The Types of RV Stabilizer Jacks
RV's have increased their carrying capacity and living space as their size has increased. Multiple slideouts and sliding walls require proper stabilization and leveling. Side-to-side movement occurs due to play from springs and shackles mounting the suspension to the frame This can occur even when the RV is parked and leveled with chocks in place. Factory-installed jacks don't completely stabilize the system; additional jacks can help decrease RV movement. Stabilizer jacks can be powered manually, with hydraulics or electrically and are designed to lift everything from small pop-ups to huge motorhomes, handling weight ranges from 1,000 to 22,000 lbs.
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Hydraulic Jack System
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Fifth-wheels have stabilizing jacks. Moderately priced motorhomes have a factory-installed hydraulic leveling system. Some have combination slide-out systems and leveling systems that use the same hydraulic fluid reservoir and pump. The combination of jacks and the hydraulic pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the jacks so they lift and level the RV.
Scissor Jacks and Telescoping Jacks
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Jacks and stabilizers control RV movement. Most scissor jacks have a 5,000 lbs. weight limit. Smaller travel trailers often come with a combination of two scissor jacks and a 12-volt jack in front. Electric-powered units are popular in cold areas. A telescoping jack operates on hydraulics, requires less storage space and is very stable. Crank-down telescoping stabilizer jacks are used on most light-weight travel trailers and pop-ups in combination with a kick-down stabilizer. They can be adjusted with a lever or lock and pins.
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Tripod Jack
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Stabilizers improve RV performance on the road. A tripod jack or king pin jack supports the fifth-wheel overhang, giving additional front to back and side-to-side stability. Its extendable legs adapt to uneven terrain, and it folds for easy storage. It is available with hydraulics or can be manually operated.
Kick-down Jack and Straight-acting Jack
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RV jacks and stabilizers operate manually or with hydraulics. A kick-down hydraulic jack is stored horizontally during travel, "kicks down" and extends to level the camper. It's ideal for smaller, low-profile vehicles like Class C motorhomes where space above the chassis frame is at a premium. The straight-acting hydraulic jack extends downward to level the RV.
Fifth-Wheel Leveling and Stabilizing System
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Leveling jacks can be used on uneven terrain. Fifth-wheels usually have 12-volt or hydraulic jacks on two front corners and scissor jacks at the rear. Hydraulic jacks are also available for rear wheels. Jacks are operated from a panel on the front wall under the overhang or in an exterior cabinet. There are wireless remote controls for fifth-wheel leveling and stabilization.
Custom Leveling-Suspension System
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There are several types of stabilizing jacks. Many high-end diesel-powered Class A motor homes and bus conversions are designed with a combination "air-bag" suspension-leveling system. This automatically levels the rig on the road and at the campsite. Air bags at the front and rear inflate or deflate as needed, using an on-board electric compressor. This eliminates the need for additional hydraulic leveling jacks.
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References
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