After you have your RV level you will probably want to stabilize
it.
Stabilizing your rig is just for comfort so it's not necessary
but unless you like the feeling of being in an earthquake you should.
You should have a few six to eight inch long or 2x6 blocks
and some stabilizing jacks. How many of each will depend on the size of your RV and how stabile you want it to be. The blocks
are placed under the feet of the jacks to give them more support if you are parked on soft ground or if the jacks are too
short.
Plastic 'blocks' are also available and have some advantages over wood blocks. The biggest advantage is less weight to carry.
They are also stackable and have a larger surface area.
Some trailers have stabilizing jacks attached, usually toward
the rear. If yours doesn't you should consider getting some. They just make stabilizing the rig easier. If you do add them
be sure to note the lifting capacity. Generally the scissors type have the greatest capacity. If your jacks can lift your
RV then they may be able to double as leveling jacks too.
Our fifth wheel has the crank down type stabilizers attached,
otherwise I would have the scissors type because they will lift more weight. When leveling the trailer front to back I like
to set the rear stabilizer jacks snug then lower the front landing gear raising the front of the trailer up to level. This
lifts the trailer up slightly off the axles. I found by doing this I can get the trailer more stable without having to really
crank hard on the stabilizer crank handle. Because my stabilizers can't bare much weight I have to be especially careful about
how much I lower the front landing gear.
If we will be parked for a few days I also set a couple
of the small jack stands under the frame behind the back axle for more stability.
I also use and recommend a king pin stabilizer. It really
does work. |