, or for stability, or for keeping the trailer hitch up?
In all of the years that I have had 5er I never had a problem with the trailers being stable or getting out of level from the hitch so I never looked into getting this tripod. Thank again for your input's.
Charlie
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05-24-2020, 01:22 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,470
M.O.C. #23668
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The purpose of the tripod is stabilization. I had one for an older 5er that didn't have autolevel or any other stabilizers and it did a good job...especially when we were in the front of the 5er.
However, I find it pointless with this 5er. Between the autolevel and the StrongArm Stabilizers there's no need. The result is I don't need to store and haul that behemoth nor do I have to set it up.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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05-24-2020, 01:33 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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The sales literature says it is to add to teh stabilization. In fact it is a device aimed at taking up room for other useful fun things.
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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05-24-2020, 01:42 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,552
M.O.C. #2283
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The main purpose of the tripods is to get your money. They were the hottest gimmick a few years ago and there are plenty of gimmicks in the RV industry.
Lynwood
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05-24-2020, 03:31 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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They worked pretty good pre-hydraulic leveling. Mine was dangerous because of the way it folded up. It was like 3 giant scissors waiting to take off a finger.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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05-24-2020, 05:40 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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We also got suckered in when we were new at 5th wheels and we were one of the lucky few who were able to find someone to sell it to. Many folks have tried to give them away at the national rally and some have been seen in the dumpster at the end of the rally.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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05-24-2020, 08:17 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Might be some project steel when at S&B
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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05-24-2020, 10:12 PM
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#8
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 85
M.O.C. #22840
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My buddy still uses his to keep him from walking into the kingpin when when walking around the 5th wheel... So I guess it’s now a safety device.... lol
__________________
Glade and Laura
2019 3791RD Montana
2018 GMC 3500 6.6 diesel short bed
Not full timers yet but soon
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05-25-2020, 12:51 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
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Mine is for sale cheap. Can no longer use it due to having a Reese Goosebox rather than a typical pinbox.
Only used it before that when long term camping (6 months) in one spot.
Gotta get it out of the basement...
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
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05-25-2020, 06:28 AM
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#10
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Hampton
Posts: 24
M.O.C. #26030
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I have seen many campers say that they no longer use theirs.
However IMHO; I just bought one from e-trailer for $175 for safety reasons not for stability. I bought the 5,000 lb. rated goose neck version with an aluminum ball (yes, I love my Reese Goosebox). I'm going to make a storage box for it in the basement compartment and it should be no trouble sliding it in and out and setting it up (yes it can hurt you, as noted, if you are not careful).
Safety you ask? Because I recently had the front hydraulic landing gear bypass a little fluid due to a failed internal seal on a 2019 unit and the front gear dropped 6". As a result of the rig dropping the door wouldn't open because the Morryde stair lifted up and jammed the entry door closed (I'm one of those people that actually prefer the old folding stairs, I miss those).
This minor emergency event can only be taken care of from outside by lifting the gear or taking off the stair feet. Which means getting out through a window. Fortunately this happened when I was away for the day and I was able to lift the rig with the hydraulic pump because the leak was slow.
My son-in-law's mother sometimes visits and we let him take the Montana for her use and there is no way she could get out if this ever happened again. Also, I will use the tripod when the unit is in storage just to be sure. Granted the tripod is not intended to replace the landing gear, but this is a significant safety thing for me. I no longer have 100% trust in the hydraulic gear (I never felt this way about our prior electric jacks) .
One more thing. When the unit went out of level is was hell on the refrigerator compressor. The compressor made some awful noises for a few hours after I got it back level. I just hope it wasn't damaged.
Just my thoughts on the matter.
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05-25-2020, 07:32 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Could not even give ours away, so tossed it.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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05-25-2020, 07:46 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
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Best day in camping was the day ours was tossed out! Not been missed for years!
__________________
F-250 King Ranch Crew Cab 2012, Single Wheel, 6.7 L Diesel, Transfer Flow Internal 50 Gallon Fuel Tank, Upgraded Ford Software for 50 Gallon tank, 2006 3475Rl with Mor-ryde King Pin, 2nd AC, 2nd Battery, Pressure Pro TPMS, Wet Bolt Shackle Kit
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05-25-2020, 08:09 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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The general consensus is that it serves no real purpose we like others had one and got rid of it. If I was to use one it would be on concrete .
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05-25-2020, 08:09 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,659
M.O.C. #9969
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I always get a kick out of people using a tripod on their TrailAir air king pin.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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05-25-2020, 08:39 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,171
M.O.C. #6433
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Got lucky with mine. After one season of use, I set in front of the trailer at an RV park with $40 sign on it. And sold it!!! Of course, that means I still lost nearly $100 on it.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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05-25-2020, 09:05 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,350
M.O.C. #9051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mhs4771
I always get a kick out of people using a tripod on their TrailAir air king pin.
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It kept that airbag exercised.
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05-25-2020, 09:16 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,350
M.O.C. #9051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX
Got lucky with mine. After one season of use, I set in front of the trailer at an RV park with $40 sign on it. And sold it!!! Of course, that means I still lost nearly $100 on it.
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When I bought my first fifth hitch it was a Reese 16K slider ,it was a nearly new used one, they also offered a kingpin stabilizer for $25, they actually had a custom made heavy duty zippered bag made for it ,that came with it. Heck of deal. I used that stabilizer for about two years until I realized it pretty much worthless.
Fast forward I finally got tired of it in my garage after several years, and got it sold , don't remember what I sold it for . The best part of the whole deal was that zippered bag ,perfect length for my electric trolling motor for my one man pontoon boat I fish with. Have used that bag for years now to keep that motor in.
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05-25-2020, 09:59 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids
Posts: 1,896
M.O.C. #9561
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1 Was I told the truth about that? It was just his opinio, not fact. just don't do auto with the tri stand still in place.
2 What is the purpose for using the tripod? For leveling, or for stability, or for keeping the trailer hitch up? Just to stablize the trailer, but it isn't necessary unless you want it.
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05-27-2020, 08:08 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Bencia
Posts: 538
M.O.C. #25828
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Ditto jsb5717..............We just took our lightly used tripod our Montana 5th wheel trailer and put it in the original box..............waiting to sell it or give it away vs. landfill.
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05-27-2020, 02:15 PM
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#20
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Rossford
Posts: 68
M.O.C. #23846
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Well, I am in the “get one” camp. We full time and use it all the time. Our washer/dryer in the front shakes us a lot less with it. The test I tell people, when asked is, stand outside and push on the front side of your rig, try to move it. If it moves, the tripod will help. If it is solid and doesn’t move, it won’t help. Ours helps.
__________________
Ken & Margaret
2019 372RD
2019 F450
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