I've seen pictures of 5th wheels that have the tripod (don't know the real name for it) underneath the hitch pin.  Is this a necessity  or only on some units?

Thanks,
Mel

Some people experience vibration or shaking when they walk in the fiver and utilize these tripods to minimize the effect.

Other people utilize braces on the front and rear jacks, and some others, like me, use adjustable screw type jack stands that are placed just in front of the wheels.

Some others don't experience, or mind the vibration at all. It's definitely not anything to prepare for, before acquiring and living in your unit. Any of the 3 solutions are readily available at RV dealers.

Good luck,


-- Edited by Luvglass on Sunday 3rd of October 2010 07:17:15 PM

Ditto on what Fred says.  We are in the group that have never used the tripods.  A little movement cab be expected when moving around in any trailer, no matter how heavy it is.  Some are bothered more than others.  I would suggest spending some more time in your rig and then decide for yourself how much movement you can tolerate before you decide on what to try. 

-- Edited by RickandJanice on Sunday 3rd of October 2010 06:07:29 PM

I bought one for ours and it was a waste of money but I have talked with others that swear by them.Don't know what to advise on this one.

They are called King Pen Stabilzers. WE have one and it does make a differnce with the motion. Easy to use too

I have one that I will let go cheap! I have found them to be way over-rated. Between the wheels chocks, such as Bal-Locks or Roto-Chocks will do a lot more toward stabilization than the pin stabilizer. Stopping or attenuating the back and forth motion caused by the wheels bearing weight helps a lot. And no, putting wheel chocks behind and in front of the wheels do not do as well as the Bal-Locks or Roto-Chocks. Look at the distance between the landing gear and the pin, then think how much will be "stabilized".

I have a tripod that I built out of steel tubing. It is strong enough to support the entire front of the fifth wheel without the landing gear down. This comes in handy if I need to add blocks to the landing gear once I've unhitched from the truck. Doesn't happen often but a couple of times I was glad I had built the tripod so strong. Here's the test I use. Once I get the 5th wheel level with just the landing gear, I push on the side of the 5th wheel. I can usually get it to rock a little. When I put the tripod in place and lower the 5th wheel until there is weight on the tripod, I push again on the side and it is rock solid. I try to make sure there's still weight on the landing gear and on the tripod so the weight helps to stabilize. The tripod stops the side to side movement and vibration at the front of the 5th wheel where the bedroom is. This prevents disturbing my DW when she sleeps in and I want to move around. If we are going to be in one place for any length of time, like Fred, I place jacks under the frame in front of the axles to stop the movement in the middle of the 5th wheel. That's where we get most of our movement. It's due to the suspension and flex of the tire side walls. The jacks tighten all of this up. Even without the jacks and tripod and rear stabilizers the motion isn't that bad, you get used to it. It's just nice to have a solid feel. It sounds like the tripods on the market aren't substantial enough to make a difference. I know a lot of people swear by the JT Strongarm stabilizers that connect to the landing gear.

Brought our 5th Wheel home today......it's leveled with the jacks front and rear and it's pretty steady when walking inside!

Melanie,
A good test on stability is to sit in a chair on one end and have someone move around in the bedroom. Thats when you will feel the most movement.You don't really feel the movement as you walk.I will be getting the JT Strong Arm Setup as soon as the budget allows.By the way, congratulations on the purchase.


-- Edited by Racerguy on Wednesday 6th of October 2010 06:43:56 AM

George, I will take that test. I keep going out to look at our new "vacation" home! Thanks for the reference to the JT Strong Arm....went to their website...will show to DH if we need it. He always tells me....go check with the guys on the forum to see what they think! Thanks for always being here with good advice! :) Melanie

If your 5th wheel is equipped with a washer....you'll really enjoy the ride when the washer gets out of balance. It's better than some rides at Disneyland.

OK Everyone ---The question is with a Trail Air pin box will my existing tripod be of any help on the Mobil Suits?

We put JT Strong Arm stabilizers on our 5er after our 4 year old running and jumping moved the whole thing. I will say that it really makes a difference. I installed them myself in about three hours. It isn't an easy install for the less mechanically inclined.