does the tripod help with stabilization? We have the automatic 6 way leveling system and are sitting still for a few months. We have had a rough winter so ground has frozen/thawed and now we have a bit of movement. We are going to move to a different lot in same park next week and are looking for suggestions to help maintain solid stabilization. Also, dealer said there was no reason to use our blocks under leveling system, should we? Would concrete block or wood be better than plastic blocks? Thanks for all suggestions!!
Howard said
10:16 AM Apr 7, 2014
Hi Grams,
The fifth wheel kingpin tripod can help with stabilization, but it shouldn't be necessary in your situation with your six-point leveling system. The tripod is best for those that don't have a leveling system and that have static pin boxes. It doesn't help as much when it's used with pin boxes that are built to have some give to them for a better ride going down the road. We've found that chocks that expand between the tires provide as much assistance, if not more, than the tripod with our Mor/ryde pin box (we started out with the tripod, but ditched it several years ago).
As for blocks, I'm a proponent. One of the big selling points of leveling systems is the convenience, including not having to put anything under the legs. But, having blocks helps spread out the effects of the weight, so the legs are less likely to sink in sand, dirt, grass, and asphalt (which may require re-leveling). Some places with asphalt parking areas or site pads require that you have pads under the legs.
I, personally, wouldn't use concrete blocks because 1) I wouldn't want to carry the weight while traveling, and 2) I don't want the rig to be resting on anything that high off the ground. Wood, plastic, or other jack pads are thinner and will do the job, although the plastic ones might need to be replaced every few years depending on the weight of your rig.
Grams said
03:42 PM Apr 7, 2014
Hope this is not a duplicate, thought I had posted but doesn't appear.
THANKS Howard, feeling special to have a response from you!
Will check with dealer for between the tire chocks and will use our plastic jack pads. Thanks again!!!!
Terry and Jo said
06:57 PM Apr 7, 2014
Tammy,
In addition to what Howard wrote, by putting blocks under the cylinders (either side or front landing legs), one also keeps the cylinder from extending too far. If a ram is fully extended, it is not as stable like it would be if the cylinder is still surrounding part of the ram. When the rams aren't fully extended, it helps to stabilize the leveling system, thus also the trailer.
I use fairly large (1 foot square) blocks and I also have some rubber pads that I cut from a barn stall mat. However, some may not like the idea of carrying so many blocks. In our case, we aren't traveling and are "static" full timers. Even when we move in July after retiring, we will still be pretty much static, but in Colorado instead.
Terry
NWescapee said
08:44 AM Apr 9, 2014
Question - we have a 6 point leveling system and had the "X" chocks from our old TT. We found that due to the leveling function it causes the tires to not keep the chocks between the tires while leveling, they seem to shift so we've resorted to the large, sloped plastic tire chocks that we bought at Camping World.
If you use the "X" chocks with the auto leveling system I'd love to hear how you keep them in place while leveling.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
06:39 PM Apr 9, 2014
What I've seen done is-
Chock wheels using yellow or orange wedge style-
Unhook and use leveling system-
Set X-Chocks or similar between the tire chock-
Lock stabilizers if available-
Frac999 said
07:57 PM Apr 20, 2014
We have 6 point leveling system and still use tri-pod, and im not sure its out of normality from the other 5th wheel or i think its just another point of stability.
phyllen said
12:19 AM Apr 24, 2014
Geeze - we have the 6 point self leveling system, have 1 foot squares made from 1" plywood AND use a tripod stabilizer. STILL have some movement.
We are currently gate guarding in the TX oil fields. These jobs are 24/7. Hubby goes to bed at 7 and I stay up until 2 am then try to get some sleep. I am a light sleeper. I can feel the shaking as he moves about the rig and really feel it when he walks down the steps to go outside. Makes me seasick!
Lucky Mike said
05:52 AM Apr 24, 2014
do you have Wheel locks ?
laurly said
06:21 AM Apr 24, 2014
We have 6 point leveling as well and don't use a tripod. I can feel movement, but it's not a deal breaker. When the washing machine is spinning, it is worse of course. Either way it doesn't bother us, honestly.
DebbieM said
11:36 AM Apr 24, 2014
I saw someone use what looked like a small car jackstand under their doorsteps and it really helped take away the sway when using the steps.
Lonney Wade said
01:33 PM Apr 24, 2014
We have the SteadyFast Trailer frame stabilizing system for about 4 years now and has significantly reduce the shaking motion of your 5th wheel trailer, if you go outside in the front or rear of the camper and try to shake the trailer it does not move at all. You will get a little because the trailer is on rubber tires and springs. I have used wheel chocks called Fastway Onestep Chock 2-pack, I quit using them because they did not work one bit for us, I tried to sell them, they just would not sell, I almost had to give them away LOL !!! http://www.steadyfast.com/?gclid=CPDq2s_p-b0CFcU-MgodbnEA1Q
does the tripod help with stabilization? We have the automatic 6 way leveling system and are sitting still for a few months. We have had a rough winter so ground has frozen/thawed and now we have a bit of movement. We are going to move to a different lot in same park next week and are looking for suggestions to help maintain solid stabilization. Also, dealer said there was no reason to use our blocks under leveling system, should we? Would concrete block or wood be better than plastic blocks? Thanks for all suggestions!!
Hi Grams,
The fifth wheel kingpin tripod can help with stabilization, but it shouldn't be necessary in your situation with your six-point leveling system. The tripod is best for those that don't have a leveling system and that have static pin boxes. It doesn't help as much when it's used with pin boxes that are built to have some give to them for a better ride going down the road. We've found that chocks that expand between the tires provide as much assistance, if not more, than the tripod with our Mor/ryde pin box (we started out with the tripod, but ditched it several years ago).
As for blocks, I'm a proponent. One of the big selling points of leveling systems is the convenience, including not having to put anything under the legs. But, having blocks helps spread out the effects of the weight, so the legs are less likely to sink in sand, dirt, grass, and asphalt (which may require re-leveling). Some places with asphalt parking areas or site pads require that you have pads under the legs.
I, personally, wouldn't use concrete blocks because 1) I wouldn't want to carry the weight while traveling, and 2) I don't want the rig to be resting on anything that high off the ground. Wood, plastic, or other jack pads are thinner and will do the job, although the plastic ones might need to be replaced every few years depending on the weight of your rig.
THANKS Howard, feeling special to have a response from you!
Will check with dealer for between the tire chocks and will use our plastic jack pads. Thanks again!!!!
Tammy,
In addition to what Howard wrote, by putting blocks under the cylinders (either side or front landing legs), one also keeps the cylinder from extending too far. If a ram is fully extended, it is not as stable like it would be if the cylinder is still surrounding part of the ram. When the rams aren't fully extended, it helps to stabilize the leveling system, thus also the trailer.
I use fairly large (1 foot square) blocks and I also have some rubber pads that I cut from a barn stall mat. However, some may not like the idea of carrying so many blocks. In our case, we aren't traveling and are "static" full timers. Even when we move in July after retiring, we will still be pretty much static, but in Colorado instead.
Terry
If you use the "X" chocks with the auto leveling system I'd love to hear how you keep them in place while leveling.
Chock wheels using yellow or orange wedge style-
Unhook and use leveling system-
Set X-Chocks or similar between the tire chock-
Lock stabilizers if available-
We are currently gate guarding in the TX oil fields. These jobs are 24/7. Hubby goes to bed at 7 and I stay up until 2 am then try to get some sleep. I am a light sleeper. I can feel the shaking as he moves about the rig and really feel it when he walks down the steps to go outside. Makes me seasick!
I saw someone use what looked like a small car jackstand under their doorsteps and it really helped take away the sway when using the steps.
We have the SteadyFast Trailer frame stabilizing system for about 4 years now and has significantly reduce the shaking motion of your 5th wheel trailer, if you go outside in the front or rear of the camper and try to shake the trailer it does not move at all.
You will get a little because the trailer is on rubber tires and springs.
I have used wheel chocks called Fastway Onestep Chock 2-pack, I quit using them because they did not work one bit for us, I tried to sell them, they just would not sell, I almost had to give them away LOL !!!
http://www.steadyfast.com/?gclid=CPDq2s_p-b0CFcU-MgodbnEA1Q
Lonney