Are you tired of feeling like you’re on a wobbly amusement park ride every time you walk around your RV? Look no further, as we have the perfect solution for you: stabilizer jacks! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of RV stabilizer jacks, discuss various types, share our top recommendations, and provide you with all the know-how to eliminate the dreaded sway. So, buckle up and join us on this exciting ride to RV stability!
Table of Contents
- What Are RV Stabilizer Jacks?
- Do RVs Need Stabilizers?
- What is the Difference Between Stabilizing Jacks and Leveling Jacks?
- Can You Level a Camper With Stabilizer Jacks?
- 10 Types of RV Stabilizer Jacks
- Bonus: Accessories
- So Which Camper Stabilizer is Best?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are RV Stabilizer Jacks?
Simply put, RV stabilizing jacks extend from the frame of an RV to the ground in order to reduce the movement sometimes felt in an RV.
Tons of RVers (ourselves included) will use wooden blocks, wheel chocks, or plastic leveling jacks to help reduce the amount you have to extend an RV stabilizer jack (as you really shouldn’t overextend stabilizer jacks).
Some RVs and travel trailers have automatic RV stabilizer jacks. When you get to camp, simply push a button on the inside of your rig and all four stabilizer jacks extend (and retract) automatically!
Manual stabilizer jacks, however, are far more common and require you to use a hand crank (or a handheld power drill) in order to extend them.
Do RVs Need Stabilizers?
The short and sweet answer? If your RV isn’t stabilized properly, you’re going to have a difficult time moving inside of it (and there’s a chance you roll out of bed at night).
Keep in mind that your RV’s refrigerator needs to be on a leveled surface in order to work efficiently. If not, the fluids within the refrigeration system will circulate, causing it to overheat (which could lead to damage).
What is the Difference Between Stabilizing Jacks and Leveling Jacks?
One of the most common mistakes you can make is assuming that leveling jacks serve the same purpose as RV stabilizing jacks. Here’s how they’re different:
- RV Stabilizer Jacks – An RV stabilizer jack is able to support portions of your RV in order to absorb the shifting you may feel as you walk around in your rig. While they can’t fully eliminate movement, they do make a noticeable difference when used properly.
- RV Leveling Jacks – As their name implies, leveling jacks help to level your RV from side to side (or front to back). These jacks help to ensure that your RV’s systems perform as they should while also providing a comfortable experience.
If you try to use either of these jacks for anything other than their intended purpose, you can damage both your jacks and RV!
Can You Level a Camper With Stabilizer Jacks?
Absolutely… not.
As we stated above, leveling jacks are much different than RV stabilizer jacks. The intended purpose of a stabilizer jack is only to stabilize your RV.
Apart from us telling you this, there’s a chance that you see warning labels telling you not to overload your jacks, too!
10 Types of RV Stabilizer Jacks
Without further ado, let’s go over what stabilizer jacks you can get on the market today (as well as what stabilizer jacks we recommend).
1. Scissor Jacks
Scissor jacks are the most common stabilizer jacks you’ll see on travel trailers and older fifth wheels. For the most part, manufacturers will install scissor jacks onto their RVs because they’re cheap, simple to work, and do a good job.
Scissor jacks require you to manually raise and lower them. Typically, you’ll have a bolt that you have to tighten and loosen by using a drill or ratchet. Try not to over-tighten scissor jacks, as you risk putting too much weight on them.
If you’re looking for some awesome scissor jacks for your RV, we recommend getting the Libra RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks:
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2. Hydraulic Jacks
With hydraulic jacks, you don’t need to manually set anything up! If you have a larger rig (or have trouble cranking manual jacks on your own), hydraulic jacks will be perfect!
If your RV doesn’t come with hydraulic jacks already, you are able to add them on! Most systems are pretty easy to install and will simplify your stabilizing process.
Interested in installing some new hydraulic jacks into your rig? We highly recommend these ones by Lippert:
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3. Electric Jacks
Electric jacks help you to set up your campsite easier and faster than ever. This stabilizer jack uses a 12-volt DC electrical power, typically from the onboard battery, to electrically extend or retract the trailer leg.
We highly recommend this electric jack from Lippert – it’s engineered with 30 AMPS of power and comes with four integrated LED lights that conveniently shine on the coupler (just in case you have to use this at night). Not to mention, it’s efficient (and very quiet):
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4. Screw Jacks
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to stabilize your RV, screw jacks are for you! The aluminum construction is what makes them lightweight, yet strong enough to easily hold 6,000 pounds.
Because screw jacks don’t mount or secure to the RV, you’re able to easily adjust them as well as move them around your camper! We’d highly recommend these Camco Screw Jacks:
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5. SteadyFast Stabilizers
SteadyFast stabilizers are designed to give the best possible movement reduction for a parked fifth-wheel or travel trailer while also providing an easy (and convenient) setup. If you have a heavy rig, SteadyFast jacks are one of your most popular choices!
It takes a few hours to install the system (which includes adjustable strut braces fixed on two adjacent sides of the rig). After that, you fix these braces on the other end of the landing gear in a sort of triangular shape. The shape, as well as the fact that the jack touches the rig at three different points for support, makes this jack incredibly stable.
We’d recommend getting these SteadyFast stabilizers:
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6. Drop Leg or Drop-Down Jacks
Drop-down jacks (also known as drop leg jacks) are another type of RV stabilizer jack. These mount to the frame of your RV and retract upon themselves when not in use. They typically come in both automatic and manual options, too!
A lot of higher-end systems will often use heavy-duty drop-down jacks as a part of their auto-leveling system. With the press of a button, your RV will be able to level and stabilize itself! Keep in mind that not all drop-down jacks are able to handle a heavy RV (so don’t overload your jacks).
We’d recommend these drop-down jacks:
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7. Permanent Jacks
Most jacks are able to be permanently installed underneath your RV (which is a great space-saving hack as it’s one less thing to store in your RV).
Unlike tripod jacks, nearly every jack on our list is able to be bolted under your RV’s frame and retracted when you need them. Tripod jacks fit into your kingpin (which you’ll need for hitching your RV to the tow, so you’re unable to install these permanently).
If we were to recommend an awesome permanent jack, we’d go with the Camco Eaz-Lift:
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8. Tripod Jacks
Having a fifth wheel is great, however, you might need some extra stability. This is where a tripod jack comes into play! Tripod jacks are able to give you three new points of contact with the ground, which helps to absorb more movement and vibration.
For the most part, tripod jacks shouldn’t work alone and have a weight capacity of 5,000 pounds. When you do purchase a tripod jack, be sure to find one where the legs are able to be individually adjustable as it makes it easier for you to set it up on the ground if it isn’t level!
We recommend getting this one:
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9. Full-Width Double Stabilizers
Double stabilizers are incredibly convenient and easy to set up. They have legs on both sides, so if you’re in need of a quick and easy way to stabilize your RV these will do the trick.
Each leg comes down simultaneously to save you some time and is available in both manual and electric varieties (however, the electric setup is what we’d recommend). Electric, full-width double stabilizers can do the job of stabilizing your rig with the push of one button.
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10. Universal Stabilizers
As you can probably tell by the name, universal RV stabilizers are able to be used on nearly any type (and size) trailer, cargo carrier, RV, and fifth wheel (a permanent trailer jack would be a lifesaver, too).
Universal stabilizers also have two adjustable legs that are mounted onto a single beam that you’re able to insert under your RV’s frame. From there, adjust the legs, strap them together using the strap that comes in the package, and then ratchet the strap and make sure the jack fits tightly under the frame.
We’d recommend grabbing these:
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Bonus: Accessories
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Vevor Jack Block Stabilizer
- · Solid HDPE Material: Made of high-quality HDPE, this ultra-tough trailer jack block accommodates vehicles up to 6,500 lbs/2,949 kg for a single block. The bright red color ensures high visibility in dim conditions. You will be surprised how stable everything is when using this strong and durable block with your stabilizer jacks!
- · Less Rocking & Stress: VEVOR trailer block can eliminate virtually all movements in your parked Trailer! It will actualize fully 90% less swaying when others are moving around inside your camper. Due to the width of the jack block, your trailer or rig will be less stressed.
- · Recessed Area for Better Leveling: Recessed Pad Area: 9.13″/23.2 cm diameter; Recessed Post-Hole: 2.44″/6.2 cm diameter. They help prevent jacks from slipping and work with scissor jack, post jack, pad jack, tough jack, and more.
So Which Camper Stabilizer is Best?
Honestly, it’s up to you and your needs!
Would you rather have permanent RV stabilizers? Or do you want to be able to store them when you’re done using them?
While we’re pretty impartial to the classic scissor jack style, there are plenty of great models on the market today. As long as you have something that’s able to keep your rig steady on uneven ground, you’re in good hands!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that wasn’t answered above? We’ve got you covered!
Where Do Stabilizer Jacks Go on an RV?
Typically, stabilizer jacks are located at the front and rear of units. Be sure that each jack is in place when it touches the ground and try not to extend it any further as it can get stuck or damaged in the process.
How Many Camper Stabilizer Jacks Do You Need?
That answer really depends.
For lighter RVs, two stabilizer jacks on either side will be able to do the trick. However, we do recommend you have one under each corner. If you’re using a trailer, you should add stabilizers behind the tires as well for added stability.
Simply put, the more stabilizers you add, the better stability you’ll get. There’s really no limit to how many you can add!
How Tight Should Travel Trailer Stabilizer Jacks Be?
A common mistake you can make with your travel trailer stabilizers is having them too snug. While you want them to be snug, you don’t want them to be too tight.
Get to the point where there’s tension on them, but not so much that you’re lifting your RV. It’s very easy to over-tighten your stabilizer jacks, especially if you’re using a drill to do the job.
Should You Put Blocks Under Stabilizer Jacks?
Yes, absolutely!
You should always put blocks under stabilizer jacks. This protects your RV but the soft ground at a campsite as well. Some RV resorts and campgrounds require a barrier between your leading gear and the campsite surface, too.
Are RV slide out stabilizers necessary?
That depends, is your RV an older or newer model?
If you have a newer RV, you don’t need to use slide out stabilizers. In fact, they may do more harm than good – your rig has slide outs that are electronic and automatic, therefore you may not have to support them at all!
With an older rig, though, they can be necessary. RVs with manual slide outs or pop outs may benefit from using them as they’re able to provide peace of mind should you have a shaky slide out!
And there you have it! With this complete guide on RV stabilizer jacks, you can now confidently choose the perfect solution to keep your RV steady and sway-free. No longer will you have to deal with that pesky wobbling while walking around your home on wheels. So go ahead, invest in the right stabilizer jacks for your RV, and experience the comfort and stability you deserve on your next adventure!
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