Ditto on what Fred says.  We are in the group that have never used the tripods.  A little movement cab be expected when moving around in any trailer, no matter how heavy it is.  Some are bothered more than others.  I would suggest spending some more time in your rig and then decide for yourself how much movement you can tolerate before you decide on what to try. 

-- Edited by RickandJanice on Sunday 3rd of October 2010 06:07:29 PM

They are called King Pen Stabilzers. WE have one and it does make a differnce with the motion. Easy to use too

I have a tripod that I built out of steel tubing. It is strong enough to support the entire front of the fifth wheel without the landing gear down. This comes in handy if I need to add blocks to the landing gear once I've unhitched from the truck. Doesn't happen often but a couple of times I was glad I had built the tripod so strong.

Here's the test I use. Once I get the 5th wheel level with just the landing gear, I push on the side of the 5th wheel. I can usually get it to rock a little. When I put the tripod in place and lower the 5th wheel until there is weight on the tripod, I push again on the side and it is rock solid. I try to make sure there's still weight on the landing gear and on the tripod so the weight helps to stabilize.

The tripod stops the side to side movement and vibration at the front of the 5th wheel where the bedroom is. This prevents disturbing my DW when she sleeps in and I want to move around.

If we are going to be in one place for any length of time, like Fred, I place jacks under the frame in front of the axles to stop the movement in the middle of the 5th wheel. That's where we get most of our movement. It's due to the suspension and flex of the tire side walls. The jacks tighten all of this up.

Even without the jacks and tripod and rear stabilizers the motion isn't that bad, you get used to it. It's just nice to have a solid feel.

It sounds like the tripods on the market aren't substantial enough to make a difference. I know a lot of people swear by the JT Strongarm stabilizers that connect to the landing gear.

Melanie,
A good test on stability is to sit in a chair on one end and have someone move around in the bedroom. Thats when you will feel the most movement.You don't really feel the movement as you walk.I will be getting the JT Strong Arm Setup as soon as the budget allows.By the way, congratulations on the purchase.


-- Edited by Racerguy on Wednesday 6th of October 2010 06:43:56 AM

If your 5th wheel is equipped with a washer....you'll really enjoy the ride when the washer gets out of balance. It's better than some rides at Disneyland.

Pat L wrote:

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OK Everyone ---The question is with a Trail Air pin box will my existing tripod be of any help on the Mobil Suits?

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From my [ersonal experience - no.  Unless you deflate the airbag you don’t have a firm platform.  If anyone wants a nice aluminum one I’ll bring mine to the Rally and you can give me what you think it is worth.  They are only good for people without Air-ride pin boxes in my opinion.

 

Bill

Pat L wrote:

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OK Everyone ---The question is with a Trail Air pin box will my existing tripod be of any help on the Mobil Suits?

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Pat,

I don't remember whether you have the Level-Up system on yours or whether you are planning on getting it installed afterwards.  We have that system on our 2010 Mobile Suites and it gives us hydraulic jacks in front of and behind the wheels as well as the front of the coach.  With that system, we have not noticed any movement in ours.

Terry