King Pin Stabilizers

[anglerdad]

Does anyone use a king pin stabilizer, and if so do they really make a difference? Also, what brand do you use?

Thanks again everyone for all the great insight.

[DQDick]

We had one before we added level-up but didn't think it was worth the space and weight it took up. It was a heavy duty tripod.

[BB_TX]

We used a tripod the first year. It did help a little, but not really that much. Installed JT Strongarm stabilizers and there was a significant difference, most notable when the washer goes into spin mode. Sold the tripod.

[WeBeFulltime]

If you're getting the 6 point hydraulic system don't waste money on a kingpin stabilizer.

[Neil.M]

Never saw much difference using ours. Not even sure where it is anymore.

[HOOK]

Gave mine away!

[bigskyjimmy]

I was lucky enough to sell mine for 50 bucks at a garage sale or else I would of junked it waste of space and heavy and No you do not need one with the 6 point....YEAH!!!!!!!

[Art-n-Marge]

The tripod helped lessen movement but only at the front of the rig. The center and rear still moved around a lot. The person walking around didn't notice but anyone else sitting in the trailer did.

To lessen even more movement, use a SteadyFast or JT Stongarm system($200 to $300 or maybe more). Then some jacks in front and rear of tires to lessen suspension movement (not much much $$$) and then finally there's the Bigfoot or Level up systems that work the best but cost the most too.

What I'm saying is that while the Kingpin stabilizer might be the first attempt to stop movement, it will be only the first step from preventing movement since it will not be the best solution.

[jlb27537]

If you have the Mor/ryde pin it is a total waste as the pin moves.

We have the 6 point and yes there is a bit of shaking on spin sometimes, but not worth the effort to try and stop it.

When we did have a king pin stabilizer, it was a BAL 2 legs and it was a bumper jack on one side and adjustable length leg on the other. No longer made.

[anglerdad]

Thanks everyone. From what I'm hearing fro you, the king pin stabilizer is a waste of money and space. The 2014 High Country 305RL only has a 4 point level up on it, so I will have to wait and see how well it works. I can say this. When we were at the RV show, my wife and I sat in the recliners for a bit, just looking around. Several people came in, walked around, and left. And my wife was the first one to notice that there was no noticeable rocking. Our tow behind camper would rock like crazy no matter what I did. Once we get the new rig and take it for a test run, I will let you know what we discover.

[Tom S.]

We had the washer/drier in the front of our 06 and the tripod made a difference when it was running - especially in the spin mode. Otherwise, not so much so.

[bethandkevin]

Mike, if it's something you think you might like to try, I have one taking up space in the barn!

[JandC]

We will still use ours if we are set up for longer periods of time, but won't take it with us for extended travel. The DW likes to put lights on it and make it into a Christmas tree plus we sometimes lock our bikes to it. I don't think it does much for helping the shake though.

[Art-n-Marge]

If the 4 legged system prevented that much movement and you still think in the long term you need something, then the next step would be a Steadyfast or JT Strongarm since these tend to prevent much of the lateral movement. This still means the King Pin stabilizer won't help because it only helps the pin area, it doesn't help much else in our experience.

The only value of a King Pin stabilizer is that it's a small step to prevent movement and while it can stop some (like in our case) for some it's not enough. In the meantime we accept the fact we are in a trailer and we can accept much movement. But we don't have a W/D to spin and move the trailer around a lot more. If we had a W/D we might want more of the stickhouse steadiness than the trailer movement. Still a kingpin might not be enough.

[K0LCB]

Would a king pin stabilizer help anything with the Moride pin box?

[jcurtis934]

I use one, even with 6 point leveling...BUT my main idea for the use of it is to provide some support to that huge overhang when I am sitting parked for 6 months at a time...which is twice in a year since we full-time. With the frame issues that are talked about on this site, it would seem like a tripod would be a cheap, simple device to lessen any chance of creating a frame issue. I understand there will be some that say "if the frame can't take this kind of use without support and not have an issue, then...". I would rather use something for the peace of mind than wonder if i fell into a trap and helped create more issues with my rig. I also wish my 3800RE was built on the heaviest duty Lippert chassis that is used for the DRV products, but it isn't. John

[bigskyjimmy]

I guess it would not hurt to use one if it makes you feel better but a great point about what good would it do with the Mor-ryde pin box????? I'm thinking nothing, I have fulltimed in mine for 2 years now and I weigh 235 lbs and the rig is nice and steady without a Tripod

[TLightning]

They are better than nothing, but certainly not as good as the more sophisticated systems.

[washley1]

I went out and got a pair of X-chocks. We have very little wiggle anymore.

[Artemus Gordon]

I bought this unit for last RV. Worked well and far cheaper than six point retrofit! Nice looking rig and welcome! http://www.amazon.com/BAL-25035-King.../dp/B000B62150