What Are RV Stabilizer Jacks?
I get asked this question a lot, and honestly, there’s a fair bit of confusion floating around about what these things actually do versus regular jacks or leveling systems.
Camper stabilizer jacks aren’t designed to lift anything. Their whole job is to plant themselves on the ground and keep your RV from wobbling around while you’re parked. That’s it. They’re support, not lift.
RV leveling jacks are a different animal altogether. Those can lift your rig, but you’re really only going to find them on high-end Class A motorhomes. In all my years around travel trailers, I’ve never come across one with leveling jacks (besides the tongue jack).
On fifth-wheels the only leveling jacks are up front, the ones you use to raise and lower onto the hitch. I have seen newer residential 5th-wheels with leveling jacks by the tires as well, but it’s still not something you’ll usually find on them.
Because stabilizer jacks aren’t bearing the full weight of your camper, the weight rating isn’t something you need to obsess over. What matters more is the style you prefer, how tall the jacks need to extend to actually reach the ground, and whether you want something permanently mounted or portable.
If you’re sick of feeling the whole trailer shake every time someone walks to the bathroom or a gust of wind rolls through camp, upgrading the stabilizer jacks or adding more is a good place to start.
- Best Overall: Camco EAZ-Lift Scissor Jacks | #1_Camco_RV_Stabilizer_Scissor_Jack | For most travel trailers and fifth-wheels, the Camco EAZ-Lift Scissor Jacks offer the best all-around stability, while the Camco Aluminum Stack Jacks are the top pick for motorhomes and campers needing a portable, no-install solution. | View on Amazon
- Best Portable Option: Camco Stack Jacks | #2_Camco_Olympian_RV_Stack_Jacks | Lightweight, no installation required, and easy to place anywhere you can access the frame, perfect for rigs without dedicated mounting points or as extra support on larger campers. | View on Amazon
- Best Electric Option: Lippert PSX1 | #4_Lippert_Components_Power_RV_Stabilizer_Jacks | Flip a switch and you’re done, each leg adjusts independently to uneven terrain, making this the fastest and most convenient setup for campers who move often. | View on Amazon
| Model | Style | Best For | Height Range | Weight Capacity | Installation | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Camco EAZ-Lift Scissor | Scissor | Travel Trailers & 5th-Wheels | 4⅜” – 24″ | 7,500 lbs | Bolt-on or Weld-on | Amazon |
 | Camco Olympian | Stack/Tripod | All | 11″ – 17″ | 6,000 lbs | None (portable) | Amazon |
 | Camco EAZ-Lift Telescopic | Telescoping Tripod | All | 16″ – 30″ | 6,000 lbs | None (portable) | Amazon |
 | Lippert PSX1 | Electric | Frequent Travelers | 5″ – 30″ | Not Rated | Bolt-on + Wiring | Amazon |
 | BAL C Series | C-Jack | Maximum Sway Control | 18″ – 21″ | 4,000 lbs | Bolt-on | Amazon |
 | TENFUN Folding Jacks | Folding/Telescoping | Small trailers & pop-ups | 11 1/2″ – 18″ | 1,000 lbs | Bolt-on or Weld-on | Amazon |
Best RV Stabilizer Jacks Reviewed
1. Camco EAZ-Lift Scissor Jack
Key Features
- 7,500 lb load capacity per jack.
- Adjustable height: 4⅜” to 23¾”.
- Heavy-duty steel construction with powder-coated rust-resistant finish.
- Bolt-on or weld-on installation options.
- Set includes 2 scissor jacks + power drill socket.
- Compatible with pop-ups, travel trailers, and larger RVs.
My Review
Scissor jacks are probably the most common type of stabilizer you’ll find on campers, and there’s a good reason for that, they just work. The Camco EAZ-Lift version is likely a step up from whatever came stock on your rig.
Each jack handles up to 7,500 lbs and adjusts from about 4 inches all the way to nearly 24 inches, which gives you plenty of range for uneven campsites. They’re built from heavy-duty steel with a powder coat finish to fight off rust, and you can either bolt them on or weld them to your frame.
The only real downside to scissor jacks in general is the time it takes to crank all four down by hand, but Camco throws in a power drill socket to speed things up.
If your trailer already has scissor jacks, there’s a solid chance the bolt holes will line up perfectly for a swap.
Buy This If You:
- You want a permanent, reliable stabilizer solution for your travel trailer or fifth-wheel.
- Your current scissor jacks are worn out and need replacing.
- You don’t mind spending a few extra minutes on setup for better overall stability.
- You have a drill and want fast deployment.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- You need something portable that doesn’t require installation.
- Your camper sits lower than 4⅜” off the ground.
- You’re looking for a powered/electric option with zero manual effort.
2. Camco Olympian RV Stack Jacks
Key Features
- 6,000 lb support capacity per jack.
- Adjustable height: 11″ to 17″.
- Cast aluminum construction.
- No installation required, completely portable.
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage.
- Set includes 2 stack jacks.
My Review
If you’ve ever used automotive jack stands, these will look familiar, but don’t confuse them for the same thing. Stack jacks are strictly for stabilization, not for holding the full weight of your RV.
That said, they’re rated to support up to 6,000 lbs each, so you know they can handle some serious movement when positioned properly. What I really like about this style is the flexibility. They’re lightweight, completely portable, and you can toss them under pretty much any spot where you can access the frame.
Already have scissor jacks but want a little extra support? These work great as a supplement. The design is simple. A heavy-duty threaded bolt with a flat foot that screws into a sturdy aluminum triangle stand. Just slide them under your rig and turn until they make contact with the frame.
One thing to keep in mind, these only adjust from 11 to 17 inches, so measure your clearance before ordering. If you’re a little short, a leveling block or piece of wood underneath will make up the difference.
Buy This If You:
- You have a motorhome or van with no good spot for permanent jacks.
- You want extra stabilization to supplement your existing setup.
- You move around frequently and need something quick and portable.
- Storage space is tight and you need lightweight gear.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Your frame clearance is under 11″ or over 17″ (without blocks).
- You want a permanent, bolted-on solution.
- You’re looking for maximum stability on a large travel trailer or fifth-wheel.
3. Camco EAZ LIFT Telescopic RV Jack
Key Features
- 6,000 lb load capacity per jack.
- Adjustable height: 16″ to 30″.
- Steel construction with powder-coated finish.
- Zinc-plated inner tube and screw assembly.
- Quick-adjust pull pin for fast height changes.
- Set includes 2 telescopic jacks.
- Weight: approximately 6 lbs each.
My Review
Think of these as the upgraded cousin of the stack jacks I covered earlier. Same basic concept, portable stabilizers you place under the frame, but the execution is way more refined. Instead of just threading a bolt up and down, these use a two-part system that speeds things up considerably.
There’s a steel tube inside a tripod base that you adjust with a pull pin to get close to your target height, then a threaded bolt for dialing in the last bit of fine-tuning. That pin system is a real time-saver compared to cranking a bolt from the lowest setting every single time.
They’re built from powder-coated steel with a zinc-plated inner tube, so rust shouldn’t be an issue. The height range is also more generous than standard stack jacks, 16 to 30 inches covers a lot of ground, literally.
No drilling, no bolting, no permanent installation. Just set them up when you need them and toss them back in the storage bay when you’re done.
Buy This If You:
- You like the idea of portable stabilizers but want faster setup than basic stack jacks.
- Your rig has higher ground clearance (16″ minimum).
- You travel frequently and value quick deployment.
- You don’t want to deal with permanent installation.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Your frame sits lower than 16″ off the ground.
- You prefer a lighter option (stack jacks weigh less).
- You want the rock-solid stability of permanently mounted scissor jacks.
4. Lippert Components Power RV Stabilizer Jacks
Key Features
- Electric operation with one-touch switch control.
- Each leg adjusts independently for uneven terrain.
- Extension range: 5″ to 30″.
- Heavy-gauge steel construction with powder-coated finish.
- Integrated breaker technology to prevent overload damage.
- Waterproof switch kit included.
- Dimensions: 78″ L x 20″ W x 4.75″ H (folded).
- Available in black with switch, white with switch, or without switch.
My Review
If you’re tired of crouching down and cranking four separate jacks every time you pull into a campsite, this is where you upgrade. The Lippert PSX1 is about as hands-off as stabilization gets, flip the switch, and the system does the rest.
What sets it apart from cheaper powered options is that each leg operates independently, so the jacks automatically adjust to uneven ground without you having to fiddle with anything. They’re built from heavy-gauge steel with a powder coat finish, and there’s integrated breaker technology that trips if the system gets overloaded, handy protection against accidentally damaging your frame or the jacks themselves.
The trade-off? Installation is more involved than bolt-on scissor jacks. You’ll need to wire the system to your RV batteries and mount a switch somewhere accessible. If that sounds like more than you want to tackle, most RV dealers or repair shops can knock it out pretty quickly.
The whole unit is nearly 6.5 feet long, so make sure you’ve got a clear stretch of frame with no tanks or other hardware in the way before you commit.
Buy This If You:
- You travel frequently and want the fastest possible setup.
- You’re willing to invest in a more advanced installation for long-term convenience.
- Your camper has enough unobstructed frame space (78″ length required).
- You value automatic terrain adjustment over manual fine-tuning.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- You’re not comfortable with electrical installation (or don’t want to pay for it).
- Your trailer doesn’t have enough clearance or frame space for the unit.
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You prefer the slightly more solid feel of four individual corner-mounted scissor jacks.
5. BAL 23225 Stabilizer C-Jacks
Key Features
- 4,000 lb static load capacity per jack.
- Leg length: 25″ / Frame-to-ground range: 18″ to 21″.
- Low-profile design with integrated curved foot.
- Black electro-coated rust-resistant finish.
- Mounts where cross member meets main frame (bolt-on installation).
- Mounting holes: front holes 5¼” apart, third hole 21½” from front.
- Weight: 31 lbs per jack.
- Set includes 2 jacks, crank handle, hardware, and instructions.
- Made in the USA.
- Limited lifetime manufacturer warranty.
My Review
The BAL C Series jacks sit in an interesting middle ground, they’ve got the precision of a leveling jack but they’re built for stabilization. What makes these really effective is the design geometry. When mounted, they create a strong triangular support structure between your frame and the ground, which does a fantastic job killing side-to-side motion.
They bolt on where your cross member meets the main frame, and that angled connection point gives you two solid contact points working together on each corner. The integrated curved foot is a nice touch too, it helps prevent the jack from slipping or sinking into soft ground.
At 31 lbs each, they’re definitely heavier than scissor jacks, but that extra beef translates to stability you can feel.
Installation is straightforward bolt-on work, and if you want to speed up deployment, a drill with a ¾” socket will save you some cranking time. These are made in the USA and come with a limited lifetime warranty, which says something about how confident BAL is in the build quality.
Buy This If You:
- You want seriously rigid stabilization on a fifth-wheel, travel trailer, or pop-up.
- You like the idea of that triangular support geometry for stopping sway.
- Your frame-to-ground clearance falls between 18″ and 21″.
- You value American-made products with a solid warranty.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Your ground clearance is outside the 18″ to 21″ range.
- You need something lightweight and portable.
- You don’t have the right frame mounting location (cross member junction).
- You’re looking for a quick no-install solution.
6. TENFUN Telescoping Stabilizer Jacks
Key Features
- 1,000 lb static load capacity per jack / 650 lb lift capacity.
- Adjustable height: 11½” to 18″.
- High carbon steel construction.
- Black electrophoretic paint finish (rust-resistant).
- Bolt-on or weld-on installation (mounting holes pre-drilled).
- Weight: approximately 4.3 lbs per jack.
- Set includes 2 stabilizer jacks and 1 crank handle.
- Note: mounting hardware (four 3/8″ bolts) not included.
My Review
These are about as no-frills as stabilizer jacks get, but sometimes simple is exactly what you need. The TENFUN telescoping jacks are built for smaller rigs, think utility trailers, pop-up campers, motorcycle trailers, cargo haulers, or even a toy hauler ramp that needs some support.
They fold up against the frame when you’re on the move, then swing down and lock into position when you’re ready to set up. The telescoping leg uses a spring-loaded locking mechanism: press the release, extend to your desired height, and it clicks into place.
Height range runs from 11½ to 18 inches, which works for most lighter-duty applications. They’re made from high carbon steel with an electrophoretic paint finish to resist rust, and at just over 4 lbs each, they won’t add much weight to your setup.
One heads-up, the mounting holes are pre-drilled, but you’ll need to supply your own 3/8″ bolts. Some folks also recommend adding a small spacer (about ¼”) between the jack and the frame to give the locking mechanism enough clearance to engage properly.
Buy This If You:
- You have a smaller trailer, pop-up, or utility setup that needs basic stabilization.
- You want a budget-friendly permanent mount option.
- Weight savings matter to you.
- You’re comfortable sourcing your own mounting hardware.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- You have a larger travel trailer or fifth-wheel that needs heavy-duty support.
- Your ground clearance falls outside the 11½” to 18″ range.
- You want something portable with no installation required.
- You need jacks rated for serious weight capacity.
What Look for In An RV Stabilizer Jack
Before you click “add to cart,” it’s worth taking a few minutes to think through what’s actually going to work best for your setup. Not every stabilizer jack fits every rig, and what works great for a weekend pop-up camper might be completely wrong for a 35-foot fifth-wheel.
Here’s what you should be weighing:
Ground Clearance
This is the big one that trips people up. Measure the distance from the bottom of your frame to the ground when your camper is level and sitting on its tires. That number needs to fall within the adjustment range of whatever jack you’re considering.
If your frame sits 14 inches off the ground and you buy jacks that only go down to 16 inches, you’ve got expensive paperweights. When in doubt, go with a jack that has a wider range, you can always use leveling blocks to make up a few inches on the short end.
Permanent vs. Portable
Do you want something bolted to your frame that’s always ready to go, or would you rather toss a set of stack jacks in the storage bay and place them wherever you need?
Permanent mounts like scissor jacks and C-jacks offer more stability and quicker deployment once installed, but they add weight and require some upfront work. Portable options like stack jacks or telescoping tripod-style stabilizers give you flexibility and work on rigs where there’s no good mounting location, but setup takes a bit longer each time.
Manual vs. Electric
How much do you travel? If you’re a weekend warrior hitting the same campground a few times a year, cranking down four manual jacks isn’t a big deal. But if you’re moving every few days or full-timing across the country, that repetitive setup adds up fast.
Electric stabilizers like the Lippert PSX1 cost more upfront and require a more involved installation, but the time and energy you save over hundreds of setups might be worth every penny.
Your Rig Type
What you’re driving (or towing) matters. Travel trailers and fifth-wheels typically benefit from four corner-mounted jacks, scissor jacks or C-jacks work great here. Fifth-wheels usually only need rear stabilizers since the front landing gear handles the other end.
Motorhomes and camper vans often don’t have convenient mounting points, which makes portable stack jacks or telescoping jacks the better choice. Smaller setups like pop-ups or utility trailers can get away with lighter-duty folding jacks.
Weight Capacity (Sort Of)
Stabilizer jacks aren’t meant to hold the full weight of your camper, so the weight rating isn’t as critical as it sounds. Your RV’s suspension and tires (plus your tongue jack or landing gear) carry the load. Stabilizers just reduce movement.
That said, a higher-rated jack generally means beefier construction, which can translate to better long-term durability. Don’t obsess over the numbers, but don’t buy the flimsiest option either.
How Much Stability Do You Actually Need?
Some people barely notice a little trailer sway. Others can’t sleep if the rig moves an inch when someone rolls over in bed. Be honest about your sensitivity level. If you want your camper to feel like a house, you’ll probably want scissor jacks on all four corners plus maybe some supplemental stack jacks or an aftermarket stabilization system. If you just need to take the edge off, a basic setup will do the job.
Installation Comfort Level
Bolt-on jacks are pretty straightforward for most DIYers. You’ll need a drill, some wrenches, and an hour of your time.
Electric systems require wiring to your battery bank and mounting a switch, which is a step up in complexity. If you’re not comfortable with that, factor in the cost of professional installation. No shame in letting an RV shop handle it if that’s not your wheelhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Stabilizer Jacks
What size stabilizer jack do I need for my RV?
Forget about weight ratings for a minute, that’s not really the main thing you should be focused on. Stabilizer jacks aren’t designed to lift or hold the weight of your camper, so whether a jack is rated for 1,000 lbs or 7,500 lbs matters less than you’d think.
What actually matters is fit. You need jacks that can reach from your frame to the ground when your camper is level, with a little extra range for uneven terrain. Measure your clearance, check the height specs, and make sure you’re in the sweet spot. If you’re on the edge, remember you can always add a leveling block underneath to make up the difference.
Can you lift an RV with stabilizer jacks?
No, and you really shouldn’t try. I know some stabilizer jacks have weight ratings that technically sound like they could handle it, but that’s not what they’re built for. Stabilizers are meant to support your rig and reduce movement, not bear the load.
Your camper’s weight should stay on the suspension, tires, and tongue jack (or front landing gear on a fifth-wheel). If you try to lift with your stabilizers, you risk bending the jacks, damaging your frame, or messing up your suspension. If you need to actually raise your RV, that’s a job for leveling jacks, which are a different product altogether and mostly found on high-end Class A motorhomes.
What are the different types of RV stabilizer jacks?
There are a few main styles, and each has its strengths:
Scissor jacks are the most common. They use a simple jackscrew mechanism, as you crank the bolt, the scissor arms pull together and push the foot down. They’re strong, fold up flat for travel, and are usually permanently mounted on the corners of a trailer. Most travel trailers come with some version of these from the factory.
Stack jacks and telescoping jacks are portable options that don’t require installation. You just set them under the frame wherever you can access it and adjust the height with a threaded bolt or pull-pin system. Great for motorhomes, vans, or as supplemental support on larger rigs.
C-jacks mount at an angle where your cross member meets the main frame, creating a triangle-shaped support structure. That geometry makes them especially effective at killing side-to-side sway. They’re a bit heavier and take more effort to install, but the stability payoff is real.
Electric stabilizers use a motor to raise and lower the feet with the flip of a switch. Some systems have two feet connected to one motor, while others operate each leg independently. They’re the most convenient option if you travel frequently, but they cost more and require wiring into your battery system.
Why do I need RV stabilizers?
Your camper sits on a suspension system designed to absorb bumps and vibrations while you’re rolling down the highway. That’s great for keeping things from shaking apart on the road, but when you’re parked, that same springy suspension lets the whole rig rock around every time someone walks across the floor or the wind picks up.
Stabilizer jacks put pressure on the corners of your frame to dampen that movement. They don’t eliminate it completely, but they make a huge difference in how solid your camper feels. They’re also helpful if you’ve got slide-outs, extended slides can shift your weight distribution and make the trailer lean to one side. Dropping your stabilizers before deploying the slides helps keep everything balanced.
How do I use RV stabilizer jacks?
The goal is support, not lift. Lower each jack until the foot makes solid contact with the ground, then give it maybe another half turn, just enough to add a little pressure. You want most of the weight still resting on the suspension and tires.
If you crank them down too far, you can actually lift the tires off the ground or put stress on your frame, which defeats the purpose and can cause damage. Check them after a day or two, especially on soft ground, the feet can settle or sink, and you might need to snug them up a bit.
Always remember: stabilizers go down before you extend your slides.
How many stabilizer jacks does my camper need?
It depends on what you’re working with. Most travel trailers do best with four, one at each corner. Fifth-wheels typically only need two in the back since the front landing gear doubles as stabilizers. Motorhomes already have four tires on the ground, so two jacks in the rear usually does the trick. Smaller rigs like pop-ups or teardrop trailers might get by with just two as well.
If your camper still feels wobbly after setting up your main stabilizers, you can always add supplemental stack jacks at midpoints along the frame for extra support.
What else can I do to stop my RV from shaking?
Stabilizer jacks help a lot, but they won’t make your trailer feel like a brick house all by themselves. If you’re still getting more movement than you’d like, there are other products you can add to the mix. X-chocks (click to view on Amazon) wedge between your tandem tires to stop axle rotation.
Tripod stabilizers anchor to your hitch or bumper for additional support points. Some folks even use aftermarket suspension upgrades or rubber isolator pads under the jack feet.
Usually a combination of a few different methods gets you the most solid result. It takes some experimenting to figure out what combo works best for your particular rig and camping style.
