Replacing Leveling Stabilizers

[Brantime]

Howdy Folks!

I have decided that it is about time to replace my leveling stabilizers on my Coleman Gettysburg PU!

I have looked at the 5,000 pound, balance screw jacks from JC Whitney. They run $68.00 a pair and come with mounting plates. This looks like a big improvement over the Coleman Stabilizers that I have now!

Seems like it would be a lot easier/faster to level the trailer with the screw jacks, and they look like it would be sturdier also!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2008313/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2008313/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=bal+screw+jacks

Has anyone here replace their stabilizers before, and if so, how do you like the screw jacks over the original parts?

Thanks!

[tlhdoc]

The jacks on your camper are probably not leveling jacks, but stabilizing jacks.  They are not meant to lift the PU off of the ground,  but just to stop it from wiggling.  The jacks you are looking at purchasing are leveling jacks.  They many bend the frame of your PU if you use them.  BAL makes screw down stabilizing jacks that would work better for your PU.  The screw down jacks are nicer than the swing down jacks.

[Brantime]

The jacks on your camper are probably not leveling jacks, but stabilizing jacks.  They are not meant to lift the PU off of the ground,  but just to stop it from wiggling.  The jacks you are looking at purchasing are leveling jacks.  They many bend the frame of your PU if you use them.  BAL makes screw down stabilizing jacks that would work better for your PU.  The screw down jacks are nicer than the swing down jacks.

Howdy!

Actually the stabilizers are leveling stabilizers as states in my owners manuel. They are the old type (1976) stabilizers and are utilized to stabilize as well as level! The corners of the trailer are a heavier duty material also, so I don't think there will be any problems with the trailer frame!

I know most of the newer ones are of a thinner material and are also lightweight, but these old ones are heavy duty!

It tells how to level with these stabilizers in the manuel, and thow these stabilizers have been utilized for 30 years in this manner, these particular ones look brand new.

I just do not like dealing with the wood blocks and shims, and not having a stable base under the trailer, and I have always liked the screw down jacks as far as serviceablility and ease od use!

Thanks for the response!

[brainpause]

Whether they are to be used as levelers or not, it is MUCH easier to level with the axle (using Lynx or BAL) and the front tongue jack than using any amount of stabilizer/levelers. Been there, done that, learned better, the easier way.

ON EDIT: I re-read my post (and Tracy's), and realized that their tone came across a little harsh and smart-alecky. I have met Tracy. Neither of us mean it that way at all. Just the voice of experience. Please accept our welcome to the Arvee Club.

Larry

[flyfisherman]

Howdy Folks!

I have decided that it is about time to replace my leveling stabilizers on my Coleman Gettysburg.

Has anyone here replace their stabilizers before, and if so, how do you like the screw jacks over the original parts?

Thanks!

Don't know if this is of any interest (I posted this not too long ago) - a fishing friend of ours recently bought a used Jayco that only had two stabilizers in the rear, none in the front. So he ordered out a set from JC WHitney that are the screw type stands. Now he thinks for the price, these things are the berries! He e-mailed me the part number ... item # ZX129333B
And for the price ... $32.99 (and a set of 4?) ... looks like they would be hard to beat! And my friend says they do the job just right. Might be worth a look-see.

Also, looks like there's a lot of stabilizers on the market right now, you've got a lot to choose from! I thought this was kind of interesting ...

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-jacks/stabilizer-jack-rv.htm

Of course, my experience with this is zero, but might be an idea in there somewhere!



Fly

[mike4947]

Well yes, back in the olden days leveling using the corner stabilzers was recommended, BUT, in the early 80's the manufacturers found they were paying a LOT of warranty claims for damage due to leveling with the jacks and stopped recommending the procedure. I know this for a fact as I had one of those trailers that ended up going back to the factory to have the entire floor replaced ;which means taking the entire box off the trailer; under warranty due to leveling using the jacks.

Bute the bullet and do it right and purchase the BAL crank down stabilizers that come standard on most higher end PU's. They come in both weld on and bolt on versions as well as low and high versions. Most PU's use the low versions. The high versions ar more for "lifted" PU's which require a lot longer drop to reach the ground.