Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-24-2015, 03:04 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
Stabilizer jacks a how stable?

I have stabilizer jacks, but my trailer still rocks when people walk around. This is very noticeable when you are laying down trying to sleep.

When I put the stabilizer jacks down (electric) they stop once they touch the ground. They don't seem to be supporting too much weight.

Is this all normal and I'm expecting too much or is there something I can do to get stability.

Thanks!
__________________
2009 Chevy Silverado 5.3L Z71
2014 Salem 281QB
tmas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 03:23 PM   #2
Always Learning
 
ependydad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
There is more that you can do. The built-in stabilizers aren't enough.

Learn To RV: Shake, shake, shake - RV Stabilization

Basically, start with some kind of triangulating stabilizers. These go from the jacks to the frame.

Then go with a between-the-wheel chock.

Then look at extra jacks in front of the axles.

And finally, support the under side of the step.

Do it piece-by-piece and see where you're comfortable.
ependydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 03:42 PM   #3
Georgia Rally Coordinator
 
aceinspp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,496
When the stabilizer jacks touch the ground you can hold down button for 2 sec this will give you some support. As mentioned get some sort of chocks that you insert between the wheels to apply force agaist the wheels to prevent moving. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
aceinspp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 03:47 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 426
I made fun of the X-chocks for years ! But , I just made myself a set and was very pleased , the took 90 per cent of the wiggle out ! I do not know how something on the wheels works sooo good , but they do ! Made mine out of landscape timbers and threaded rod .
wanderingbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 07:32 PM   #5
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
I have x chicks, I will look into the other suggestions.

Thanks!!
tmas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 10:43 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 237
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmas View Post
I have stabilizer jacks, but my trailer still rocks when people walk around. This is very noticeable when you are laying down trying to sleep.

When I put the stabilizer jacks down (electric) they stop once they touch the ground. They don't seem to be supporting too much weight.

Is this all normal and I'm expecting too much or is there something I can do to get stability.

Thanks!
Our trailer was really bad till I put these in ahead of the front axle thanks to Old Coot.

Carrier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 10:56 PM   #7
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carrier View Post
Our trailer was really bad till I put these in ahead of the front axle thanks to Old Coot.

What are those?!?


I read the article but I don't know if I know the solution.
tmas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 11:57 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 237
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmas View Post
What are those?!?


I read the article but I don't know if I know the solution.
They are small car jacks that I got from the auto wreckers. Both were brand new never been used and paid $10.00 for both. The ones I would rather of got are from one ton GMC or Chev vans but they are hard to find as everyone gets them for this reason as they are bigger and have a flat top.
But these work just as well but need higher blocks.
Carrier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2015, 07:07 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
satdog01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Franklin, TN
Posts: 746
Once you engage the jack near the axle, how far up to you lift? I just purchased two jacks and they do help, just concerned as to how far to lift. Drill motor starts to slow at 3/4 inch on slide side and one inch on door side? Do you use x-chicks as well?
__________________
2020 Georgetown 31L, Safe T steering, Sumo springs, Onan Geny
2015 GMC Canyon 4X4 TOAD w/Blue Ox tow plates, InvisiBrake
Pepper 🌶 PomChi rescue 545 nights as our camping buddy
Days camped in FR 2011-12 = 77, 13-14 = 98, 15-16 = 129
17 = 81, 18 = 44, 19 = 83, 20= 45, 21 = 76, 22 = 57, 23 = 42
Retired :
satdog01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2015, 07:18 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
indybp57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 336
X chocks made a huge difference for us. Simple, inexpensive, and you have to chock anyway so it didn't really add any work.
__________________
2013 Roo 183
Miles Driven/Nights Camped:
2012:1042/13 2013:2772/27
2014:2259/30 2015:1644/20
2016:1278/23 2017:2183/22
indybp57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2015, 07:41 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
kdot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Stevens Point, WI
Posts: 323
Stabilizer Jacks

Tmas, you said you had "x chicks." I'm jealous; I wish I had that many.

Kdot
__________________
Location: Wisconsin
2019 Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS
2017 Honda Pilot
kdot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2015, 04:10 PM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 37
Does anyone have experience with BAL lock Arms?

BAL Lock-Arm Stabilizing Bar - BAL 23216 - Stabilizing Jacks - Camping World
__________________
2009 Chevy Silverado 5.3L Z71
2014 Salem 281QB
tmas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2015, 04:19 PM   #13
Georgia Rally Coordinator
 
aceinspp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 24,496
You should also use block under the jack pads. The less distance that you have to lower you jacks gives you more stability. I use the plastic pads and sure helps. I get some movement. but to me Iam not bothered by it. Later RJD
__________________
2020 Shasta Phoenix SPF 27RKSS (sold)
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 6.4 3:73 gearing.(sold) (sold) 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0, 4:10
Traded 2015 30WRLIKS V-Lite
Days camped 2019 62
Days camped 2020 49 days camped 2021-74 2022-40 days 2023 5 days
aceinspp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 03:33 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
MartiB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 261
I use wood blocks under mine and then lower the jacks until they seem firmly on the wood. I also have 4 chocks - two on each side that sit between the tires - sort of the same effect as the X-chock I guess. I don't seem to notice much movement unless the jacks aren't firmly down.
MartiB is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2015, 03:41 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
rattleNsmoke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Western Connecticut
Posts: 1,587
Quote:
Originally Posted by kdot View Post
Tmas, you said you had "x chicks." I'm jealous; I wish I had that many.

Kdot
Is that like having 72 virgins??...
__________________
2010 Cedar Creek 5th Wheel 34SATS "The Beast"
2006 Ford F350 Lariat 6.0L Diesel
2003 Harley Heritage Softail "Hogzilla"
1986 Marriage to "Wifey" (patience of a saint)
rattleNsmoke is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
jacks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:51 PM.