Inventing a stabilizer

[RandyG]

I got an idea for a stabilizer and need some mechanical engineering help. I got this idea from the stabilizers that use ratchet straps to reduce sway but they are recommended used with jacks. I know it would be easier to buy some jacks but thats not my style, Im always trying to reinvent the wheel.

So my design will be on each side below the galley and will be able to fold up during transport. One end of each strap will run all the way to the tongue and be hooked to a secure point. Sorry if the pic is hard to read. Any feedback? Thanks

[Forrest747]

THe issue i have with stablizers near the galley. With them being so close to the tirs it does add much to the stability. I found moving mine to the front has improved the stablity. The concept looks sound. I would add a locking pin to the adjustable sleeve

[KCStudly]

I have a couple of comments.

Long straps to the tongue mean that you will have to figure out how to run past the tires/axle; you will be laying in the dirt, and dragging your straps through the dirt. Long straps can be kind of a pain to wrangle and store; they always want to dangle and tangle even when you wrap them around the buckle neatly.

The straps will have some stretch to them, too, so will not be as stable as a rigid locking leg.

This all gives me another idea that might work better for you. Why not make a shorter rigid 2 part folding link in place of the strap, like those on the under side of folding banquet tables where the link goes over center and locks back on itself. You would just need to add a little lever arm (or a small sleeve that would receive a stowable lever) to assist with snapping the leg up or down, thus jacking the trailer just a tad when the link goes over center. Might even be able to configure this to be accessible from the side w/o too much trouble having to crawl under.

The extending part of the main leg would stay the same and allow for side to side adjustments due to terrain.

[Forrest747]

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?p=1028786#p1028786
Look at around1:53 and their stabilizer

[KCStudly]

I've seen that video before. Maybe I stole the idea subliminally?

[KennethW]

What if your have the brace mounted fixed on the leg and frame. Then have the top of the leg on a slide. you would drop the leg down then use a bar clamp or ratchet strap to pull the top of the leg out pushing the leg down. Just a thought!!

[RandyG]

Hmmm, some inspiration, just what I was looking for.
Forrest, maybe I can put some in the front also, if it all works easy enough. I remember reading about front stabilizers some where.
KC, the straps won't have to be unhooked, they will help hold the legs up while in transport. I can loosen the straps, fold the legs out, extend them, pin them to the required length and ratchet them tight against the ground. At least that's the plan.
Kenneth, I'm trying to stay away from any type of slide. But you gave me another idea... What about putting another hinge in the middle of the leg? Then tie the strap to the top leg, much like your knee and hip joint. I will have to draw that one up tomorrow!
Thanks for the input, it is really helping me decide which way to go with this.

[KennethW]

Another thought is how about straight pipes(legs) that drop straight down thru a tube on the corner of you TD. A ratchet strap would hook the top of the pipe and a loop on the corner tube. As simple as you cam get. The leg pipes could be stored under the camper.

[Dale M.]

THe issue i have with stablizers near the galley. With them being so close to the tirs it does add much to the stability. I found moving mine to the front has improved the stablity. The concept looks sound. I would add a locking pin to the adjustable sleeve

If this is case you re not setting up trailer proper with rear stabilizers.... You need to lower front (tongue) below centerline (level) of trailer, drop rear stabilizers solidly on to ground or "pad" and go back to front of trailer and use tongue jack to bring trailer back to level.... This loads the weight of trailer on stabilizers and tongue jack and unloads the suspension so there is less rock & roll....

Dale

[RandyG]

The guys at work think it work along with a catch like in the video above, thanks for that. One told me to keep an eye out for some older workout equipment with adjustable sleeves.