How to use a Tripod?

[MaDi]

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.

[stiles watson]

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.

[richfaa]

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.

[indy roadrunner]

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.

[timandsusan]

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.

[Art-n-Marge]

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.

[royando]

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.

[BB_TX]

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.

[swanny]

Yes sir, close it up and put in the garage for next yard sale.

[c214dick]

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.........

[Waynem]

Gave mine away to another MOC'er.

[Bill-N-Donna]

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.

[mail2us]

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!

[Carl n Susan]

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.

[hookman]

Bought one used it once and seen no difference so I sold it to another camper and bought JT's.

[HomeOnTheRoad]

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.

Earthquakes?

[noneck]

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.

[NCFischers]

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.

[hikerdoc]

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

[TLightning]

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.