Community Forums

4ms · 07-26-2009, 06:22 PM

Hi,
We are new to fifth wheels. I'm wondering if we need the king pin tripod or stabelizer, or what it actually does. I would appreciate some opinions. What does it do? Is it more of a stabelizer or is it used for support more? Is it good to use when stored for a while?
Thank you.

RKamperRV · 07-26-2009, 07:35 PM

Unfortunately, I do not have one. While I don not have direct experience with one, it is my understanding that it does help eliminate movement of the rig while occupied. It is not a necessary item, but may be a nice addition to have.

By-the-way - welcome to iRV2! Glad to have you join us!

Wayne M · 07-26-2009, 08:02 PM

I had one with my 3400RL. Using it, along with the rear stabilizers did give some relief from movement, but as long as you have tires on the ground you are going to feel some movement. Some have stated that adding the JT's Strong Arm Stabilizers helped even more, and were quite satisfied with them.

I personally do not think that the king pin stabilizer was that great of a buy, but it did work to some extent.

Edited: I never used it when the 3400RL was in storage, only when camping, and never for a one night stop.

diandtom · 07-27-2009, 08:04 AM

I have one and use it when I am going to be in one spot for a few days. I can tell it does some good, but it not something I really need.
Tom

RustyJC · 07-27-2009, 08:44 AM

I've never used one and haven't missed it, but I recognize that some individuals might be more sensitive to a minor amount of movement than we are.

Rusty

Paul R. Haller · 07-27-2009, 10:59 AM

I used to have one. I guess it helped a little but my wife and I didn't really notice a drastic change with it set up. We are not that concerned with movement. I found that a good set of tire chalks that prevented the tandem wheels from turning while stationary helped more to stabilize the 5th wheel movement then anything else.
-Paul R. Haller-

ISLAPP · 07-29-2009, 01:02 PM

I had one on a previous fiver. I thought it helped alittle for the movement, but not alot.
My wife initially thought it was to prevent the front of the fiver from falling off the rest of the trailer!!

RustyJC · 07-29-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISLAPP

My wife initially thought it was to prevent the front of the fiver from falling off the rest of the trailer!!

Mike, I'm not sure I would have told that!!

Rusty

ISLAPP · 07-29-2009, 01:43 PM

Actually, I might have told that story wrong. It was either that or to prevent the fiver from tipping over on it's end. Don't remember which!!

**NLOVNIT** · 07-29-2009, 03:58 PM

Seems to me whether you need a stabilizer or not depends on what you're doin' up there!

Lori-

Geojudi59 · 07-30-2009, 06:15 AM

After changing our Pin Box to an Air Ride type, the stabilizer jack really dosent do anything except compress the shock on the box.

A good set of wheel chocks helps.

ISLAPP · 07-30-2009, 08:03 AM

4ms,
In all seriousness now,
I am going to be looking into one of the landing leg, rear jack stabilizer units that are currently on the market instead of a king pin stabilizer.
The JTS unit mentioned above is just one that is available. If you a do a search under fifth wheel stabilizer, you will find several choices. I dont have a recommendation on one yet. I think it is better to take the money for the fifth wheel pin unit and use it towards one of these. They are more money than the pin unit but will be worth it in the long run. If you dont have the money for one, then dont bother getting the pin unit.
Mike

Ray,IN · 07-30-2009, 10:50 AM

I think along those line also Mike. I've looked at several king pin stabilizers, talked to owners, walked around it their 5er when invited, and decided not to spend money on one. I choose to use between-the-wheel chocks(like BAL) to stop all front to back movement, which they do very well. If you look at these, be sure to measure clearance between your tires first. Some require about 3" to work. I have a BAL lever chock, but it doesn't fit between our new 5ers tires, they are only 2" apart.
BTW, saw your new rig at the rally, great!

Rick&Cheryl · 07-30-2009, 10:55 AM

We use a tripod stablizier during winter months, and think it helps some. Its also heavy and during the summer when we travel alot, rather than set it up every 3-7 days, and get it stored properly each time we move, we just leave it in a neighbors shed over the winter. We also use two sets of roto-chocks and experience relatively little movement anyway.