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Kingpin Tripod Thoughts

Meanjean73

Well-known member
I see some people have them and other don't. Are they needed or just a nice to have item? Im guessing it depends on what 5th wheel they are being used on if they help much?
 

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
Do you have washer/dryer in the RV? We are on our 3rd 5th wheel and I have never used one. When our washing machine is in the spin cycle, there is some wiggle in the RV, but other than that, the RV is pretty stable.
 

Lantley

Prominent Member
I think they are a waste of time sort of an obsolete method for stabilization.
Go with JT Strongarm or one of the ratchet strap versions of JT strong arms
 

Fishfnatic

Well-known member
We use one when we are in Houston for winter as it was given to us. I don’t know if it helps that much. We are going to leave it in storage when we travel this year.
 

UFF

Well-known member
I use these on front and rear I beam, made by morryde. For me the tripod just did not do much. These are amazing in my opinion.

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UFF

Well-known member
They fit on the I beam so you can use them either on the front or back. Used them on the back and liked them so bought a set for the front. Only use them when we will be set up for a few days. Not hard to use, don’t weigh much, and easy to store in the bag they come in.

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Lantley

Prominent Member
What's different about the rear mount versus mounting the stabilizer in the front?
No difference in application. However the front is more subject to wiggle. Because the landing legs are not as supportive,robust,solid as the rear wheels. Granted you can get wiggle motion from the rear wheels as well.
I would install on front first. If you wanted additional stability I would add a set to the rear.
 

Lantley

Prominent Member
While I don't have first hand experience with the ratchet strap stabilizers they look like a reasonably priced solution.
I can verify that JT Strongarms work very well however they are more expensive.
A big plus for the JT's is once they are installed you can set up and forget about them.
You do not need to get them out and put them away each and every trip.
If you take extended trips the getting out and putting away is not an issue.
If you are a short stay camper getting out and putting away is another set up break down chore which can be a deal breaker.
I believe both are effective way to eliminate wiggle and vibration throughout the trailer. Far more effective than the old school tripod.
The tripod falls into the category with tank sprayers and tank gauges. They don't really work however they give you peace of mind that you are addressing the issue even if the method doesn't really work you feel better about things.
 
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Flyer32RLS

Well-known member
I have one and don’t use it much. It still helps with wiggle but just don’t see the need for it for short stays.
I agree with Lantley, we use one for longer stays. Jiust for an overnight, its not worth the effort. Seems to reduce the wiggling when walking but for an overnight, usually don't do much but eat and watch a little TV and sleep.
 
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