stabilizer jack question

[Aaron Coffee]

Is there a prefered direction that these stabilizer jacks (link below) should be mounted, side to side, front to back? The reason I ask is the body on #2 overhangs the frame enough that in the folded position the jack should be fairly hidden, if they were mounted front to back.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-4-quarter-ton-trailer-stabilizer-jack-96406.html

Thanks
Aaron

[dh]

I mounted mine front to back, however, most comertial RVs have them mounted to the side. Also, these jacks are big and heavy. I went with a lighter automotive version from evil-mart, cheaper, lighter, and much more compact. They also "suck up" higher for better ground clearance.

[halfdome, Danny]

I've mounted stabilizer jacks in the rear corner on 3 teardrop builds and never have had the need to use them.
It might be that I use Dexter torsion axles as the teardrop is solid, not bouncy. My next build won't have them.
I level the teardrop with a scissor jack from Walmart and it's so much easier than a stabilizer jack. Danny

[Dale M.]

I mounted mine side to side... Don't think it really matters.....

If you get tired cranking them by hand, move over to using cordless (battery) drill....

Dale

[aggie79]

I used a different kind of stabilizer jack, but mounted them on the diagonal - 45-degrees - to the trailer. As Danny said, I'm not sure they are necessary except to level out the teardrop on an unlevel pad.

[oregonguy]

I use heavy duty long extension jacks oriented front to back. For me they are critical. We often camp in unimproved un-level areas. We need ours constantly. The long extension jacks allow us to get a significant amount of adjustment, and we often need it. It didn't seem like that much extra work for the payoff. You can get a pair for $75 no problem. You just want to make sure the place where they mount to the frame is of adequate strength to support the weight of the trailer. My wife also likes the stabilizing effect of the jacks.

[Shadow Catcher]

Don't need them! For leveling them I use leveling blocks which look like giant Lego's. That plus the tongue jack are enough. CAG camp spot was VERY uneven and I had to go up three inches and way down in the front. Eventually we will have the variable height suspension (air shocks) ready to go.

[stomperxj]

Bal Stabilizer jacks work wonderful. They come in different sizes too:



http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consum ... jack.shtml

They are not just for leveling the trailer out. I got long enough ones so I can change a tire if needed. I have enough travel to raise my tires about 6" off the ground...

[Aaron Coffee]

On #1 I don't have leveling jacks, and have never really found a nead for them but on #2, I was pushing it across the garage just working on it, so thought maybe jacks might not be a bad idea on #2, but now that I think of it maybe all I need are wheel chocks, usually just use a chunk of firewood.
Thanks
Aaron

[Mightydog]

We have stabilizer jacks on the two rear corners plus the tongue jack. We usually use them to lift the trailer so the galley counter is at the proper height--that frequently lifts the tires off the ground by an inch or so. Now and then we'll be in a camping spot that requires leveling, but it's not that frequent. We mostly use the jacks to lift the trailer.