Bal Stabilizer Placement Question

[Galen]

I have a pair of Bal stabilizer jacks. I would like to place them so that I can lower them from the rear of the trailer. But I am concerned that if I bottom out the back of the trailer it will smash them up because they would be lower than the bumper in the rear.

The other option is to mount them further forward closer to the axle, and access the screws from the sides of the trailer. But this would require adding more steel supports, and more weight.

I figure I will have around 13" of clearance from ground to bumper, but the stabilizers would hang a couple of inches lower under the bumper.

So is bottoming the bumper out a real concern?

Another option is to add some bumper guards next to or over the jacks. Or just mount them forward.

Thanks again!

[eamarquardt]

You might want to go out, find as steep a driveway or dip as you can find, and do an eyeball test.

Cheers,

Gus

[Galen]

Thanks Gus. It's a good idea, but is not really an option. The trailer is not put together enough for a drive. I am trying to get all the welding stuff done so I can get it licensed as a utility trailer.

[eamarquardt]

As an option you can weld on small pads that the jacks can be bolted to. Weld two sets on. One all the way back and then a second set fwd where you're sure they'll clear.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[bobhenry]

At work we have a 32' hydraulic dump roller trailer with the axles rather far forward. To prevent dragging the rear the manafacture installed a large steel drum on bearings to act as a roller in steep incline situations.

Perhaps a well placed fixed caster wheel would be an option. It would protect the stabilizers and take and transfer some of the trailer weight in extreme situations.

[halfdome, Danny]

I stopped putting them on as we never had a need to use them and their a hassle to use anyway.
I use a Walmart scissor jack on the low side behind the axle to level it out since that & the adjustable tongue jack is all that is needed to level out the (3 points) triangle.
You can't walk around in a teardrop so why put them on in the first place.
Just my opinion.
Danny

[Galen]

One of the reasons I want them is because on my design we enter behind the axle. And with the weight of two of us the trailer might pop up in the front. Plus I already bought them, so if I don't use them I would have to decide that I made a mistake buying them, which isn't possible.

[wingloader]

...so if I don't use them I would have to decide that I made a mistake buying them, which isn't possible.

*Like*

I have my trailer constructed. I am designing my trailer in Sketchup (which has taken me a LONG time to learn). I've already purchase a few "mistakes". Of course, no one will find out about them as they will be buried in the back yard.

[Galen]

I am slightly tempted to mount them flush inside the frame and drill a hole through the frame in the back for access to the screw. That would weaken the frame, but maybe if I weld a tube inserted through the hole it would add back in some strength, and keep water out of the frame.

Thoughts?

[eamarquardt]

I am slightly tempted to mount them flush inside the frame and drill a hole through the frame in the back for access to the screw. That would weaken the frame, but maybe if I weld a tube inserted through the hole it would add back in some strength, and keep water out of the frame.

Thoughts?

If you are drilling the whole for the jack screw through the vertical part of your frame (as opposed to the horizontal flanges) the loss of strength (if you drill a modest hole) will be minimal. Most of the strength in the beam comes from the flanges, not the connecting web. Look at airplane ribs, bridges, etc.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[Galen]

... the loss of strength (if you drill a modest hole) will be minimal...
Gus

That's what I figured. I think that is what I will do. It will be the most attractive option, hiding the stabilizer in the frame, won't be as a likely to be damaged by grounding, and puts them where I want them.