Tripod 5th wheel

[Tim Coltrain]

I know some of you use the tripod system on the king pin to stop shaking or movement. What did you find so great about it. What did it do to make you a happier person. I have not bought on as of yet, so when I came home this past weekend I took my shop tripod with my 8 ton jack and put what I believe to be more pressure than a typical tripod. I asked the wife to lay on bed while I walked around and she said she could still fill my every movement. So what is so great about these tripod systems. Am I missing something?


Thanks
Tim in HOT NC

[BandJCarm]

I have shunned them as most folks say they are a waste of money.

However.........I just talked to 2 folks that have washer and dryers that swear by them. I am about to get a washer and dryer and if they shake the trailer these might help. However, I have no direct knowledge. Interested in the responses here.

[Casey r]

We use JT Strongarms and Xchocks. Made a world of difference.

[Dakota EV]

I have a washer & dryer in our 5th wheel and we can tell the difference when we use our tri-pod. also I put a lock on my tri-pod and it just add another layer of security for our 5th wheel when we are gone. I know that the lock can be cut but at least it will slow somebody down if the try it.

[Tim Coltrain]

Ok. I took the advise of those who thought the tire brake and 5th wheel tripod would make difference. Well it made a big difference. I was impressed. Camp on.

[Iwannacamp]

Great... I guess I need a tripod now. LOL I have a 5th wheel with JT strongarms on the front(long story) and X-chocks and plan to add the mid-ship stabilizers(if I live long enough). I didn't really notice much with Xchocks, but DW said she did...good enough for me. The JT's DID help a lot. Camp on!

I have to remember one thing... It isn't on a slab!

[donanddona]

I prefer the combination of items, JB strong arms, Bottle jacks under the mid frame, electric stabilizer at the rear and wheel chocks. But at the end of the day we still feel some movement, just not a much.

[Islander]

I do have and use a tripod on my 5th wheel and find it helps a great deal for the front 'wiggle' when someone walks around or from strong wind.

However, if I did not already have one I would use the alternative like the 'Stabilizing Bar' from Bal-Products <link or JT Strong-arms. I have the BAL stabilizing bars on my rear scissor stabilizer jacks and found a great difference in removing the 'rear wiggle' when someone comes aboard or walks around inside.
I am contemplating installing them on the front legs as well. Then I wouldn't need the tripod.

I also use my wheel X-chocks (that I made) which helps with the bounce and back-n-forth movement. (see picture)

I plan on adding a step support or two because my wife tells me she knows when I leave, or come back, to walk the dog early in the mornings.

With what I am using right now to stabilize is working pretty good.

There are others who found the tripod to be worthless or cumbersome.

You will have to play around with applying the right amount of pin-weight to be stable, but then use caution not to apply too much weight.
I found that on some types of ground I will apply a little more weight after a day or two as it settles in.

I will have my rig at near level (slight front high) bring up the tripod tight to the pin-box bring in all the chain slack (if that is the type you are using) then lower the jacks to put some strain on the chains.
Test by pushing on the front-side of the 5th wheel .... should be no wiggle.

"Dakota EV"... talked about using a lock... good idea.
What I always feared was some joker coming along and raising or lowering my landing jacks via the exterior rocker switch ... So I installed a keyed "power-cut-off switch" that I installed just inside of the front storage compartment....see picture.

I hope this helps

Islander

[Tim Coltrain]

I just wanted everyone to know that July 4th we tried the tripod with wheel locks and NO MORE MOVEMENT. Very Pleased. Thanks for everyones help in this matter.



Tim Coltrain in HOT NC