Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Douglas
The stabilizer jacks are the most important part of the trailer. They provide stability to the trailer and prevent it from leaning to one side.
The jack has a long arm with a foot at the end, which is called a foot or shoe. The jack is placed under the trailer frame and then pumped up, so that it can support weight on either side of it.
There are two types of stabilizer jacks: single-point and double-point. Single-point jacks are used for trailers with a single axle, while double-point jacks are used for trailers with two axles.
How tight should travel trailer stabilizer jacks be?
You want to make sure your stabilizer jacks are snug but not too snug. It’s best to get to the point where there’s tension on them, but not too much that you’re lifting your RV. It can be very easy to over-tighten your stabilizer jacks, especially if you’re using a drill to do the job.[1]
Can you level RV with stabilizer jacks?
Stabilizers aren’t meant to support the weight of your camper but rather keep it stable when parked, so it can’t be used to level.[2]
Should RV stabilizer jacks be fully extended?
Stabilizer jacks are often located at the front and rear of units. Each jack is in place when it touches the ground. Don’t extend it any further, because it could get stuck or damaged in the process.[3]
What is the best way to stabilize a travel trailer?
The best way to stop your travel trailer from rocking is by using a combination of leveling jacks which reduce up and down motion, stabilizers that reduce side to side motion, and wheel chocks to reduce any movement of the tires.[4]
Why does my RV shake when I walk?
You may be asking yourself, why is my travel trailer shaking? The answer could be many reasons, including that you aren’t parked on a level surface, your trailer is unevenly weighted, you may need wheel chocks and stabilizers, or there are simply people walking around inside the travel trailer![5]
Should you level your RV with slides in or out?
Any professional should tell you that the typical recommendation is to level first, then put your slides out. However, they’ll also state you should go with what your manufacturer states in your owner’s manual. For most, they’re right. Level first, then slides.[6]
Should I store my RV with the stabilizer jacks down?
When it comes to parking your camp trailer in storage, there is really no need to have the stabilizer jacks down. From a mechanical or structural standpoint, having the jacks down while storing the trailer does not make a difference.[7]
Should wheels of RV be off ground when auto leveled?
Expert Reply: Your leveling system is not supposed to lift the wheels off the ground; this could exceed the capacity of your leveling system and cause damage and I do not recommend doing so.[8]
Should you put jacks under RV slide out?
The short answer is no, RV slide out supports are not necessary. In fact, they aren’t even recommended. There are a number of reasons why you don’t want to use slide out supports or jacks, the biggest being that they simply aren’t made to need them.[9]
Why does my RV shake so much?
The most common causes for vibrations in your coach are: Out of balance tires: Generally speaking, with out of balance tires, the faster you go, the worse it shakes. Out of balance tires ruin bearings, joints and shake screws and bolts loose, as well as fatigue metal faster than anything else you could do.[10]
Why does my RV rock so much?
Without RV stabilizers, chocks, and leveling jacks, your travel trailer is held up by its tires only, and these are simply bouncy rubber balloons filled with air. No wonder your travel trailer rocks and bounces so easily![11]
Why is my travel trailer so bouncy?
Improper tire pressure, oversized trailer tires, stiff suspension, improper load balance or tongue length combined with the position of the axle can all be culprits. All parts of the towing system must be working together to keep the tires on the pavement and ensure a smooth ride.[12]