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Old 03-26-2014, 08:04 AM   #1
fwcombs
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New 3402RL - Introduction and Movement/Stabilizers

My wife and decided to be full timers as my job allows me to work remotely as long as I have an internet connection. So we just purchased this fine unit as well as a used 2010 F-350 long bed for towing. I work on computers / web site software, my wife is a homemaker and we currently have two cats as our family. Probably will be getting another do at some point now that we have the new trailer.

I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with movement in the Montana trailers. I am a little disappointed, it seems to move around more than I expected. It came with the level up 6 point hydraulic system but there still seems to be quite a bit of side to side movement. Makes it kind of hard to work on the computer on at times.

The trailer tows great and the only issues I have had so far are some of the light switches are in odd places, the trailer to truck plug for lights and brake came unplugged, I think because I made a hard turn and I didn't realize it soon enough, and the movement in the trailer. Those are the only items so far, but we are still learning a lot about the trailer.


I love being able to pull into a sight and hitting the auto level on the hydraulic jack system.

Still learning how it tows and hookup / disconnect procedure, this is our first 5th wheel ... owned a travel trailer for 3 years prior.

Here is a picture of the new 5ver.



 
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Old 03-26-2014, 08:05 AM   #2
fwcombs
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Guess I need to learn how to post an image, I will work on that one.
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Old 03-26-2014, 08:18 AM   #3
bigskyjimmy
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Welcome to the Forum and the 3402RL great floor plan We fulltime in a 2012 3402 RL with the 6 point level and we are as solid as a rock , we are on the computer a lot too in the "office" and my wife also plays a lot of Wii and is jumping around with very little movement(I'm 6-3 230 lbs) so I am not sure what is wrong with yours or what you were expecting ,is this your first 5Th wheel?????
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Old 03-26-2014, 09:40 AM   #4
HOOK
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Use a four foot level in your basement. Follow the instructions to reset beginning level, with one exception. Set your first level some higher than just the weight on tires. When you have achieved level a little higher, walk inside to notice movement. If you are not satisfied, raise it a little higher. It never will be perfectly still but can be made comfortable.
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Old 03-26-2014, 11:06 AM   #5
fwcombs
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Thanks for the advice, HOOK, I am going to give that a try.

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Old 03-26-2014, 11:12 AM   #6
jfaberna
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Welcome, we have a new 3402RL as well. In addition to HOOK's suggestions, we've found that keeping the Level UP legs from extending too much helps with stability. We now use pads or wood blocks under each jack even when we don't need them. Reducing the travel by 4" or 5" makes a big difference in our trailer stability.
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Old 03-26-2014, 11:45 AM   #7
bigskyjimmy
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Good point jfaberna ours is always LAY'IN LOW and I'm sure that helps
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quote:Originally posted by jfaberna

Welcome, we have a new 3402RL as well. In addition to HOOK's suggestions, we've found that keeping the Level UP legs from extending too much helps with stability. We now use pads or wood blocks under each jack even when we don't need them. Reducing the travel by 4" or 5" makes a big difference in our trailer stability.
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Old 03-26-2014, 11:54 AM   #8
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It does sound to me like Hook has it. If it's leveling too low then the rig is still on the tires and springs and that will cause what you describe. Ours, like BigSkyJimmy's, is very solid. Little rocking today, but 50-60 mile wind gusts and still no problem on the computer.
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Old 03-26-2014, 12:50 PM   #9
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I have found that if I use a 2 x 10 board 12" long under each foot pad on the 6 point on ours the unit is just short of motionless. BTW I weigh in at 285 lbs.
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Old 03-26-2014, 04:24 PM   #10
h2ojocky
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As far as the truck to trailer plug coming unplugged, try pushing the plug in all the way so the spring loaded cover locks the plug in place. Then wrap a small velcro strap around the cord and cover. Good luck!
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Old 03-26-2014, 05:36 PM   #11
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I'm wondering if he has a socket inside the bed area or if he is just using the socket under the rear bumper, which would have caused the plug to pull out?
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Old 03-27-2014, 09:03 AM   #12
fwcombs
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I just have a socket on the bumper, do you recommend putting one in the bed?
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Old 03-27-2014, 10:00 AM   #13
bethandkevin
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I had the plug in the Lt Rr bed area on my old truck-nothing but problems. I plug in at the bumper/license plate area on new truck-no problems so far. I've also found that if the cord hangs too low for your liking, remove the class V adapter from the reciever hitch and place a loop of cord in the reciever tube, leaving enough lee-way fro turns.
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Old 03-27-2014, 11:54 AM   #14
rohrmann
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We have had no problems with our connection inside the bed at the left rear location. We have a Tailgate Ladder mounted to the tailgate, (the truck is too high without it), and have a bungee attached to the ladder that I thread the trailer cord through, more to keep it from getting pinched in the tailgate. My routine is to plug in the cord, and while there, verify the jaws in the hitch are fully closed, close the tailgate and then hook up the safety breakaway cable. I then turn on the emergency flashers and lights to check all the trailer lights when I do my walk around checking everything secured and all jacks up and antennas down. I do a pull test on the hitch and then are ready to roll. Have never had the cord become unplugged or damaged.
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Old 04-09-2014, 12:55 PM   #15
richfaa
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We also have the 13 3402 Big Sky. We are sitting at the PC desk now and we are not moving at all. There will always be movement in this things as long as the tires and suspension are on the ground. There are some good recommendations here.
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