Stabilizing Jacks

[Kharn]

It's going to be 5x9x4 on a HF 4x8.

[Nobody]

After looking at the frame some more, I realized I'd have to put the front jacks on the under side of the tongue. I'm already concerned with scraping the tongue due to the slopes and angles of my driveway so I went with 20" for the rear, and I'll strap a 2x3" to the tongue to test it for ground contact before ordering the front jacks.

My TD is 60x114" (or nearly 5x10'). Your jack length shouldn't have anything to do with how much they 'hang' below the chassis/tongue. Mine hang just short of 3" below the chassis (& that is at the foot, elsewhere they're just over 2", if you add the round 'footpads' that'll add about another 1/4" to 3/8"). If a 1x3 (edgewise) will clear your driveway angles then the BAL jacks should be OK. I had to devise a mounting bracket on my chassis to clear the tongue. I just welded some rectangular tubing & some 'C' channel of same dimension as the tongue metal & bolted the jacks to that. Works fine for stabilizing & I've even used the jacks to 'lift' the TD a couple of times when working on the bearings, along with a small hydraulic jack. These things are 'hell for stout'; the one on my left rear survived the rear end collision, Labor Day weekend of 2010. The collision separated one end of the jack from the chassis but only resulted in a couple of bent mounting tabs on the jack. They were easily straightened & the jack is still working good as new...

Here's how mine are mounted -

[tony.latham]

Kharn: Check your PMs.

TL

[Rhino Ray]

My TD is so low to the ground that the swing out arm of the jack hits the ground when I open it. So I use the old bumper jack from my 52 to level it. Works perfect!

[markhusbands]

I installed four of these $18 Domar stabilizers and I find them to be VERY easy to install, use, and they add a lot of stability to my little HF based camper.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Domar/TJ01RT.html

[noseoil]

First mod to the frame on mine was a pair of stabilizers. I want a level bed & galley, so a front tongue jack & 2 stabilizers on the back corners are what I'm using for the build. Easier to work on a level frame when checking walls, deck, etc. When working on an aircraft interior & setting cabinets, the FIRST thing to do is check level on the airframe. Amazing how the eye can see a line which isn't plumb in a small space. Stabilizers are cheap & easy to install, so why not do it first?

[markhusbands]

"Stabilizers are cheap & easy to install, so why not do it first?"

Because I though of it last?

Actually, it WOULD have helped to have them on while building.

[oakinteriors1]

My homemade levelers...

[Nobody]

:thumbsup: Like them harvey! what type and where did you get them? slow

Sorry for delay in response Mike. Mine are BAL brand stabilizers. Got 'em from J.C. Whitney when I built the TD. I'm pretty sure you can find 'em at other suppliers. I have another set of 4 (with the round 'foot pads') that I found at an RV dealer on Craigslist for a 'giveaway' price. Plan to use 'em on the Scamp if I ever get it finished

[Esteban]

pplmotorhomes.com/light-trailer-jacks is one place to purchase BAL Light Trailer Jacks.
Amazon.com is another amazon.com/BAL-23026-Light-Trailer-Stabilizing

http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/stabilizing_products/lt-tr-stabjack.shtml is the manufacturers website.
BAL Part #23026 has a longer 20" extension.
BAL Part #23025 has a shorter 17" extension.

[Vedette]

Mine are the scissor types. My biggest complaint is there is no good handle/crank available. I've got some concept how to make a better handle for the crank, I just need to get my hands on a block of hickory...

I used 1993 to 199 Toyota Trecel jacks from the local pick 'n' pull ($4.95 ea.) the have a good amount of travel and are all like new, due to where they are stored on the Trecel (Passenger side above wheel well)
And the Handle???
I took the original crank and cut it off to make it about a foot long.
Bought a cheap $29.00 Black & Decker cordless drill (has been handy for other thing while camping) that I chuck the handle into and I crank the back of Miss Piggy up & down effortlessly to level and stabilize.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi