5th Wheel Bounce in Camp

[Scootdawg]

Hello, during our first trip out with our 8289ws, after we leveled the 5th wheel, we still noticed that there was a bounce in it when you walk around. Its no where near the bounce that our Sunseeker had, so I probably should not complain. The dealer told me that the rear legs should not be used for leveling, but just basically hit the ground and used as a brace. Is this little bounce that I feel when people walk around normal? Are there any mods that can be done to control this?

[PhoneDude 8289]

What you are feeling is normal as the 8989 has a lightweight frame. If you were to support it behind the rear wheels that would take out most all of the bounce. I added a four point leveling system to ours, that put two electric jacks behind the rear wheels. Now when all is level and set up to camp there are six points of contact with the ground and there isn't any noticeable bounce.

[Scootdawg]

Thank you very much! Looks like since we are going to keep this for a good long time (hopefully) I can get these jacks done this winter. Did you do them yourself or have the dealer install them? Any advise?

[PhoneDude 8289]

I did it myself, took me a couple days but I work slow. If I remember correctly the setup cost me right at $2500, the dealers I talked to wanted 5k - 6k parts and labor. They also wanted me to get in line, about a two week wait to get started. If you go to the rally in August there is a good chance on getting them installed at a reduced and more reasonable price.

[mlhawke]

We use the back stabilizers too and added a front Tripod for the nose. It was under a hundred bucks and works well in taking out the wobble. JM2C.


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[MarcusN]

We had JT Strongarms added and they work well. Am thinking about looking into how to install a couple of jacks like on a Roo at the axles and get an extension and run them down with a cordless drill. Also added step support and that also helps.

[iceblaze580]

I have the 6 point leveling system added the JT strong arms it has taken 85% of the bounce out of my rig


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[OldCoot]

After reinforcing the flimsy legs on the elec stab jacks and modifying a set to put in the front of the axles, homemade JT Strongarms, step support, and Bal X Chocks, we have a 5er with no shake and no bounce.

[RalphieAdie]

We invested in X-Chocks and it helped tremendously. And having the landing gear not extended a tremendous amount helps as well.

[MarcusN]

Old Coot, how did you mount the jacks in front of the axles & how much were the jacks and where did you find them?

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by MarcusN

Old Coot, how did you mount the jacks in front of the axles & how much were the jacks and where did you find them?

Welded two steel U brackets to them and slipped the U bracket over the 2 x 4 tube in front of the axles. Had to narrow the jack mounting angles. Got the jacks from trading with Herk and then trading them to the LCI technicians in Goshen that were replacing youroo's jacks.

[Scootdawg]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

After reinforcing the flimsy legs on the elec stab jacks and modifying a set to put in the front of the axles, homemade JT Strongarms, step support, and Bal X Chocks, we have a 5er with no shake and no bounce.

It looks like the 3rd picture down has scissor jacks welded behind the tire? Is that true? Looks like it may work.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Scootdawg

It looks like the 3rd picture down has scissor jacks welded behind the tire? Is that true? Looks like it may work.

No scissors jacks, just 2 sets of stabilizer jacks and the front landing jacks.