RV Stabilizing Tips
You’ve arrived at a campground, unhitched your RV, put the stabilizing jacks down and firmly placed wheel chocks behind your tires.
You walk into the RV and notice it still shakes when you move. You used the stabilizers and wheel chocks. So why is the RV still not very stable?
Related Product: See how level your RV is using an App on your phone with the LevelMatePro Wireless RV Leveling System (click to view on Amazon)
Every RV sits on wheels and a suspension system. It’s the reason it’s so hard to get an RV to not shake when the wind blows or you move even just a little.
Using wheel chocks and the built-in RV stabilizer system helps, but there are a few more things you can do to help reduce movement.
See Also: Best RV Stabilizers For RV, 5th-Wheel & Travel Trailer
Best Ways To Stabilize An RV, 5th-Wheel, Or Travel Trailer
BAL 25066 FastJack King Pin Stabilizer
This is a product for fifth wheels. It’s a tripod style stabilizer you connect to the king pin.
The king pin is the hitch part on the front of the 5th-wheel.
I have never tried this product myself, but I have seen it a lot out in the wild.
It adjusts from 40″ to 60″ and has large pads on its three feet to stand firm on whatever surface you put it on.
This helps by adding a solid base to the area of the 5th-wheel that sticks out.
It’s just floating in the air, which means it causes a lot of movement. Grounding it with a tripod really helps.
X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer
Here’s one that works on every trailer that has tandem axles.
You put it between the tires to stop them from moving entirely. I can vouch for this product.
It works as intended and it took care of almost all the back and forth shaking in our travel trailer.
With a straightforward installation and a design that lets you retract all the way down from 3 inches up to 12 inches, it’s hard to beat regarding functionality and flexibility.
Note that this will not replace regular wheel chocks we discussed earlier. Use both!
See Also: Best RV Wheel Chocks (Plastic, Rubber, Metal, X-Chock)
JT’s Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer Kit
JT’s strong arm jack stabilizer kit is the perfect permanent solution that bolts to the already installed RV stabilizer system.
You install them by connecting to the RV’s frame and the foot plates on the stabilizer system.
Each RV jack gets two strong arm tubes. This creates a very stable triangle under each corner of the RV.
To use just put down the RV stabilizer jacks like normal. Then tighten the single bolt on each JT’s strong arm tube. This engages the system.
When you’re ready to pack up, simply loosen the bolt, and retract the RV stabilizer jacks like normal.
This system is one of the most effective options out there. It takes a little initial installation, but it’s worth it if you camp a lot.
MOR/ryde STP32702H Fold Up 3 Step Door
One last thing I would recommend doing is installing the MOR/ryde steps.
This is not only to help stabilize the trailer, but to make it much more convenient to get into.
You might have seen them installed on some new trailers at the dealership. It’s a fast-growing product since it’s so much better than the traditional folding floating RV steps on most campers.
The reason it’s so much nicer than the more common steps just hanging from the trailer is that these steps sit firmly on the ground when you fold it down.
They also fold up into the trailer, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion, like with steps that hang outside during travel or when you’re not using your camper.
I advise you to sweep and wipe them off before folding them up to keep your trailer clean.
Measure the RV entrance door and the distance from the bottom of the door to the ground so you get the right size of RV stairs.
To make it even more convenient, you can add a MOR/ryde handrail (click to view on Amazon) to make it easier to get in.
The stairs end up acting like another stabilizer jack, which helps reduce movement.
See Also: Best RV Steps & Stairs For Campers & Trailers Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How do RV stabilizer systems work?
RV stabilizer systems work by creating a stable base to help reduce or eliminate the sway and movement of the RV caused by wind or movement inside.
Unless your RV has fancy leveling jacks which are made to lift an RV off the ground, standard RV stabilizer jacks cannot take all the weight off an RV, which means they still allow some movement.
What are the types of RV stabilizers available?
There are a few RV stabilizers available, including manual stabilizer jacks, electric stabilizer jacks, scissor jacks, stabilizer bars, and leveling systems.
Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks. It mostly depends on how big and how fancy your RV is.
Usually extra large Class A motorhomes and some 5th-wheels will have powerful leveling jacks which are the ultimate RV stabilizers.
Most RVs will have simple stabilizer jacks of some kind.
How do I know if my RV needs stabilizing?
You may need stabilizing for your RV if you experience excessive rocking, swaying, or shaking while parked, especially when walking inside or if it’s windy.
I’ve gotten motion sickness inside a parked RV before from constant wind rocking it side to side.
Can I install stabilizers on any type of RV?
Stabilizers can be installed on most types of RVs, like travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, and camper vans.
However, the specific type and installation method may vary depending on the RV’s design and structure.
You need to look at what your RV already has, then pick extra stabilization methods that are compatible with them.
What are some common problems with RV stabilizers and how can I fix them?
Common problems with RV stabilizers include rust or corrosion, malfunctioning mechanisms, or improper installation.
To fix these issues, you may need to lubricate moving parts, replace damaged components, or adjust the stabilizer settings.
Most RV stabilizers come with user manuals that show proper maintenance and troubleshooting instructions.
Are there any DIY methods for stabilizing an RV?
Yes, there are several DIY methods for stabilizing an RV, like the ones in this review. Better wheel chocks, leveling blocks, stabilizer pads, and stabilizer bars are all good options.
These methods give extra stabilization support and can really reduce unwanted movement.
How do I stabilize an RV on uneven terrain?
When stabilizing an RV on uneven terrain, use leveling blocks or pads to raise and support the low side of the RV until it’s level.
You will need to adjust the stabilizers to ensure even weight distribution and stability.
What have you done to stabilize your camper? Let us know in the comments.
