Tripod or NOT

[Rhoadzie]

Do we need to buy a tripod to support the front of our Fifth wheel when parked? What are the advantages?

[3605dave]

I've got a 39' 3605 and I use one all the time. It really helps in stabilizing the side to side movement mine. Especially in the bedroom.

[lcv800]

Must be a lot more "action" in your bedroom, LOL. I had a 3990 and never used one. Didn't have any stabilizing issues. Try it without and see what happens. You can always buy one.
Rusty

[azdryheat]

I've never used one.

[ATCguy]

Just like any other accessory, you're gonna get various opinions based on experience & usage...

Being a solo-RVer, I've never felt the need for one since I don't feel the effects of my own walking around in the rig. The only time I really notice any 'rocking' is when my washer/dryer combo is on the spin cycle, or in high-wind situations. However, I've been inside of other rigs with more than 2 or 3 people/kids walking around, and felt they could've probably benefitted from something to stabilize things.

Now, I don't know it your rig has them... but what I have done is added some stabilization to my hydraulic leveler jacks by way of the use of Anderson Trailer Jack Blocks.



Initially I got a pair of these to use as cribbing to replace some cracked wood blocks I had... but discovered while using them to added benefit of how much they helped stabilize the rig by shortening the stoke necessary for the jacks. A shorter stroke (extension) meant less 'flex' of the jack legs, which translated into less movement of the rig. I've then bought enough for all 6 jacks, and have been using them for almost a year now. The built-in magnets make them easy to apply to the pad before extension, meaning I never have to walk around adjusting & readjusting them as I level up. And since the pads fit exactly into the recessed area, they'll never slip off like I seen happen on other rigs using those lego-style square blocks.

[wahoonc]

Personal preference? I had one on my Cedar Creek fiver years ago, it made a noticeable difference on that unit, but it only had 2 crank down stabilizers and the landing jacks.

Aaron

[Rhoadzie]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT.

I have seen the Anderson stabilizer blocks. I think I might try them. I really have not noticed a big problem and the wife has not complained. It would be just another thing to have to pack, setup and unpack.

As always I appreciate your assistance.

[OldOneTwo]

I bought the JBL Lock Arm stabilizers that bolt to he frame and to the jack pad and from the jack pad to the center of the front end of the fiver. You use the same crank wrench for manually move slide system to lock and unlock the arms.Very solid system with no storage problems.

[GGreGG]

Ours is 38' with leveling. Shakes everywhere without the tripod. I use the tripod because it was cheap. I would prefer the bolt on strut system but haven't wanted to shell out the $$.

[RVNevada]

I used one on my 32 ft 5th wheel, helped alot, but on my 43ft voltage toy hauler not much, but its good as extra security......NO ONE can drive away with it

[Will59]

I installed JT Strong Arm stabilizers on my 32' Denali 4th wheel. Made a huge difference and you don't have to store/setup the tripod.