Stabilizer Style Opinions

[Wimperdink]

I'd like to hear your opinions, pros/cons on this style of stabilizer. I like the price a lot but I wonder of its leveling abilities on unlevel surfaces, and how this could be accomplished.

Looking at it makes me think it could work ok if there were holes drilled in the feet and staking in the ground on the low side so when you jack up the front it pushs whichever side up, then strap & stake the other side when you hit level. (side to side I mean)

[Wimperdink]

I forgot to mention that it retails for $55.55 but I'm thinking I could recreate that for much less and using stronger materials.

[Yota Bill]

if you plan on making it yourself, you could also put an eye bolt at the center of the piece that attaches it to the trailer, use two straps instead of one (maybe even a turnbuckle instead) and then you would be able to adjust each one individually

[kirkman]

It does not look like it is beefy enough to use as a leveling jack. If it was me I would use or make a set of these. "C" Jacks

[Dale M.]

Go to junkyard and get two (matching) scissor jacks from a couple of wrecks.... IF you don't what to use jack handle to crank them up/down, use your battery operated power drill....

Dale

[Nobody]

It does not look like it is beefy enough to use as a leveling jack. If it was me I would use or make a set of these. "C" Jacks

I agree with kirkman! The BAL jacks on each corner (or at least on the rear corners) will provide outstanding stability, leveling ability, & ease of use. You can usually find 'em on eBay for under $70 a pair -

[Wimperdink]

I had considered the scissor jacks because of price but the mount seems like it would be flimsy in all directions in comparison to the C jacks. I like the C jacks best but it was the cost that I didn't like. I'll probably end up busting out the cash for them in the long run.

[aggie79]

Here's another vote for the BAL stabilizer jacks.

I mounted two at the rear of the teardrop at 45 degrees. I don't have a picture of them when they are in the down position, but they quickly and easily can level a teardrop.

One thing to consider on these. Either bring some scrap lumber to put underneath the "legs" or buy the pads shown below. This will keep the jacks from digging into the soil or asphalt.



Take care,
Tom

[Sonoma ZR2]

I'm currently working on modifying my NT Trailer for a teardrop. I will be using the first stabilizer system shown in this thread. I can say that is very cheap considering I spent nothing on them at all just a little bit of my time with a welder. As for major difference in side to side lifting you just need to have a couple blocks of wood different thickness of planks to make up the difference.

[Wimperdink]

I really like the Bal Stabilizers both for ease of use and looks but I'm going to have to try the setup I posted. I believe I'll put some short bolts/nuts through the feet and sharpen to a dull point so they can dig into the ground at whatever angle I set them to. I'll also carry along some wood blocks predrilled to fit over the studs in the feet for use on hard surfaces. Its worth a shot anyway. Sonoma if you work this out before I do, report back with your findings and I'll do the same.

[egjacks]

Here is an idea. remove one arm off the stabilizer, change the strap so it goes from the other foot to the frame and put on one each side of the teardrop. I think that would solve all the problems; easy to level, easy to fabricate and it would be cheap!
What do you think?

[egjacks]

It does not look like it is beefy enough to use as a leveling jack.

I disagree, I mean, most teardrops are coming in well under 2000 lbs and while I like the c jacks myself, they are rated for at least 3000 lbs each. One on each corner and you could support a 12000 lb teardrop! If you were worried about it, it would be easy to build the one that wimperdink posted stronger than the one in the picture. I have never used either, just starting my first build, but it seems (that while very nice) the c jacks are overkill for a teardrop. just my two cents.

[StandUpGuy]

Here is an idea. remove one arm off the stabilizer, change the strap so it goes from the other foot to the frame and put on one each side of the teardrop. I think that would solve all the problems; easy to level, easy to fabricate and it would be cheap!
What do you think?

If you are going to fabricate then the next step would be to use a threaded rod rather than a strap. Like a scissors jack.


By justoneman at 2011-05-20

[Nobody]

It does not look like it is beefy enough to use as a leveling jack.

I disagree, I mean, most teardrops are coming in well under 2000 lbs and while I like the c jacks myself, they are rated for at least 3000 lbs each. One on each corner and you could support a 12000 lb teardrop! If you were worried about it, it would be easy to build the one that wimperdink posted stronger than the one in the picture. I have never used either, just starting my first build, but it seems (that while very nice) the c jacks are overkill for a teardrop. just my two cents.

Not so, the BAL C jacks shown are rated at 750# each max. The 3000# jacks you refer to are much more expensive & meant for heavier trailers. A lot depends on the height of your TD also. A 'low rider' will probably require fairly short legs in order to have a 'sharp' enough angle for the strap to exert 'pull' strong enough to support the TD adequately & prevent rocking. Remember, your support 'pivot point' is inboard of the outer edges of the TD & won't provide as stable a platform as something fastened solidly near the corner(s). Another reason many stabilizers are mounted at 45degrees from centerline (as per aggie79) is you need longitudinal as well as crosswise support (I mounted mine straight crosswise but with 4 jacks I get adequate longitudinal support as well - good wheel chocks help in this also ). There're many ways to achieve stability & most I've seen work well. Just depends on which way you wanna go & how much work/expense you wanna put into it.

[egjacks]

ok so I obviously didn't research enough before that last post on the c jacks. If you get the correct size, they would not be overkill.

But as far as the homemade jacks under discussion; if mounted correctly, ie 45 degree angles, etc, then they should still provide adequate support just the same as the c jacks. with possibly a bit more setup work. (Also assuming strong enough materials are used) I think that they could be beefy enough for a tear

StandUpGuy,

with the threaded support, do you think you could fabricate it simply and not have the threaded rod straight down in the closed position? seems that might catch on things and be a hazard while driving, and maybe be a pain to turn to set up too.