Front legs extended this far safe?

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by unitlink

So from what I'm gathering, the legs aren't just going to fail and the RV come crashing down correct?
Being our first 5th wheel it just made us nervous.

Also were can I get more information on auto leveling? I want to see if both legs need to be in the same hole, whether it is better to extend the main leg vs dropping the inside leg out.

Though with an Andersen hitch I have to raise it more due to the block.

All that different length legs means is the ground is not the same levels as the wheels are.

When the trailer comes to a stop it is on three points (the wheels on each side and the pin). Since the pin can move the wheels will set the angle the trailer sits on side to side. If you extend the legs at that point they may reach the ground at different levels.

If you force the pins on the legs to the same height the result is you are trying to twist the frame.

Either use different holes on the pins or use leveling blocks to ensure the landing gear touches down at the same time.

[IC2]

If I have to extend the legs very far to level front to back, I'll build up some cribbing using some treated 4 x 4 x 18 with a piece of 2 x 6/8 or 10 or a piece of 4x6 on top. Since the current trailer has a single motor landing gear (Lippert), I'll then shim to within about a half inch. If it had dual motors like our last 5er, then you can bring the legs down individually to contact then raise with both motors (Atwood L.G.). If we had opted for 'self leveling', I would still do it the same way as I described. I also put wood or cribbing under the rear stabilizers too, use BAL chocks and some ground level chocks in front and back of tires

Oh and yes, those long leg extensions will safely hold the 5er - but it will wiggle

[unitlink]

Thanks everybody. This gives me a better idea on what to do in future cases. Good to know I don't have to worry about the trailer come crashing down.