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Old 11-24-2021, 09:17 PM   #1
mtbuicknut
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Opinions on stabilizers

On a six leg system would a set of stabilizers be worth the effort? If so which manufacture? It would be installed on the unit in my signature.
Thanks Rick
 
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:16 AM   #2
Montana Man
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IMO, no. The six we have work well for us.
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:25 AM   #3
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I’ve never used one, but every time this question is asked about 80% say they don’t help. Do a search, I’m sure you’ll find tons of opinions.
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:37 AM   #4
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The best thing you can do to help stabilize is to put as many blocks as will fit under the jacks. The less the jacks have to extend the better.
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Old 11-25-2021, 08:06 AM   #5
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Exactly MHS
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Old 11-25-2021, 08:38 AM   #6
jsb5717
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Good stabilizers like Strong Arm or BAL do exactly what they claim...they stabilize. Whether or not your trailer needs to be stabilized is a relative question that only you can answer. If you feel more movement than you prefer then one of these products will help.

The Strong Arms definitely helped on our 4point system. You'll need to decide if you would like less movement than you currently feel. Understanding that you'll never eliminate all movement.
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Old 11-25-2021, 11:44 AM   #7
432bartman
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Been happy using the Anderson blocks on all 6 jacks.
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Old 11-25-2021, 01:08 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
Been happy using the Anderson blocks on all 6 jacks.
Agreed!
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Old 11-25-2021, 02:02 PM   #9
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You will always have some movement in your fiver no matter how much or how many stabilizers you use. You are sitting on four tires and the unit is set on springs. There will be movement. While at one of the National Fall Rallies in Goshen the question was brought up about movement and the reps from Lippert/LCI (the manufacturer of the 4 or 6 point level-up systems on Montana's) told those present at the session that the more you extend your level-up legs or rams the more movement you will feel inside. They recommended not extending the legs over 11 inches. If more length is needed, you are to use wood or other blocks under the legs. I have seen the X-Chocks and the Strong Arm systems used and they do help and I've also seen where owners of Montana's have added or left the stabilizers on the rear of their units that are either run by a switch and a motor to lower and raise the stabilizers or the ones that use manpowered hand crank or a drill to do the same thing. These give better support to the rear of the unit and movement is reduced. It is surprising how much the X-Chocks help to reduce movement.
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Old 11-25-2021, 02:18 PM   #10
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As stated above, do what you have to do, to shorten the distance EACH jack has to extend. The shorter the distance, the more stable the trailer will be.

Use plastic buckets, stacks of lumber, or Lego Blocks, anything to shorten the legs will be more stable extending the legs all the way.

I use lumber ..... lots of it.
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Old 12-01-2021, 01:06 PM   #11
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I've only ever used the lego-type blocks at unlevel sites, not to stabilize.
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Old 12-01-2021, 01:21 PM   #12
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I put RV SnapPads on my 6 point system and love them. They're permanent and do a great job of stabilizing the unit. I have rarely had to put any other type of blocks under them during the last season of camping, only at severely unlevel sites.

I will mention, however, at our last trip for the season, the site had a lot of tree roots sticking out. The SnapPads could not make full contact due to the roots. That was the shakiest trip we had all season.

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Old 12-01-2021, 01:58 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by mtbuicknut View Post
On a six leg system would a set of stabilizers be worth the effort? If so which manufacture? It would be installed on the unit in my signature.
Thanks Rick
We use X Chocks and a Kingpin stabilizer on our 3400RL and experience very little movement
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Old 12-01-2021, 02:22 PM   #14
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I cut up used 4x6 fence posts into 12" lengths. I carry 12 of them. I will put two side-by-side under each stabilizer or stack them as needed. The large surface area distributes the load versus the "plastic buckets". The shorter the stabilizer the better.
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Old 12-01-2021, 02:39 PM   #15
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I use Camco Olympian on the front end. It quiets the popping sounds of metal as the front jacks retract slightly after 3 or 4 weeks in my rear living 3813. Work great, Amazon $28.
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Old 12-01-2021, 03:39 PM   #16
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adding another jack? anti stiction fluid is much cheaper and easier to do to eliminate the popping noise
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Old 12-01-2021, 04:42 PM   #17
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I use the MorRyde rear receiver stabilizer and it made a huge difference on my 2021 3781RL. Like others have said, keep leveling jack extension as short as possible.
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Old 12-01-2021, 04:57 PM   #18
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If the ground is too rough I use the 2 X 4 and ratchet strap method to stabilize the back end. Never had trouble with the front.
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Old 12-01-2021, 09:23 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by RBul31 View Post
If the ground is too rough I use the 2 X 4 and ratchet strap method to stabilize the back end. Never had trouble with the front.
I'm thinking it's the back that moves also.
Can you explain your system in more detail? Pictures?

thanks!
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Old 12-01-2021, 11:47 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RBul31 View Post
If the ground is too rough I use the 2 X 4 and ratchet strap method to stabilize the back end. Never had trouble with the front.


I'm thinking it's the back that moves also.
Can you explain your system in more detail? Pictures?

thanks!
Brad

I don't have pictures, but it works nicely.
1. 2 ea. 2X4's cut to about 4' to 5' Length. You can angle the ends if you want or use them with a straight cut.

2. About 1' 1/2 up put an eye hook on each board.

3. Put the top of the boards against the frame in the back. Generally there is a "U" shaped frame ridge going the length of your rig. Use that for the top support.

4. Hook a Ratchet strap to the eye hooks and ratchet it tight.
It will help considerable with the back end movement. I had to use them when we were in Arizona. Kind of rough terrain.

I got the idea from posts on this site. You could look back through the archives to find one with a Picture. Easy to make, Easy to use, Easy to store away. And cheap.

I hope this helps you.

Rick
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