Adding Additional Stabilizer Jacks

[RUSSELL5000]

I have the TT in signature – a 2015 Jayflight 28BHBE – and I want to add additional stabilizer jacks – one on each side behind the axles toward the rear of the trailer and one on each side before the axles toward the front of the trailer – a total of four. I have used those screw type jacks in the past but that has become annoying.

MY TT has the enclosed underbelly. I can see one side of the frame clearly but the other side is covered by the underbelly material.

My question: is there any way to tell whether or not I am drilling through the bottom part of the I and into something that I don’t want to hit? My assumption is that if I can push up on the underbelly material far enough to slip a bolt through a hole I drill then I am fine; if I cannot push up the underbelly material then there must be something there (like a black water tank maybe?).

Does this make sense? Is there a better way?

Thanks!

 

[TLane]

I did that to my trailer. I removed a couple of screws in the underbelly and pulled it down enough that I could feel around above where I placed the jacks. This resulted in busting off most of the screws I attempted to remove, so a trip to the hardware store to get new screws and fender washers was in order. On one side there was a bunch of wires that I held up with one hand while drilling holes for the jack with the other. A few cable ties probably would have been much easier. Also check to see if the jack will clear the gas line when the jack is all the way up. I put a block on the ground and cranked the jack against the frame while I drilled holes and inserted screws/nuts. I always grease my hardware so I don't bust screws off if (when) I have to take it back off.

It turns out that about the only one I ever use is the one between the axle and the rear door. I use it when the frame flexes a little and the door drags on the bottom. Put a little weight on that jack, and the door opens just fine.

The jacks I fitted were used, so I did a thorough job of cleaning the lead screws that operate the jack and greasing with a high quality grease. The first time I used the jacks, they would hold about three seconds and then unscrew themselves, taking the weight off the jack. Now, they have enough dirt and crud on the lead screws that they hold just fine.

 

[bigceltic]

What are you trying to do - stop the movement when people walk around? Based on my research - trying to stop this type of movement - I just bought these http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/stabilizing_products/lockarm.shtml and am going to put them on my TT this weekend. I have the power jacks/stabilizers so I am going to put 1 "lock arm" on each jack/stabliizer.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

TLane - thanks, I'll take that approach - starting tomorrow morning.

bigceltic - yes, I am seeking to stop the movement - now you have me in mind for another mod!!

 

[AH64ID]

I have been considering adding 2 additional stabilizers to the TT in my sig directly ahead of the axles.

I purchased BAL X-Chocks two years ago and they do a great job with the rocking from the tires. If your tires aren't chocked that is the first thing I would do as the fore/aft motion is generated at the wheels.

The main motion I am getting now is, what I believe, frame/suspension/tire flex in the middle of the camper. The link bigceltic posted has crossed my mind but I don't think that will stop the motion I am experiencing. I think I have to firm up the trailer in the middle of the frame to eliminate additional motion.

 

[bigceltic]

I have been considering adding 2 additional stabilizers to the TT in my sig directly ahead of the axles.

I purchased BAL X-Chocks two years ago and they do a great job with the rocking from the tires. If your tires aren't chocked that is the first thing I would do as the fore/aft motion is generated at the wheels.

The main motion I am getting now is, what I believe, frame/suspension/tire flex in the middle of the camper. The link bigceltic posted has crossed my mind but I don't think that will stop the motion I am experiencing. I think I have to firm up the trailer in the middle of the frame to eliminate additional motion.

Have you tried these? https://www.andersenhitches.com/Products/3620--rapid-jack.aspx They are AWESOME. Best invention since sliced bread ;-)

 

[AH64ID]

I hadn't seen those. When I first looked I thought it was their leveler system, which I had seen before.

It would make a quick change, but hopefully flats aren't an issue anymore with LT LRE tires.

 

[Shadrach]

What are you trying to do - stop the movement when people walk around? Based on my research - trying to stop this type of movement - I just bought these http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/stabilizing_products/lockarm.shtml and am going to put them on my TT this weekend. I have the power jacks/stabilizers so I am going to put 1 "lock arm" on each jack/stabliizer.

I have those on my TT and love them. They make a big difference with a 13' slide out and people walking around. David

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Did the additional jacks today. Three were fairly straightforward - I felt around and picked spots quite close to what I wanted to start with. Some time with the drill, then bolt on.

The fourth was tough - there was all kinds of stuff where I wanted to put the jack. There were drains, propane lines, electrical lines, ... Everywhere I felt on the inside of the frame was occupied.

I placed the jack as best I could without relocating anything. I cut a piece of 3/16 inch steel the width of the frame and the same length as the attachment point. I used two bolts only on the outside of the frame, going through the jack base and the steel plate. Then a single weld across the bottom of the frame at each end of the steel plate.

Next is some time with the wire brush, sandpaper, and Rustoleum to keep ahead of the rust.

 

[bigceltic]

I put mine on today as well. One per jack. Could only put them fore-and-aft due to the way my stabilizers work. Install was very easy (only screwed up once!). I need to figure out some way to brace the side to side now with the jacks I have.

 

[slowmover]

JT Strongarms or the BAL stabilizers. Then ROTOCHOKS if you can find a used set. If not, the the BAL similar expansion type inter wheel chock. Stop the movement, and then tweak adjustments. Only then might I have a look at yet more "stabilizers".

Dry lube aerosol on jacks. Great product inside and out on an RV.

 

[Dutch & Di]

We have been using our stabilizers on our 38' Carriage for almost 10 years. We have virtually no movement. We use the 6 stabilizers, 4 on the front and 2 on the rear. Because we had the Big Foot leveling system put on in 2010, we did not want to add them to the rear levelers because there was just too much distance between them and the rear of our RV. Dutch had already added a set of arm jacks to the rear of our Carriage which made for a perfect spot to attach our rear stabilizers too. The rear stabilizers being at the very rear of our RV really increased the stability inside. Hugs, Di

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I have four of the screw-type auxiliary stabilizer jacks if someone wants them. Cost is whatever the shipping will be. Reply or send me PM.