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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Kingpin tripod for fifth wheel
Post Info TOPIC: Kingpin tripod for fifth wheel
Ronjohn99


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Kingpin tripod for fifth wheel
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We will be picking up our first fifth wheel in March and I was wondering how many of you use a tripod under your fifth wheel kingpin.  I have seen some that use them and some that don't. I am curious to hear what some of your opinions are on their value.  Our fifth wheel is a 2016 Bighorn 3570RS with 6 point leveling.



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RonC


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There will always be some movement in any type of RV ... The tripod for the kingpin is said to reduce that. In time you will "get used" to the movement and stop worrying about it.  IMO a tripod is too much hassle to use and often won't be useable (needs a pretty flat and level surface). Just something else to put up and take down and carry around ... so that's one person's opinion ... there will be others who will disagree, so I recommend that if you think it will help, buy all means, get one. My guess is that you'll mess with it for awhile, and then just carry it around for awhile ... eventually getting rid of it as it takes up space and weight.



-- Edited by RonC on Monday 22nd of January 2018 05:13:24 PM

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Terry and Jo


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Should your fifth wheel have an air ride pin box, a tripod's usefulness would be limited because of the air bladder.  If anyone would want to use one, it would be us because we tend to move to a place and stay long term, such as a year or more.  We've not really seen the need for a tripod, and even if we did, we do have the air ride pin box.

Much movement in one's RV could be limited by always putting blocks under the leveling and landing hydraulic cylinders.  By limiting how much of one's cylinders are extended helps to better stabilize the RV because the cylinder housing is proving additional support to the cylinder shaft and reducing the tendency of it to flex.  We also use at least one of the roto-chock devices between the tires to eliminate any tendency to roll forward or back.

Terry



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Rob_Fla


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I installed the Steady Fast Stabilizers on our 5th Wheel with the Level Up, easy to use, makes our 5th Wheel much more solid and no need to find some where to store them when moving.


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RonC


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Rob_Fla wrote:

I installed the Steady Fast Stabilizers on our 5th Wheel with the Level Up, easy to use, makes our 5th Wheel much more solid and no need to find some where to store them when moving.

 Rob ... are your front legs round hydraulic cylinders?  The steadyfast product looks like the strong arm product and I'm sure they do work.  I just can't see an easy way to install them on the feet of our hydraulic landing gear pads.



-- Edited by RonC on Thursday 25th of January 2018 11:36:33 AM

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2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system

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Rob_Fla


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Yep, our Redwood had the Round Hydraulic Cylinders with the large round pads, it is the Lippert Level Up System.
Very easy install on the large round pads. Reduced the shake from the Washer and Dryer quite a bit.
Most of all since we have a front living layout, if you are laying in the bed you could feel someone moving around in the front living room, with the steady fast locked down, you cannot feel any movement in the bed when someone is moving around in the living room up front.

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Cummins12V98


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Build your self something like these. Shorten the hydraulic rams will increase stability.

<a rel=i.imgur.com/5v319MSl.jpg">

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RonC


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Pretty nice ... I do the same with 1 foot long sections of 2x10 lumber.  I carry a bunch of them (30 or so) with me to do just as you suggest ... shorten the extension of the hydraulic rams (shorter is stiffer).  Sometimes I use 4 or 5 working my way down to 2 if the lot has a bit of slope.  This does definitely help (shortening the extension).



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2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system

2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114  LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW

FT class of 2016
MAYBE2021


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Same principle applies to scissor stablizers on a TT.  Keep them short.



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LarryW21


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“sounds like no structural reason to have a tripod” I would hope not! lol

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Dave and Denise


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With our 5er we have never felt a need for a tripod. We have a 6pt leveling system and a front bedroom. Perhaps if we were doing calisthenics in the bedroom we would change our mind.

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Howard


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We bought a tripod early on, but as others have mentioned if you have a pin box that is designed to flex like an air ride or MORryde, it won't help much. We weren't getting the benefit for the hassle, weight, storage, and potential of smashing fingers during set-up and take-down, so we ditched it.

Since you have the leveling system, you shouldn't need one.

We don't have a leveling system, and what we have found that helps more is the scissor-type chocks that go between the tires.

Put me in the column of "Nope".  :)



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Ronjohn99


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Good ideas, we will bring something to shorten the extension on the cylinders and I got scissor chocks from our son for Christmas so we are good to go there! :)



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Danny and Cheryl


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It is a total waste of money if you have the TrailAir pin box, which most heavier 5er's have. IMHO

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Cummins12V98


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Danny and Cheryl wrote:

It is a total waste of money if you have the TrailAir pin box, which most heavier 5er's have. IMHO

 I completely agree!



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Zeek


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I use these http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/stabilizing_products/lockarm.shtml

They made a big difference in rig movement for me, especially in the bedroom area. You can put them on the rear as well, but I didn't really need them.



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2014Sierra


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With your set up the 5th wheel tri-pod is not really needed for stability. however, only for your safety you can get a locking device so that it will make it harder for just anyone to back up to it and haul it away. the tri-pods have this security feature built in. sounds like you are getting ready for the life of comfort on the road. There is one other thing the tri-pod can help with, if you experience a hydraulic leak in your front jack it could help from the front end falling. however as some one stated earlier on this thread, block up you jacks as much as possible, multi purpose, less cylinder out less of a drop if you spring a leak in that system. also, less oil loss and better stability.  happy travels



-- Edited by 2014Sierra on Thursday 1st of March 2018 12:43:47 AM

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