Slide Out Stabilizers - Yes or No?

[runmom1]

Newbie question ... I've seen slide out stabilizers and am wondering if we should invest in some. We have a 394FKDS that is stationary at a campground, so we won't be moving it unless we replace it. Wondering if the stabilizers are worth the investment to give it a little extra support. Thanks in advance!

[5picker]

Only if you have the frame on blocks so if a tire goes down, you won't damage the slide.

[TeachTexas]

Most manufacturers say NO. If anything were to cause the trailer to lower or move for any reason, there goes your slide.

[runmom1]

Thanks ... Quick note - there is a structure surrounding the TT, so it's basically got a big roof over it. Not sure if it would ever move or lower unless there was a big washout of any kind.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by runmom1

Thanks ... Quick note - there is a structure surrounding the TT, so it's basically got a big roof over it. Not sure if it would ever move or lower unless there was a big washout of any kind.

A roof is fine and dandy but how about if a tire that goes flat?
It will drop several inches and if you have stabilizers under the slides it won't be pretty. That's why I said in my original post... if you have the frame up on blocks it won't matter if a tire goes flat, they will carry the load and not the tires so in that instance, slide stabilizers would be OK.

Under normal everyday towing circumstances, today's slides are meant to carry their loads without the use of stabilizers.

A rig set up at a seasonal site with blocking under the frame it would be OK but not necessary.

[MacDR]

X20 on No.. I once whitnessed the damage of a flat tire and slide stabizer..

[JP Camper]

Abosolutly NO!!

[bwodom]

So how do you stabilize the slide? Ours is not solid and we can feel the rig shake when we walk on that side or sit at the dinner table which is located on the slide. The stabilizers do help with that. Will the jacks not support any weight in case of a flat? I would think the flat would be gradual, not a blowout, while sitting still?

[runmom1]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Only if you have the frame on blocks so if a tire goes down, you won't damage the slide.

We do have it on blocks ...

Sent from my VS995 using Forest River Forums mobile app

[5picker]

Originally Posted by runmom1

We do have it on blocks ...

Sent from my VS995 using Forest River Forums mobile app

Well there you go...

[5picker]

Originally Posted by bwodom

So how do you stabilize the slide? Ours is not solid and we can feel the rig shake when we walk on that side or sit at the dinner table which is located on the slide. The stabilizers do help with that. Will the jacks not support any weight in case of a flat? I would think the flat would be gradual, not a blowout, while sitting still?

Jacks or stabilizers?

Most rigs today come with stabilizers on the four corners.
They are not meant to support the weight of the entire trailer.
If a tire goes flat, (quickly or otherwise) the stabilizers will likely just bend under the pressure. And if you have a stabilizer under the slide when that happens... well who knows how far the slide might bend out of whack as well.

If you have jacks under the four corners then that may be different... providing the frame doesn't bend.

The ONLY time slide out stabilizers are recommended to be used is if the unit is set on multiple piers or blocks on the frame rail on both sides.

[ProfChuck]

For one brief shining moment I also thought of stabilizers. Hold up the slide out and everything would be nice and steady - BUT - the way most of these slide outs are designed, they are boxes that slide out and hook on the bottom edge of the side with the top and sides of the box pressed against the sidewall of the unit. If you put a stabilizer under those types of slide outs and have a movement in the trailer the stabilizers will exert a push up pressure on the slide out and push it into (or possibly through) the trailer roof! And that won't be covered by a warranty, either. Just don't do it. You will be out the money for the stabilizers and you may have to rebuild your trailer.

[RockwoodUL2604]

I tried several things to improve the stability of my parked travel trailer Rockwood UL 2604. I ordered mine with scissor jacks vs electric because I was told they may do a better job with stability. I use 4 x 4 blocks under the jacks so they are not fully extended. Purchased the X chocks to go between the wheels and still was not satisfied. Friends told me about putting jacks under steps (and slides) etc. I saw at a campground a travel Trailer with pipe braces from the bottom of the jacks back to the frame. Looked like a good idea to me and I found a few companies that make such a product. I settled on the Steady Fast system because it was simple to use and easy to install (although not cheap) and very well made. On my trailer the results have been fantastic. I can say it got 95% of the movement out of the trailer. I am very satisfied with the results. I would guess the other brands work well with the same concept.