Hi Grams,

The fifth wheel kingpin tripod can help with stabilization, but it shouldn't be necessary in your situation with your six-point leveling system.  The tripod is best for those that don't have a leveling system and that have static pin boxes.  It doesn't help as much when it's used with pin boxes that are built to have some give to them for a better ride going down the road.  We've found that chocks that expand between the tires provide as much assistance, if not more, than the tripod with our Mor/ryde pin box (we started out with the tripod, but ditched it several years ago).

As for blocks, I'm a proponent.  One of the big selling points of leveling systems is the convenience, including not having to put anything under the legs.  But, having blocks helps spread out the effects of the weight, so the legs are less likely to sink in sand, dirt, grass, and asphalt (which may require re-leveling).  Some places with asphalt parking areas or site pads require that you have pads under the legs.

I, personally, wouldn't use concrete blocks because 1) I wouldn't want to carry the weight while traveling, and 2) I don't want the rig to be resting on anything that high off the ground.  Wood, plastic, or other jack pads are thinner and will do the job, although the plastic ones might need to be replaced every few years depending on the weight of your rig.

Tammy,

In addition to what Howard wrote, by putting blocks under the cylinders (either side or front landing legs), one also keeps the cylinder from extending too far.  If a ram is fully extended, it is not as stable like it would be if the cylinder is still surrounding part of the ram. When the rams aren't fully extended, it helps to stabilize the leveling system, thus also the trailer.

I use fairly large (1 foot square) blocks and I also have some rubber pads that I cut from a barn stall mat.  However, some may not like the idea of carrying so many blocks.  In our case, we aren't traveling and are "static" full timers.  Even when we move in July after retiring, we will still be pretty much static, but in Colorado instead.

Terry

What I've seen done is-
Chock wheels using yellow or orange wedge style-
Unhook and use leveling system-
Set X-Chocks or similar between the tire chock-
Lock stabilizers if available-

Geeze - we have the 6 point self leveling system, have 1 foot squares made from 1" plywood AND use a tripod stabilizer. STILL have some movement.

We are currently gate guarding in the TX oil fields. These jobs are 24/7. Hubby goes to bed at 7 and I stay up until 2 am then try to get some sleep. I am a light sleeper. I can feel the shaking as he moves about the rig and really feel it when he walks down the steps to go outside. Makes me seasick!

We have 6 point leveling as well and don't use a tripod. I can feel movement, but it's not a deal breaker. When the washing machine is spinning, it is worse of course. Either way it doesn't bother us, honestly.