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Old 06-13-2018, 04:28 PM   #1
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Look what came in the mail today!

I finally got tired of trailer wiggle every time my wife got up at night to visit the restroom. Or my morning coffee sloshing in my cup on the verge of spilling over when someone walked to the counter to pour themselves another cup. So I broke down and bought a set of JT Strongarm stabilizers for my 5th wheel.
I am really excited to install these and am hopeful that the reviews are right and my trailer will be rock solid for the first time since we bought it.

Keeping my fingers crossed,
TomClick image for larger version

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Old 06-13-2018, 06:40 PM   #2
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We put them on our last 5'er and they took out about 90% of the wiggle. There is still a little bit of movement, but it was remarkably better.

DH didn't think they had worked because we still had some movement. On one trip, I forgot to tighten them - that was my job. The next day, DH asked if I had done it and he could sure tell the difference when I did tighten them down.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:48 PM   #3
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DW and I had some wiggle in our fifth wheel too so we tried the Andersen blocks to reduce the stroke length on our 6 point leveling system and they really helped out. The camper is really solid now. Hope the strong arm helps.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:57 PM   #4
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I just ordered the SteadyFast kit for our trailer. Also hoping to see a noticeable improvement.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:17 PM   #5
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Well it took me a bit longer to install than I thought, about 3.5hrs but fortunately I had a neighbor who was willing to lend a hand, 2 - 10' sticks of 1.5" stainless 3/16" angle in the garage and a handful of longer 3/8" bolts or I would have never got it finished.
Anyway, it was about 10pm before I finished, so I was unable to get any pics that I could share, but the kit seems to have made quite a difference and I am pleasantly pleased up to this point. My wife and I have a trip planned for this weekend and I will update my thoughts and a few pics of the install then.
I thank you all for for the replies and for sharing your thoughts, they were all very much appreciated.

Tom G.
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by merrykalia View Post
We put them on our last 5'er and they took out about 90% of the wiggle. There is still a little bit of movement, but it was remarkably better.

DH didn't think they had worked because we still had some movement. On one trip, I forgot to tighten them - that was my job. The next day, DH asked if I had done it and he could sure tell the difference when I did tighten them down.
This is very encouraging and makes me feel better about my decision.

Thank you for sharing

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Old 06-13-2018, 10:26 PM   #7
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Hope they work out well for you!

Just a reminder, if you find your front landing gear difficult to fully raise double check to see if you loosened the strong arms.

Don't ask how I know...lol
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Old 06-13-2018, 10:30 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by dankirk View Post
I just ordered the SteadyFast kit for our trailer. Also hoping to see a noticeable improvement.
I had seriously contemplated the SteadFast Kit but when I found the JT Strongarm kit for $169, I could could not pass it up.

Please let me know what you think of the SteadFast kit, as there is always going to be a next RV in my future that I will need to make improvements to.

Happy Camping and thank you for sharing,

Tom G

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Old 06-13-2018, 10:31 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by chaps2018 View Post
Hope they work out well for you!

Just a reminder, if you find your front landing gear difficult to fully raise double check to see if you loosened the strong arms.

Don't ask how I know...lol
It's funny that you mention that because I am already worried about it and I have not moved it from my driveway..

Tom G

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Old 06-14-2018, 07:32 AM   #10
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We had them on our 37' 5th wheel too and they worked great! You made a good choice.
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Old 06-14-2018, 08:04 AM   #11
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Sure like ours... bet you will too!
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Old 06-14-2018, 08:13 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by dankirk View Post
I just ordered the SteadyFast kit for our trailer. Also hoping to see a noticeable improvement.
I had those on my last trailer, and they were pretty awesome. i'll be ordering them for our trailer eventually. I love the fact that the owner of the company gives you his cell number to call him anytime if you need help/advice. I did, and it was pretty awesome that he answered each time.
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Old 06-14-2018, 09:48 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by tom39 View Post
I finally got tired of trailer wiggle every time my wife got up at night to visit the restroom. Or my morning coffee sloshing in my cup on the verge of spilling over when someone walked to the counter to pour themselves another cup. So I broke down and bought a set of JT Strongarm stabilizers for my 5th wheel.
I am really excited to install these and am hopeful that the reviews are right and my trailer will be rock solid for the first time since we bought it.

Keeping my fingers crossed,
TomAttachment 175789Attachment 175790
I hate the fact that my 8289 rocks like a boat. Where did you purchase these? I can't seem to find the same part number you show on the box. I have a 8289WS

Thanks
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Old 06-14-2018, 10:17 AM   #14
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I hate the fact that my 8289 rocks like a boat. Where did you purchase these? I can't seem to find the same part number you show on the box. I have a 8289WS

Thanks
I got them at Trailer Parts Superstore.
1-800-453-7379 or (302) 737-6603. They are located in Newark, DE

Additionally, here is the link to the stabilizer kit. They have them on sale for $169.95 + shipping.
https://www.easternmarine.com/lipper...zer-kit-191023

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Old 06-15-2018, 05:15 AM   #15
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We level laterally by driving onto 1or2 2x6s.

We use the landing gear fore and aft.

The stabilizers in the rear end it.

If it wiggles, so what, it is not a brick house on a slab!
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Old 06-15-2018, 05:12 PM   #16
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Here is a few pics. Tonight will be the true test but as solid as it feels right now, I'm sure I will be happy with my decision. Click image for larger version

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Old 06-15-2018, 05:50 PM   #17
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Looks good, I've been kicking around the thought about purchasing JT's for my 5'er but I'm in the market for a new one so I'll hold off. Let us know how you like it after your trip. Enjoy..
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Old 06-18-2018, 05:54 PM   #18
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Well this weekend went very well. The Strongarm kit coupled with the kingpin tripod, BAL X-chocks and step supports removed almost all movement of the RV during normal use. You can still feel just the slightest of movement if someone has a heavy foot when walking or is making the bed but nothing that would make me reconsider my purchase if given the opportunity for a do-over.
Without any thoughts of regret, I was able to enjoy a cold drink and a warm fire underneath a start sky.Click image for larger version

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