Question for folks using rear scissor jacks

[Volvodriver]

Need to ask what folks do when using scissor jacks on rear of fifth wheels or trailers when you don't have four or six point levelers. Taking my old stab jacks off the rig as they "are" old and we want to try scissor jacks as we have seen alot of owners go this route.

Questions are do you run the jack down to ground level and use the ground or do you put one or more hard plastic leveling blocks or wood between jack plate and ground. What do folks find more stable for them and their rigs? And do you turn them at an angle to the frame or parallel with the frame?

Thanks, Dave

[Jfkmk]

I usually use a 2X6 under the scissor jack. Mine are installed on a diagonal from the frame.

[AlaskaErik]

I just use those yellow plastic pads you get at Walmart. I also use my cordless drill to lower and raise my jacks. I have a dedicated six point ¾" socket that I keep in my storage bay for just that purpose.

[Jim S JR]

I wouldn't let them extend too far. You will get more stabity by using plastic blocks and extending them less than 3/4. I also carry my 18v ryobi impact wrench to lower or raise them.

[asr524]

The biggest reason you would put the yellow block/pad down is to keep the jack from sinking into the ground. The pad just allows for a bigger footprint. If your lowing them onto a concrete pad there is no need for the yellow blocks.

[Dirt Sifter]

I use 4x6 blocks cut 10" long. Have turned them either height as needed with no problem. Jacks are perpendicular to frame.

[corky310]

I use the yellow blocks and my cordless drill. Some campsites require the use of a block under your jack. I've been on soft ground before and have watched the block sink into the grass before it hit solid ground.

[boatcat AH6NR]

The less you open them the more stable the rig. I use 3 to 4 4"x4"x 12" pcs on each.

[Swampy]

Originally Posted by Volvodriver

Need to ask what folks do when using scissor jacks on rear of fifth wheels or trailers when you don't have four or six point levelers. Taking my old stab jacks off the rig as they "are" old and we want to try scissor jacks as we have seen alot of owners go this route.

Questions are do you run the jack down to ground level and use the ground or do you put one or more hard plastic leveling blocks or wood between jack plate and ground. What do folks find more stable for them and their rigs? And do you turn them at an angle to the frame or parallel with the frame?

Thanks, Dave

Dave, Those scissor jacks are just stabilizers to keep the RV from rocking or bouncing, not leveling jacks and really aren't strong enough to jack up a 5th wheel or trailer.


For side to side leveling, you should be using wood planks under the wheels or some of those Lynx or Camco Leveler Lego style blocks. Front to rear is leveled with the front jack. If you raise the RV with the scissor jacks, it may hold it, but you run the risk of the RV falling and tearing up the jacks and possibly bending the frame.The leveling blocks are made for holding the weight of the RV and only require a few minutes extra to install. When I use them, I get the RV in position then back up another foot. placing the levelers in front of each tire on the low side and using my wheel chock at the front of the leveler pad, then just pull forward a foot and I'm level. You can make small pyramids with them for additional height. They don't slide around like the wood planks usually do ... even on concrete.


If the site is dirt and not well packed, I'll use either wood planks or the leveler pads under the scissor jacks so that they don't work loose and the RV starts bouncing and rocking. I carry a wooden section of 6"x 6" about 2 feet long that I place under the tongue jack. That will keep it from settling on soft dirt as well.



Hope that helps. Good Rving ................ Swampy

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by boatcat AH6NR

The less you open them the more stable the rig. I use 3 to 4 4"x4"x 12" pcs on each.

X2. The longer the extension of the jacks (or stabilizers) the more it will wobble. I use the plastic stacking blocks.

[clintbonnie73]

Originally Posted by Dirt Sifter

I use 4x6 blocks cut 10" long. Have turned them either height as needed with no problem. Jacks are perpendicular to frame.

X2 !

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

I upgraded the rear screw jacks from 2,000 lb units to 5,000 lb units. Gave me more height when needed and more stability. Pretty easy direct replacement. Then I use 4x4s or plastic load spreaders as needed.

The front does not need it as much probably because of the tongue jack support. I may change those out also.

[OscarsMom2]

I use the red Anderson blocks under our jacks. They are rectangular on top and I put them at a 90 degree angle with the frame.

[Bob2019]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

X2. The longer the extension of the jacks (or stabilizers) the more it will wobble. I use the plastic stacking blocks.

Think of a jack extended the same as a stick or cane. It become more unstable the higher it goes and can move almost in any direction.

[Daniel.mullins4]

I found this idea-see pic, ideal for stabilizer jacks

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by boatcat AH6NR

The less you open them the more stable the rig. I use 3 to 4 4"x4"x 12" pcs on each.

Excellent point.

[aceinspp]

I made my pads out of 2x8 16 inches long and 12 inches high. Put handles on one end to be able to pick up. I use 4 of them 2 for rear stabilizer hacks and two for the front landing Legs. Less you have to extend the stabilizer jack the more steady the camper becomes. Later RJD

[Dirt Sifter]

Originally Posted by Daniel.mullins4

I found this idea-see pic, ideal for stabilizer jacks

Can you post the dimensions of those boards, ie 2x10x12? Will give them a try with a couple of modifications. They'll either work or make good fire wood on my next trip. Thanks, GB

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by Dirt Sifter

Can you post the dimensions of those boards, ie 2x10x12? Will give them a try with a couple of modifications. They'll either work or make good fire wood on my next trip. Thanks, GB

If you use treated lumber. Be careful burning it. The smoke is toxic.

[Dirt Sifter]

Originally Posted by U.S.ArmyVeteran

If you use treated lumber. Be careful burning it. The smoke is toxic.

Gotcha. I have some scrap untreated that I thot I'd play with. My luck with smoke from a fire, I seldom burn treated lumber. (Smoke blows where the ugly goes....)