JT Strong Arms or Similar Opinions

[ryand]

We have a SOB travel trailer that is nearly 37’ long and even with x chocks and a stable concrete pad it wobbles when the kids turn over in their bunks and walk around. Investigating the JT strong Arm’s and even thought of building my own but wanted to hear if they really do what they say. From an engineering standpoint i understand that they should help, but how much in the real world i would like to hear from others.

[ependydad]

It makes a big difference but anyone who says it’s “rock solid” has a very different definition of that than me.

I personally like the SteadyFast system better than the JT StrongArms. I’ve had both and the SteadyFast system has less bars, the handles are easier on the hands, and performance is the same (if not slightly better).

[fella10]

these may be worth considering(link below), I don't have them but would not hesitate to try them if wobble became a problem, ... looks like quick install and breakdown, and folds to a small footprint for storage, ...


https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-0201...s%2C167&sr=8-5

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by fella10

these may be worth considering(link below), I don't have them but would not hesitate to try them if wobble became a problem, ... looks like quick install and breakdown, and folds to a small footprint for storage, ...

Had them, wasn't super helpful anywhere we tried to use them.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Had them, wasn't super helpful anywhere we tried to use them.

well I'd have to try them for myself, because I've seen other post who say they work great, ... plus with 84% positive reviews from 450+ owners on Amazon, they must have something going for them, ...

[Mr. Dan]

I’ve used JT StrongArms for a few years and find them very helpful. I’ll be 73 soon and don’t have any trouble setting them up. The T-bar handles don’t bother me. Now and then I use a tool I bought with the kit to tighten the T-bars.
I stopped hauling/using my X-chocks because they weren’t particularly helpful on my 5th wheel. Instead, I started using the screw jacks pictured below and they REALLY help.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by fella10

well I'd have to try them for myself, because I've seen other post who say they work great, ... plus with 84% positive reviews from 450+ owners on Amazon, they must have something going for them, ...

I'm with ependydad on this one. I own three of these (got them on sale at a rally).
They seem easy to setup, but in reality they are a pain as you have to get underneath the RV to place them under the frame, hold them there, and then tighten the strap. So I usually end up sitting on my butt under the RV, using both hands and both feet.
I have also tried putting them in all kinds of spots on our fifth wheels, and the only time I notice a difference is when placing one under the back bumper. That takes most of the side to side movement out of the very backend, but they don't do a thing for front to back, front, or bounce movement, no matter where I put them.
Save your money and get a SteadyFast.

[DaGrinch]

Originally Posted by fella10

these may be worth considering(link below), I don't have them but would not hesitate to try them if wobble became a problem, ... looks like quick install and breakdown, and folds to a small footprint for storage, ...


https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-0201...s%2C167&sr=8-5

Had 2 of these and they worked well on my trailers. I placed one under the back bumper and one under the frame at the steps. My son is a fairly large lad and it took out the majority of the movement. I'm probably one of positive reviews on Amazon.

[Electra glide]

I bought Steadyfast and have been very happy with them.

[ysidive]

Originally Posted by ryand

We have a SOB travel trailer that is nearly 37’ long and even with x chocks and a stable concrete pad it wobbles when the kids turn over in their bunks and walk around. Investigating the JT strong Arm’s and even thought of building my own but wanted to hear if they really do what they say. From an engineering standpoint i understand that they should help, but how much in the real world i would like to hear from others.

Go with the SteadyFast… Great company good product and they actually call you back if you have questions... They are well made and not difficult to install... I would not say that it is 100 percent rock solid, but it does make a big difference.... After installing on my Coachmen 281rlds I sold my BalX chocks...

[5picker]

I've got the JT Strongarms on my 5th wheel and it eliminated a LOT (but not all) of the movement. I absolutely would buy them again.

Like Mr/ Dan, I still put two jacks near the center to eliminate most of the bounce.
I use discarded scissor jacks from a couple old cars and put them near the front axle on each side. I also use X-Chocks.

My DW (and God love her on this Valentines Day) must have learned to walk from a heard of elephants. And don't get me started about how she 'plops' down on the recliner in the slide out! Shakes the entire 5th wheel.

My point... some movement is gonna happen!

[Draggo]

I installed the JT Strongarm system last summer and have been very pleased with it. I could feel the TT wiggle when my son would roll over on his bed at the other end or even when the dog would shift around. Installed the system and although I won't say it's 100% rock solid I'd say at least 95% and I can live with the 5%, it is a trailer after all. I looked at the Steadfast as well but went with the JT. Couldn't tell you why at this point though. I also looked into the other one mentioned above but I wanted something that was right there so I didn't have to store another thing, get it out and mess around setting it up.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by fella10

well I'd have to try them for myself, because I've seen other post who say they work great, ... plus with 84% positive reviews from 450+ owners on Amazon, they must have something going for them, ...

Those little tiny feet are the problem. The first time someone heavy walks to a corner of the trailer and presses them into the pea gravel or soft, damp earth, the usefulness is over. Just look at the illustration. Now, if you carried two foot-square pieces of 2x12 as pads for each one of the helpers, you might get somewhere.

[Electra glide]

I installed my Steadyfast on a holiday weekend and when I called to ask some questions the owner called me back right away and helped me with a few things.Now that's customer service!

[ottawapaul]

I installed a set of Strongarms (front and back) on my last fifth wheel. Fairly complicated to install, but once done, they really worked very well. Took most of the shaking out - but if you want rock solid, better build a brick and stone house - this is RVing, so enjoy some movement.

[DRM796]

Another vote here for Steadyfast. I installed them on our Wildcat and it made huge difference. Not rock solid, but much much better. I think the only thing that is rock solid is on a foundation

[FasterEd]

Like others said, it's not 100% cured, but very close. It's a remarkable difference.

[mikes86gn]

My wife (nick name Shamu) doesn't walk light footed at all. After reading reviews about the Steady Fast system I installed it and couldn't believe the difference. It's not like setting on a foundation but I don't get sea sick anymore when "mu" walks back and forth from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom.

By the way, Shamu is 5' 3" and weighs 110 pounds.

Mike

[wjrdmr]

Originally Posted by fella10

these may be worth considering(link below), I don't have them but would not hesitate to try them if wobble became a problem, ... looks like quick install and breakdown, and folds to a small footprint for storage, ...


https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-0201...s%2C167&sr=8-5

I have tried these in combination with xchocks on my 30' travel trailer as well as step supports. Still rocks and rolls, even on concrete pad.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by wjrdmr

I have tried these in combination with xchocks on my 30' travel trailer as well as step supports. Still rocks and rolls, even on concrete pad.

I've used both as well and wasn't impressed with either. I've not yet tried the Steadyfast system.