We have an 2014 Open Range Light 318RLS 5th wheel, and the tripod we use significantly reduces movement in the front portion of the camper. As you go toward the rear, it seems to have less of an effect, although it still dampens some of the movement back there. Of course, this is real-world testing and not scientific. I appreciate your method of testing.
That's cool that it affects it that good. The people I know with 5th wheel trailers always used the tri-pod manly to take the strain of the weight load off the overhang. And the trailers I've lived in we just put jack stands on all 4 corners but that was on a tow bar hitch
Yeah I think the 5th wheels wobble more because the forward corner stands are not at the edge of the structure and you have that overhang sticking out.
Good video and way of testing. With the older 5th wheels the jack was almost a must because there was so much flex in the upper deck. That's why they use to have to "break" the fiberglass sides right from the factory and put in a seam. But with the newer ones everything is built so strong that flex is gone. This is why a set of leg stabilizers like the steadyfast system work so much better. As much as I bought the pin jack I've never used it. Once I put on the steadyfast system on the support legs the amount of movement in my 5th wheel dramatically dropped to almost nothing. I'll have to download that app and give it a try and see how much it actually decreased.
Oh that's an interesting fact. That might explain the mixed reviews I've seen on the Steadyfast system. Some people swear by it and some people say it doesn't work so well. If you ever get around to testing it I would be interested in the results.
@@unmatchedvalue When I first installed it I did do a visual test. I run a reese goosebox so I have safety chains hanging down. Without the steadyfast being tightened down the chains would sway back and forth pretty good with me pushing against the side of the 5th wheel. When I steadyfast being locked and pushing the trailer the chain barely budged. When I pull the 5th wheel out of storage soon I'll use that app and get a true measurement.
That tripod, 6 Harbor Freight RV Scissor Jacks, and making sure the tires are chocked tight is the TICKET. The kids kept getting concerned when the rv would rock. Not anymore...
Great data-based video! Do you think there is any variance introduced with difference brands of tripod, or how well the tripod is setup? I imagine the setup is pretty straight forward but, and with most things, you probably learn some tricks to getting better stabilization over time.
Thanks, glad you found it helpful. I do think there is a little variance based on the brand you used. There are some very flimsy looking tripods out there. Some you can see the metal bend slightly under the weight of the 5th wheel. But I think as long as you go with something solidly built you will be fine.
And you had it set up backwards the two feet should be out front away from the RV and the single leg should be facing the RV so set it up right and try again it should be even better.
That's very interesting, When I got it there was nothing about the leg direction in the instruction manual. At least that I can remember. Ill have to give it a try.
@@unmatchedvalue Mine did say to set it up that way and it makes sense as the two further out legs are further out from the RV making a wide footprint. Probably not a huge deal but seems legit anyway.
Here is the Tripod I use for this video.
amzn.to/2WgsitV
We have an 2014 Open Range Light 318RLS 5th wheel, and the tripod we use significantly reduces movement in the front portion of the camper. As you go toward the rear, it seems to have less of an effect, although it still dampens some of the movement back there. Of course, this is real-world testing and not scientific. I appreciate your method of testing.
That's cool that it affects it that good. The people I know with 5th wheel trailers always used the tri-pod manly to take the strain of the weight load off the overhang. And the trailers I've lived in we just put jack stands on all 4 corners but that was on a tow bar hitch
Yeah I think the 5th wheels wobble more because the forward corner stands are not at the edge of the structure and you have that overhang sticking out.
Good video and way of testing. With the older 5th wheels the jack was almost a must because there was so much flex in the upper deck. That's why they use to have to "break" the fiberglass sides right from the factory and put in a seam. But with the newer ones everything is built so strong that flex is gone. This is why a set of leg stabilizers like the steadyfast system work so much better. As much as I bought the pin jack I've never used it. Once I put on the steadyfast system on the support legs the amount of movement in my 5th wheel dramatically dropped to almost nothing. I'll have to download that app and give it a try and see how much it actually decreased.
Oh that's an interesting fact. That might explain the mixed reviews I've seen on the Steadyfast system. Some people swear by it and some people say it doesn't work so well. If you ever get around to testing it I would be interested in the results.
@@unmatchedvalue When I first installed it I did do a visual test. I run a reese goosebox so I have safety chains hanging down. Without the steadyfast being tightened down the chains would sway back and forth pretty good with me pushing against the side of the 5th wheel. When I steadyfast being locked and pushing the trailer the chain barely budged.
When I pull the 5th wheel out of storage soon I'll use that app and get a true measurement.
great evidence based approach. tahnks
Glad you liked it. Hope you found it useful. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
That tripod, 6 Harbor Freight RV Scissor Jacks, and making sure the tires are chocked tight is the TICKET. The kids kept getting concerned when the rv would rock. Not anymore...
Great scientific demo with real measurements !
Glad you found it useful.
Great data-based video! Do you think there is any variance introduced with difference brands of tripod, or how well the tripod is setup? I imagine the setup is pretty straight forward but, and with most things, you probably learn some tricks to getting better stabilization over time.
Thanks, glad you found it helpful. I do think there is a little variance based on the brand you used. There are some very flimsy looking tripods out there. Some you can see the metal bend slightly under the weight of the 5th wheel. But I think as long as you go with something solidly built you will be fine.
I would guess it depends on the size of your trailer. I've heard on larger/longer units it makes little difference.
And you had it set up backwards the two feet should be out front away from the RV and the single leg should be facing the RV so set it up right and try again it should be even better.
That's very interesting, When I got it there was nothing about the leg direction in the instruction manual. At least that I can remember. Ill have to give it a try.
@@unmatchedvalue Mine did say to set it up that way and it makes sense as the two further out legs are further out from the RV making a wide footprint. Probably not a huge deal but seems legit anyway.