jacks and movement

sally · 07-01-2011, 04:43 PM

I recently purchased a 2012 Salem 312QBUD and when the stablilizer jacks are down I still get movement in the trailer. Any suggestions?

I never had any movement before with my old 24' trailer.

**bikendan** · 07-01-2011, 05:15 PM

get tandem wheel chocks.

caleb · 07-01-2011, 10:04 PM

I recently picked up a set of these X-Chock jacks. I haven't actually used them yet (other than in the driveway) but I can already tell they make a huge difference. I'm not getting any fore/aft movement, only side-to-side right now (no stabilizer jacks down).

donn · 07-02-2011, 11:12 AM

Larger trailer, more movement. Try some 2X4's under the stabilizers. Also use locks between the wheels. That helps some according to most.

**bikendan** · 07-03-2011, 10:14 AM

tandem wheel chocks!

Southern Comfort · 07-03-2011, 10:25 AM

I have added stabilizer jacks under the slide out and it has helped so much with the movement. I also went from a smaller trailer to a much larger one and find there is more rocking than the smaller one. But I find this helped me alot.

DavandJane1 · 07-03-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sally

I recently purchased a 2012 Salem 312QBUD and when the stablilizer jacks are down I still get movement in the trailer. Any suggestions?

I never had any movement before with my old 24' trailer.

Steadyfast stabilizers

Kev · 07-03-2011, 01:37 PM

I had the same problem, used x-chocks between the wheels and still had a bounce so I added some removable jacks right in front of the tires to the frame. Made a huge difference and I dont feel when the kiddos are rolling in the bunks in the back which makes for a good sleep.

crocus · 07-03-2011, 04:03 PM

"Steadyfast stabilizers"

Definitely.
I just finished making my own set, and made them a lot better than the SteadyFast system. What a difference!
I had been using a fifth wheel pin tripod, but the leg braces are far better. Rock solid now!

Capstone · 07-03-2011, 11:26 PM

We recently got a 30QBSS. All 4 jacks were mounted to the inside of the i-beam underneath. One was mounted so close to the edge it came down at an angle and provided no support.

Took it back to dealer and had them all re-mounted in the center of the i-beam. Dealer said they were going to take pics and send to factory.

Having said that I'm not sure how much it actually helped. Only thing I can compare it to is the two times we used it with only 3 jacks (since the one didn't provide any support). It feels a little better now but still getting movement. Our first TT so not sure what a normal amount is. I have one x chock. Going to pick up another for the other side.

kz08h5 · 07-04-2011, 12:14 AM

Bikendan said it: Get some wheel wheel chocks. Night and day difference when they are used.

**bikendan** · 07-04-2011, 01:44 AM

try the tandem wheel chocks first. most who do, get good results.
then, if there is still too much movement, then you can look at installing strut stabilizers, such as these:

http://http://www.ultra-fab.com/new_detail.cfm?mfgnum=48-979007

Stevea1956 · 07-04-2011, 05:37 AM

Welcome to the forum!!
This is a highly discussed topic here in the forum.
If you type movement, shaking, or stabilize in the search box, you'll get plenty of tips and tricks from other members that have this issue. Myself included.
I'm not sure whether your TT is considered an ultra-light or not but if it is, you will find it nearly impossible to get it rock steady.

**KyDan** · 07-04-2011, 07:12 AM

My rear stabilizer jacks are mounted to a piece of light weight angle iron
that spans the width of the trailer. I know it flexes when the jacks are
down. Check yours. If you have similar set up you might consider
adding another angle iron on top of the one that's there.

I also use a wheel chock on one side. I never got the 2nd one for
the other side because we're mostly satisfied with stability now.
(No kids running around inside.)

Google RV wheel chock and there are several different kinds and a pretty
big span of prices.

I have one of these Ultra-fab Products - Deluxe Chock & Lock - Chocks & Levelers - Camping World
Once you adjust it you don't kneed any tools to apply or remove it.

Matthewsbj1 · 07-04-2011, 08:15 AM

We always have movement in our camper and we have power front and rear jacks and you can ply put them down so far so we always have movement because if you try to level the camper with them they will max out and you will have to use the hand crank

**KyDan** · 07-04-2011, 09:15 AM

Stabilizing jacks are just that- stabilizing.
You have to level your trailer first by putting blocks or planks
under the low side tires until it's level side to side.
Then adjust the tongue jack to get front to back.
Then put down the stabilizing jacks to cut down on that bouncy feeling
when someone is moving around inside the trailer.

SaskCampers · 07-04-2011, 09:59 AM

Interesting in that last year we never experienced bounce in our V-Lite. However the trip we are on now we brought DW's sister and hubby and well her sister is weight challenged and it provides for a bouncy time when she is moving around the trailer. Something we never noticed due to our lighter weight. We have 10" high stabilizer blocks I made to put the stabilizers down on as well as dual X-Chocks. It seems to me the bounce is coming from the flexing of the frame over the wheels due to the rubber suspension as our old Edgewater never did this and it had leaf spring suspension and was just a foot shorter and weighed about the same. Guess I'll do like Crocus and make my own steadfast stabilizer system and get a set of screw type jack stands to put under the frame between the wheels on both sides and see how that works. Also need to see how the stabilizers are mounted to see if I can stiffen that up without affecting the actual frame.

RubenZ · 07-04-2011, 11:24 AM

Get a Set of THESE

And then what I do is put some if THESE on the frame Close to the TIRES. It's the actual tires that cause bounce.

sally · 07-04-2011, 12:19 PM

Bikendan,

Do you recommend the X-Chocks or the model that are similar to normal tire chocks that extend on the ground to under each tire?

Thanks to all who have posted replies. This was awesone information!!!!!!!!!!

caleb · 07-04-2011, 02:35 PM

The biggest problem is that no TT frame is made to support the trailer on any kind of jack. If you try, you will get frame flex with can cause alignment issues with doors, windows, etc. As mentioned earlier, they are stabilizers, not leveling jacks. From what I've tried, I like the X-Chocks the best.

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