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04-19-2011, 05:49 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Buellton
Posts: 2
M.O.C. #11059
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How to use a Tripod?
Hi, We have a Montana 3400RL, it came with a tripod as we are new to this would apprecaite any suggestions on how to set this up, not sure what the advanage is. l assume it would stabalizethe trailer much better. Many thanks for your help. M&D.
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04-19-2011, 06:22 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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I assume you are talking about the king pin tripod. There are different designs of these tripods and all work a little bit differently. Essentially, you put the tripod up against the base of the king pin and lock the three legs with whatever mechanism the design uses. Then lower the front legs slightly to put some weight on it. Perhaps someone who still uses one will come along to give you a better description.
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04-19-2011, 06:49 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Mine is leaning in a corner of the garage and will be in a garage sale this summer. Dod not see that they did much if any good.
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04-19-2011, 06:59 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brownsburg
Posts: 1,186
M.O.C. #5634
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I agree with Rich, I used mine 3 or 4 times and did not see that it made any difference. I set it up like Stiles. Leveled the trailer then raised it just a bit, put the tri-pod under the king pin till it snugged then let the trailer down just a bit to put some weight on the tri-pod.
My opinion is that it is a waste of space and effort not to mention the additional weight.
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04-19-2011, 06:59 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
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Mine is also available. I figure about 20 lbs of steel is permanently out of my Monty. If you are near San Antonio and want a tripod that is in great shape--let me know. I may even deliver! Basically I could never tell if it did anything to the pleasure of staying in my Monty.
__________________
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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04-19-2011, 08:16 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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After I've leveled the trailer I don't move it at all. I fit the tripod under the pin and mine has a cup with several inches of threads that screws up to the pin. Then I had a bar (lost it and now use a long screwdriver) that fits into the cup to snug it up - since I don't have a remote I don't need to move the trailer at all and I can complete the installation while I'm at the pin.
It is a pain to store but it does help with movement only at the front of the trailer where the bedroom is located. When a permanently mounted stabilization (SteadyFast or similar) is finally installed, I will NEVER use it again.
Since you got it free, no big deal, but you'll learn why many of us will seek the whole trailer stability systems after having to haul it out, install it, then store it when you are done.
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04-19-2011, 08:40 AM
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#7
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Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Juan Bautista
Posts: 48
M.O.C. #9021
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After 3 uses I threw mine away. Went to J T stabilizers and they are much better and easier to use. Also give you more room for parking etc around the king pin.
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04-19-2011, 08:40 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,171
M.O.C. #6433
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I don't use mine any more either since I installed JT Strongarm stabilizers. But the tripod did help some (a little?) with reducing the shaking.
Like Art, I leveled the trailer first. Then stretched out the legs of the tripod, put the it under the king pin, put the cup around the king pin, pulled the legs together some to snug the cup under the king pin, attached the chain that holds the legs, and turned the cup screw until it tightened securely under the king pin.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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04-19-2011, 10:25 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bangor
Posts: 770
M.O.C. #8816
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Yes sir, close it up and put in the garage for next yard sale.
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04-19-2011, 10:25 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Winthrop Harbor
Posts: 1,831
M.O.C. #8160
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We had a heavy duty one that worked fine on our first 5ver which was considerably lighter than our current 3400RL. We graduated to the JT Strongarm and than took it one step further to the Level Up system. The best thing to do is use the tripod and if you notice a difference keep it. If not.........
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04-19-2011, 11:02 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
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Gave mine away to another MOC'er.
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04-19-2011, 01:28 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Shore
Posts: 6,009
M.O.C. #7110
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We leave ours at home. Haven’t used it for a while not to say that we won’t but it seems to be a lot of extra work for just a little benefit. I also quit carrying it due to lightening up the load. We’re not bothered by movement in the camper either; once we lock the wheels with the scissor chocks between the tires and let down the rear stabilizers; I find very little movement in the camper to be concerned with.
__________________
2011 GMC 4X4 dually CC, 6.6 Duramax with Allison Transmission. Formally 2001 Montana,2007 3400RL Montana, presently 2018 3401RS Alpine.
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04-19-2011, 02:24 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,156
M.O.C. #6920
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While not ever having one, I did notice the WEST uses them more than the EAST. Not sure that it means anything. The MOC consensus seems to be they are not useful. I have the JT stabilizers and the tripod was never my option. I would recommend you try the tripod. If it works keep it!
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04-19-2011, 02:27 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,370
M.O.C. #4831
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The tripod is an essential part of our stabilization procedure. Yes it is a nuisance and we only use it if we are staying more than two days. The tripod, combined with between the wheel chocks, stabilizer jacks on the frame ahead of the wheels and the rear stabilizers, really solidifies the trailer. The difference is significant.
Of course if I had JT's or the Level Up system I would dump the tripod and stabilizer jacks in a heartbeat.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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04-19-2011, 03:47 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 1,475
M.O.C. #6237
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Bought one used it once and seen no difference so I sold it to another camper and bought JT's.
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04-19-2011, 03:53 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Big Sky
Posts: 3,156
M.O.C. #1104
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mail2us
While not ever having one, I did notice the WEST uses them more than the EAST. Not sure that it means anything.
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Earthquakes?
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04-19-2011, 04:43 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
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We use one and Stiles procedure sums it up well "some" weight on tripod. Essential purpose I've found is I no longer clunk my head on the king pin...just the bedroom slide.
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04-20-2011, 12:54 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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I agree with Noneck, I don't bang my head on the pin when the tripod is in place. Being a "belt and suspenders" kind of guy, I use it even though the benefits may be more psychological than practical.
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04-20-2011, 02:22 AM
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#19
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Clarklake
Posts: 61
M.O.C. #10717
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Have used one on each 5th wheel I've had and really like it, although I seem to obviously be in the minority. Without it, I never felt stable and like yours it came with our first fifth wheel, so try it. Why spend the extra $$ if you're getting out of it what its supposed to do? Just one mans opinion LOL
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04-20-2011, 06:52 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
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Get it as tight as you can by hand, then tap the "retract gear" switch a few times (very briefly) to put more weight on the tripod.
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