JT Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer System

[Mr. Dan]

I’ve had JT Strongarm stabilizers on my 5th wheel several years. I installed them myself when I was in my late 60s. They solved my problems with the trailer rocking. Some people complain that their T-bolt locking mechanisms hurt their witta hands. This old retired computer programmer solved that dilemma with a box end wrench.

The Strongarms didn’t eliminate 100% of the suspension/tire bounce, so I use 2 of these.

I paid $15 for 4.

[TowPro]

I had them on a large 5th wheel and really liked them. BUT stay awake when using them.

Mine used to say to get everything level on front, then tighten arms, than lower front just a little bit to take slack out of arms. but this also puts pressure on the locations where the inside front legs mount and you can bent this front frame a little and get your cabinets stuck shut (until you release arm tension).
Or if you raise it a little this front frame without loosening arms you will bent the front frame the other way and your front cabinets will not stay locked shut. I guess if you were asleep you really could bent the SHi$ out of the front frame rail between teh legs with these.


But they were the best think I ever found to remove the movement on the jacks.
but you still may have moment on the tire side walls. with someone inside moving around, just watch how much the tire sidewalls flex. Load range e tires help some with this movement on larger trailers.

[FrankH35]

I have them and like them. They came already on my Salem XLite. One thing you have to be very carefully about is to remember to unscrew them before putting up the stab jacks. It's easy to forget if you get in a hurry.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

Some people complain that their T-bolt locking mechanisms hurt their witta hands. This old retired computer programmer solved that dilemma with a box end wrench.

Good workaround. I used to use one of my smaller deep well sockets to do the same thing. Bigger comfier handle for the t-bolt.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Good workaround. I used to use one of my smaller deep well sockets to do the same thing. Bigger comfier handle for the t-bolt.

I used the “loop wrench” that came with mine but it wasn’t efficient. This 1/2” box end lives in my DirecTV set up bag in a basement door so it’s easy to reach. I should throw a 5/8” box end in that door for more leverage/less pull.

[HMC90]

Originally Posted by ttevogt

I am considering adding the JT Strong Arm Jack Stabilizers to my 2019 Rockwood Roo 24WS. I am looking for some real world experience with them. Are they worth the cost and time to install? Do they add much for stabilization? I currently use Bal X-Chocks, and the stock corner stabilization jacks currently and would like to get more of the bounce and shake out of the camper on long trips.

I installed them on my Flagstaff Microlite 26FBLS last year. Absolutely worth the price. Made a huge difference. Limited rig movement big time!

[Chuck_S]

Amazing the number of responses/recommendations from folks without Roo hybrids...

-- Chuck

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Amazing the number of responses/recommendations from folks without Roo hybrids...

-- Chuck

Like when you posted about unhooking your bumper pull trailer from your Excursion in a thread about leaving a 5th wheel attached to a pickup on an overnight stop.
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ht-239669.html

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Amazing the number of responses/recommendations from folks without Roo hybrids...

-- Chuck

The questions were:

> Are they worth the cost and time to install? Do they add much for stabilization?

I didn't see where the discussion was supposed to be limited to just folks with Roos by the OP.

[Rhumblefish]

I initially thought that additional stabilization would be NICE, but really wasn't needed on my new 235S... until two camping trips with a pair of young teens convinced me otherwise.

So, I was looking pretty hard at JT Strongarm for a Roo stabilization solution, BUT - in doing the research - I've noticed some installs of the JT Strongarm system have required odd angles, esp on Roos based on the frame, and lack of a cross member to bolt to. Likewise, I love the machining and finish of the JT system (and all the ancillary pieces), but it seems like there's an awful lot of compromise in the design and execution on how it connects to the TT, and where there's additional room for mechanical slop to work into the solution.

The forum is riddled with some comparison notes between different systems, but after some research, I think I'll be migrating to the Steadyfast camp.

FWIW, the Steadyfast website has a comparison page - I wouldn't take this as gospel (especially as it's marketing material), but it could highlight some aspects of different systems to pay attention to in making your purchasing decision.

Just my .02, your mileage may vary.

[Rockinh]

Originally Posted by ttevogt

I am considering adding the JT Strong Arm Jack Stabilizers to my 2019 Rockwood Roo 24WS. I am looking for some real world experience with them. Are they worth the cost and time to install? Do they add much for stabilization? I currently use Bal X-Chocks, and the stock corner stabilization jacks currently and would like to get more of the bounce and shake out of the camper on long trips.

The strongarms do a lot to stabilize the RV, WHEN IT IS PARKED. I have them on my 42 ft. toyhauler and it is a lot better with the strongarms. They do not do anything during transport. The bounce and shake, "on long trips" read like you were thinking it would work while traveling. They do not. Only work when parked. Sorry if I mis-read you query.

[samTummo]

Bought them, installed them and lived with them. We travel 2 to 3 months a summer. I’m 60, I will have them on every camper I buy in the future! DW said so.
LoL, but true!
Samtummo

[Freebird2020]

Another Steadyfast user here. I fulltime and they really made a difference.

I don't have a Roo but the principal is the same.

I am guessing most people throw the x-chocks in the garbage once they install these. Same for a 5th wheel tripod.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

[masque]

I recently installed the JT’s. So far we love them. I have no regrets with the purchase and feel they were the price and time to install them.

[Thatdarncat]

I have been thinking about adding them but haven't as of yet. I did replace those junky, thin sheet metal factory stabilizer jacks that came on the camper with 4 more robust jacks....that seemed to help a lot!

[Bhrava]

Had them on a Coleman 274BH that wiggled and wobble when someone farted. Once they were installed and properly tightened, that trailer would not BUDGE! I tried them on my 5th wheel 3660, but anything forward of the front jacks still wiggled, guess needs a pin jack to cure, so I don't use them anymore.

They work great on those scissor type jacks, but not so much on the vertical jacks on a 5th wheel. They help some, just not as good as they did on the conventional.

Oh and always remember to loosen them, especially with power jacks. They make a horrible noise if you don't.

[Wisconsin-1]

I looked at the JT when we had our ROO but I had seen a post where someone took a 2x4, cut the ends, and put a ratchet strap in between. I tried it and they worked great for us. I had everything in the garage so it was literally free to me. I cut a 36" long piece with one end at 45 degrees and notched the other side to fit into the frame. I have used it on my old ROO 233S and now on my 30' trailer both with similar results. I also use Xchocks.

[Chuck_S]

Folks don't understand hybrid construction nor have any experience with them tend to think they're just like fully closed body travel trailers -- they ain't.

Hybrids are very light framed and their large bed doors makes the actual body of the trailer somewhat flexible. Any frame stress can easily distort the trailer frame and body unlike a full body travel trailer.

Hybrid stabilizers should be lowered just to the point they touch the ground (maybe 1/2 turn more) otherwise the body and frame are being stressed beyond their designs. They're not weight bearing. Trying to take all the wiggle out is literally impossible since the tires, not the stabilizers, support the trailer.

-- Chuck

[ttevogt]

Originally Posted by Rockinh

The strongarms do a lot to stabilize the RV, WHEN IT IS PARKED. I have them on my 42 ft. toyhauler and it is a lot better with the strongarms. They do not do anything during transport. The bounce and shake, "on long trips" read like you were thinking it would work while traveling. They do not. Only work when parked. Sorry if I mis-read you query.

I was meaning I am more worried about getting the bounce out when out on longer trips. We do some 2 night trips where I am not so worried about a little bouncing.

[blangan]

I put them on my 2020 24ws, they work great.