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Old 05-07-2014, 08:06 PM   #1
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She wants it steady.

My wife complains that she can feel myself or the cats move around when she is in bed. What is the best way to stabilize the RV? I have seen the front legs put on tall blocks so there would be less lateral movement in the legs, I have seen cross bracing of the front legs, I have seen the pin box mounted on tripods, and I understand that X-chocks also provides stability. I would welcome all comments.
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Old 05-07-2014, 08:14 PM   #2
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Give her the truck keys..........
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Old 05-07-2014, 08:35 PM   #3
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The 'stabilizer' jacks are better than nothing, but not far off from that. The unit needs to have a slight lift off the tires and axles and the stabilizers can not lift anything and bend if too much pressure is put on them. Buy four scissor jacks and install those on the frame, 2-4 feet back from each corner. Then put one x-chock on one side.
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Old 05-07-2014, 08:39 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blaster 84 View Post
My wife complains that she can feel myself or the cats move around when she is in bed. What is the best way to stabilize the RV? I have seen the front legs put on tall blocks so there would be less lateral movement in the legs, I have seen cross bracing of the front legs, I have seen the pin box mounted on tripods, and I understand that X-chocks also provides stability. I would welcome all comments.
Gotta say "good one rattleNsmoke!" But back to the subject at hand, all the suggestions offered are correct. Keeping jack/stabilizers short is effective. Cross bracing helps. Pin jack is problem the least helpful add on. Would suggest add the above ideas one at a time and stop when it improves. Supporting weight to remove the body from the suspension is the most helpful. You covered that first
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Old 05-07-2014, 08:43 PM   #5
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Yep, you have to unload the suspension slightly to really stiffen it up. OC installed some scissor jacks just in front of his tires that looked to really help. That's where I'd start plus some cross braces for the legs. Unhook, level it, run the scissor jacks down, recheck level, run down the rear stabilizers.

You don't have to pick the tires up, just start picking the trailer up a little. That takes the suspension out of the mix.
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Old 05-07-2014, 08:48 PM   #6
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I reinforced the stabilizer legs and try to get them as close to vertical as possible as they are most vulnerable to bending if not extended. Put another set of reinforced elec. stab jacks in front of the axles, homemade JT Strongarm type bracing on the landing jacks and going forward on the rear stab jacks in addition to a step support and no movement.

Also replaced the flimsy 1/4" strap supports on the stab jacks with 3/4" black pipe with flattened ends.
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Old 05-07-2014, 09:13 PM   #7
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The BAL Tripod for the Kingpin, coupled with the BAL X-Chocks worked for my wife - adding the Items OC mentioned only adds more stability.

For my $$$ though, the Kingpin Tripod is the biggest bang for my bucks
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Old 05-08-2014, 05:46 AM   #8
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Thanks everyone for the input.
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Old 05-08-2014, 06:18 AM   #9
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I forgot I also use the Bal X Chocks.
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Old 05-08-2014, 06:23 AM   #10
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But no matter what its living quarters on tires and suspension.
She's ALWAYS going to feel movement unless you take camper off the tires and suspension and block up.
Above suggestions will help but not eliminate.

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Old 05-08-2014, 06:27 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
But no matter what its living quarters on tires and suspension.
She's ALWAYS going to feel movement unless you take camper off the tires and suspension and block up.
Above suggestions will help but not eliminate.

TURBS

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X2...When she wants it steady, stay home but when camping in an RV...gonna have to deal with a little movement



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Old 05-08-2014, 06:38 AM   #12
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Adding the reinforced stab jacks in front of the axles and the step support along with the other items I mentioned is as close to getting it solid as possible. IMO

If you do all of this and DW is still not satisfied, you may have to give up camping.
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Old 05-08-2014, 04:13 PM   #13
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I got my Rockwood 2604 rock steady by:
*lowering the four corner stab jacks
*X chocks between wheels on both sides of trailer
*Aluminum screw jacks under frame near wheels
*Slide out supports
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