Stabilizer Jacks for Travel Trailers

[Shadrach]

OK all you RVers who have had more than one unit. What gives the best stability, 4 scissor jacks - one on each corner or a pair of the telescoping type that goes across from side to side? I have had both. Shad

 

[HBarlow]

The scissor jacks may provide more stability because they probably don't flex much but I think they could be more vulnerable to being physically torn off in situations with obstacles on the ground and poor lighting. I've never used scissor jacks but see them occasionally because they are a lower cost option.

 

[BIGNASTY]

On the TT we had it came with the scissors jack type, I found it to be one of the things that I LEAST liked about setting up, Not that it was a REAL big PITA but just something that I didn't like to do. I installed these ( on the link) Didn't find any real difference in the stability of the TT but sure was nice to put them up/down with the flip of a toggle switch and be done with it.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jac...tml?feed=npn&gclid=CLHcwa_bpLcCFbB_Qgod_AcA-w

Of all the things that I had these two made the biggest difference in stability of the TT, I didn't crank the slide jacks any higher than to make contact and a 1/2 turn more, and the wheel chocks well they are pretty self explanatory

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/slide-out-stabilizers-set-of-2/6143

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/x-chock-tire-locking-chock/43891

 

[Shadrach]

Thanks I have a light duty non powered version of what is in the first link. Never had a slide before, maybe thats why I notice the movement so much more than our last TT which had the scissor jacks on it. Do a lot of people use slide stabilizers? I don't recall see any at the campgrounds, but never really looked for them either. I plan on installing a set of these:http://www.themobileoutfitters.com/index.php/products/162-center-point Shad

 

[Wygate]

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jac...tml?feed=npn&gclid=CLHcwa_bpLcCFbB_Qgod_AcA-w

I use a non-powered version of this kind and use a cordless drill or impact to drop the feet, not quite as easy as Big's but a bit less money
And yes she does do quite a bit of wiggling,
i am told the tire jacks help a ton

 

[BIGNASTY]

Thanks I have a light duty non powered version of what is in the first link. Never had a slide before, maybe thats why I notice the movement so much more than our last TT which had the scissor jacks on it. Do a lot of people use slide stabilizers? I don't recall see any at the campgrounds, but never really looked for them either. I plan on installing a set of these:http://www.themobileoutfitters.com/index.php/products/162-center-point Shad

Shad I have been told by some all knowing in the RV industry that the slide jacks are not so good, but when they said that they also said the people tend to put WAY TO MUCH PRESSURE on the slide using them. The main reason we use them is that sometimes when the weather is bad outside we come in and sit around the table that's in part of the slide. With 4 or 5 adults I always thought that it HAS TO PUT ONE HECK of a lot of pressure on that slide. So our use was more of a support role instead of any stabilization idea. After we got ours we seen more and more trailers use them I think its just that we took notice more

 

[TLane]

Scissor jacks are great for providing up and down stability, but don't do much for side to side or front to back stability. Scissor jacks can also provide a little bit of leveling for the trailer.

If I'm thinking of the type of telescoping jack that you are referring to, they provide good up and down and side to side stability because they form a triangle. They don't provide much, if any leveling of the trailer. They only provide a little front to back stability.

I've built a homemade add-on for my scissor jacks - it's a plate that slides under the jack plate and attaches to a piece of 3/4" EMT (conduit) that attaches to the frame about 6' away. As you lower the jack, the plate slides sideways until the jack hits the ground and traps the plate in place; the EMT forms a triangle with the jack and stabilizes the trailer. I've put the one I've made so that it provides front to back stability, I need to make two more and place them side to side, one at the front and one at the rear. If I remember I'll take a picture when I'm camping - that will be in a couple of weeks.

I also use a portable driver to raise/lower my jacks. I still use the manual crank when the going gets tough.

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks I have a light duty non powered version of what is in the first link. Never had a slide before, maybe thats why I notice the movement so much more than our last TT which had the scissor jacks on it. Do a lot of people use slide stabilizers? I don't recall see any at the campgrounds, but never really looked for them either. I plan on installing a set of these:http://www.themobileoutfitters.com/index.php/products/162-center-point Shad

Park models often use screw jacks under slide rooms but I don't think I've ever seen them under slides on a travel trailer. I would not use them. If you do you'll cause movement between slide room lip and the cut in the trailer wall which will open and close the gap and wear seals. The slides should be adequately supported and stabilized by the trailer body.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have seen people use jacks under their slides and it is a big no no.