Strongarm Stabilizers

[GrayghostUSA]

I hate the trailer shaking when someone is moving around. Our trailer is a 2019 Flagstaff 26RBWS. We are going to the International F.R.O.G. Rally in August and have 'Lippert to install the Strongarms there, taking advantage of the discount Rally price.

Does anyone have experience with these stabilizers?

[Theo]

Originally Posted by GrayghostUSA

{snip}...Does anyone have experience with these stabilizers?

Search for "Strongarm" in the FRF header and you will find 668 posts about them. "Search" is your friend.

[GrayghostUSA]

No, search is a tool. Not a friend. But thanks anyway. Been there, done that.

[Theo]

Well..."Search" may just be a tool, but self-reliance is a life skill.

[ysidive]

Originally Posted by GrayghostUSA

I hate the trailer shaking when someone is moving around. Our trailer is a 2019 Flagstaff 26RBWS. We are going to the International F.R.O.G. Rally in August and have 'Lippert to install the Strongarms there, taking advantage of the discount Rally price.

Does anyone have experience with these stabilizers?

I have the Steady Fast stabilizing bars and they work great. I compared the both when I was ordering mine. I like the Steady Fast because you do not have to crawl under the trailer to set them as you do on the Strongarms. You can order them direct and they come well boxed with excellent instructions. Great customer support, and if you have questions they will actually call you back if you do not reach them on first try...

[itat]

GrayghostUSA, unless you’re brand new to the forum, the search tool should be your first option for finding answers to your questions. I use it all the time when I’m looking for answers. Are you saying you used the search tool and couldn’t find an answer to your question? I just tried it and got 217 results. Not all results will be useful but there have been a lot of threads discussing the JT Strongarm stabilizers.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...5&pp=25&page=9

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ysidive

I have the Steady Fast stabilizing bars and they work great. I compared the both when I was ordering mine. I like the Steady Fast because you do not have to crawl under the trailer to set them as you do on the Strongarms. You can order them direct and they come well boxed with excellent instructions. Great customer support, and if you have questions they will actually call you back if you do not reach them on first try...

I don't have to crawl under my 5er to set (or even tighten the T-bolts) on my JT Strongarms. I do have to bend over.

[Rhumblefish]

I was looking pretty hard at JT Strongarm as a stabilization solution for my Roo, 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 Strongarm 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. You might take a look at how the Strongarm system will mount and be applied based on your 26RBWS.

Search reveals that the forum is riddled with comparison notes between different systems, but after some research, I think I'll personally be migrating to the Steadyfast camp for our Roo.

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.

[Electra glide]

I looked into BAL, JT, and Steadyfast. I personally chose the Steadyfast as well. The 3 points to tighten up the system once installed is what won me over.

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by GrayghostUSA

I hate the trailer shaking when someone is moving around. Our trailer is a 2019 Flagstaff 26RBWS. We are going to the International F.R.O.G. Rally in August and have 'Lippert to install the Strongarms there, taking advantage of the discount Rally price.

Does anyone have experience with these stabilizers?

Although I was planning to install these, they will not work on the Sabre fifth wheel RV's. This is all due to the location of my two battery boxes. Both boxes are recessed (side by side) into the front floor area of my basement storage right behind the pinbox. The boxes hang below the outer floor of the RV by three or four inches and would be in the way of the stabilizing arms when retracting the front landing pads to tow. Verify you don't have anything in the front of your RV, like mine, that'd prevent them from installing it for you.

Would LOVE to have a set of these on my RV tho.

[Clint243]

Originally Posted by GPs37FLH

Although I was planning to install these, they will not work on the Sabre fifth wheel RV's. This is all due to the location of my two battery boxes. Both boxes are recessed (side by side) into the front floor area of my basement storage right behind the pinbox. The boxes hang below the outer floor of the RV by three or four inches and would be in the way of the stabilizing arms when retracting the front landing pads to tow. Verify you don't have anything in the front of your RV, like mine, that'd prevent them from installing it for you.

Would LOVE to have a set of these on my RV tho.

We have a Sabre 36BHQ and I installed a set of strong arms on it. Yes the battery box is in the way when your landing gear is retracted. But all I do is remove that one arm before we load up and go...I have seen you can move the battery box back a few inches to clear, but i didn't want to go that route. Doing it the way I do takes about 5 min or less when getting ready and the same time or less when setting up.....for what you get as far as stabilization its worth it. We have a washer and dryer up front and it took almost all of the noticeable shake out of the entire trailer.

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by Clint243

We have a Sabre 36BHQ and I installed a set of strong arms on it. Yes the battery box is in the way when your landing gear is retracted. But all I do is remove that one arm before we load up and go...I have seen you can move the battery box back a few inches to clear, but i didn't want to go that route. Doing it the way I do takes about 5 min or less when getting ready and the same time or less when setting up.....for what you get as far as stabilization its worth it. We have a washer and dryer up front and it took almost all of the noticeable shake out of the entire trailer.

Thanks for that info, Clint! So, what's involved in removing the front drivers side arm? I thought these were bolted with a torque wrench into the upper arm support and on the leveling pad leg.

And, yeah, I saw someone with a YouTube video where they moved their battery boxes back a few inches and got the needed clearance. Like, you, I also really don't want to cut away the metal bottom of the basement storage to move the boxes back and make it fit.

Damn!....if it ain't too much work to move that one arm, you may have talked me into yet another upgrade. I REALLY need to stop with the mods and upgrades to my RV.

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by Clint243

We have a Sabre 36BHQ and I installed a set of strong arms on it. Yes the battery box is in the way when your landing gear is retracted. But all I do is remove that one arm before we load up and go...I have seen you can move the battery box back a few inches to clear, but i didn't want to go that route. Doing it the way I do takes about 5 min or less when getting ready and the same time or less when setting up.....for what you get as far as stabilization its worth it. We have a washer and dryer up front and it took almost all of the noticeable shake out of the entire trailer.

Clint, one more question.....I'm pretty sure I measured the distance between my front stabilizer legs a couple years ago when I was originally gonna buy these. The kit I think I needed was the one for standard fifth wheels, which is 191023. I'm guessing this is the same kit you installed on your 36BHQ, correct?

[Clint243]

Honesty I just snug mine up when I put the one arm back on. The nuts are nylon capture nuts...and I didn't use a torque wrench when I installed them to begin with. As far as what's involved, It's really just two bolts and washers and two nuts....takes nothing at all with the small impact I carry.

The kit I ordered was from amazon and the part was the same as you quoted 191023. These by far made the biggest improvement over all we had done which was wheel chocks and then the expandable chocks and also added supports under the living room kitchen and spare bedroom slide....I don't think you can go wrong and the install was pretty easy and took ma e couple of hours one evening..

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by Clint243

Honesty I just snug mine up when I put the one arm back on. The nuts are nylon capture nuts...and I didn't use a torque wrench when I installed them to begin with. As far as what's involved, It's really just two bolts and washers and two nuts....takes nothing at all with the small impact I carry.

The kit I ordered was from amazon and the part was the same as you quoted 191023. These by far made the biggest improvement over all we had done which was wheel chocks and then the expandable chocks and also added supports under the living room kitchen and spare bedroom slide....I don't think you can go wrong and the install was pretty easy and took ma e couple of hours one evening..

Ok, ok, you sold me....ordering a kit right now from Amazon before the prices go up. I'm surprised the price for this kit hasn't gone up from what I remember it a couple years ago.

I also remember the install not looking like its much but putting some self-tappers into the RV frame I-beam to secure the upper arm supports. I over-hauled and upgraded my Sabre with shock dampening equalizers, Comfort Master shock absorbers and a Morryde rubber pin box last year. I agree, this install should be a breeze by comparison....just gotta find the time to git 'r dun!

Thanks a bunch again, Clint!

[Clint243]

GPS 37FLH
One other thing I did when I put the front stabilizer supports that run towards the back of the trailer. I didn't use the self-tappers mine had enough nuts and washers to drill the hole and bolt them together.
On the rear stabilizing arms, I did use the self-tappers and they went on fairly easy once I drilled the pilot hole.

Any other questions I can help with I'll be happy to I have made a few other mods as well.... the latest was the RV airflow system in the main ac... The Jury is still out on that one....it does as advertised and it is quieter but not sure if the cooling is any better.... but then again it was 109° over the weekend.

And I'm glad I could be of some help

Clint

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by Clint243

GPS 37FLH
One other thing I did when I put the front stabilizer supports that run towards the back of the trailer. I didn't use the self-tappers mine had enough nuts and washers to drill the hole and bolt them together.
On the rear stabilizing arms, I did use the self-tappers and they went on fairly easy once I drilled the pilot hole.

Any other questions I can help with I'll be happy to I have made a few other mods as well.... the latest was the RV airflow system in the main ac... The Jury is still out on that one....it does as advertised and it is quieter but not sure if the cooling is any better.... but then again it was 109° over the weekend.

And I'm glad I could be of some help

Clint

Really appreciate all the good info from you, Clint! I'll send you a personal message if I have any other questions on the Strong Arms....looking forward to getting 'em installed this weekend and trying 'em out in a couple of weeks from now.

I too put in the RV Airflow system on both of my Mach 15's and so far have seen a big difference in how much air now moves thru our vents. Also, added a couple of Easy Start's to the AC's last month and been very happy with that mod as well. Between these two mods, plus installing a dark, nano ceramic window tint, my FLH will literally be the coolest one in the campgrounds this summer.

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by Clint243

GPS 37FLH
One other thing I did when I put the front stabilizer supports that run towards the back of the trailer. I didn't use the self-tappers mine had enough nuts and washers to drill the hole and bolt them together.
On the rear stabilizing arms, I did use the self-tappers and they went on fairly easy once I drilled the pilot hole.

Any other questions I can help with I'll be happy to I have made a few other mods as well.... the latest was the RV airflow system in the main ac... The Jury is still out on that one....it does as advertised and it is quieter but not sure if the cooling is any better.... but then again it was 109° over the weekend.

And I'm glad I could be of some help

Clint

Clint, one more thing I just thought of after watching a couple of YouTube videos on installing this kit. Does it come with all the mounting hardware for the rear stabilizer pads, or is there an additional kit that must be purchased? I have the LCI Ground Control 3.0 auto-leveling system with my FLH and I'm pretty sure your BHQ has the same thing. Looks like a rear jack kit may need to be added, according to the installation videos, but it's not clear. Please lemme know if you have an LCI part number of the kit, if it requires one.

Thank you again for the help good sir!

[corn18]

Another satisfied Steadyfast user. 5er is rock solid with them engaged.

[GPs37FLH]

Originally Posted by corn18

Another satisfied Steadyfast user. 5er is rock solid with them engaged.

Hope to be one too soon!

Ok, so I know for sure you have a fiver with a similar electric six point auto leveling system. Did you need to buy anything other than the Strong Arm kit, or were there additional adapter lugs and a swing bolt kit that allowed you to install the stabilizers on the rear leveling pads?