Stabilization?

[velosprints]

So I am currently on my second RV trip, and we have a GD 2400BH. I’m not sure if it’s because of the bunkhouse or what, but I can’t seem to get the camper to stop rocking! It’s leveled, chocked, the stabilizer jacks are deployed, and I have X-chocks installed. Still I feel like I’m in a boat with all the motion!!

Any ideas?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Some people are very sensitive to even a slight vibration and they have difficulty getting comfortable in a home on wheels. After 20 years living in homes built on concrete slabs, I notice floor movement even in well built homes that have a basement!

Typical RV stabilizers aren't all that stable, i.e. the stabilizer jack itself wiggles easily. Don't know what you have, but an upgrade may be in order. You could try buying some automotive jack stands and put one under each corner - they are stronger and more rigid than typical RV equipment.

Another tip: no stabilizer or jack is any firmer/stiffer than the ground it rests on. Quite often the jack that was firm as you set up soon gets loose as it pushes/rubs on sand or dirt. Try placing wood or heavy duty plastic pads under each one. A 12"x12" square of 3/4" plywood (preferably double thickness) can work wonders. Or cut a 2x10 into foot-long pieces and use those as pads. Here is an example.

This YouTube video deals with a problem like yours.

 

[Rene T]

I have a fifth wheel 38’ long and it use to rock and roll. I installed a Steady Fast system and now it’s rock solid.

 

[John From Detroit]

Had the same issue with my class A on Jackstands. I know it was stable. but it still rocked.
Did not bother me... I can sleep on a boat. (And have, once) only thing that bothers me is when eyes and inner ear do not agree (IE: Eyes say I'm moving inner ear says not. or I'm hanging upside down in the hold of a boat on rough water)

 

[Joezeppy]

X2 on the steadyfast system Rene mentioned. We love it. Made our 5th wheel rock solid.

 

[jkhenderson]

I have a fifth wheel 38’ long and it use to rock and roll. I installed a Steady Fast system and now it’s rock solid.

I looked up the SteadyFast product line and only saw manual jack applications. My 5th-wheel has a Lippert 6-point hydraulic self-leveling system. Does anyone know if there is a similar product for hydraulic jack system applications? I don’t know if I would even benefit from such a thing, but since this is my first RV, I have no previous experiences to compare mine to.

 

[Rene T]

I looked up the SteadyFast product line and only saw manual jack applications. My 5th-wheel has a Lippert 6-point hydraulic self-leveling system. Does anyone know if there is a similar product for hydraulic jack system applications? I don’t know if I would even benefit from such a thing, but since this is my first RV, I have no previous experiences to compare mine to.

I would call the inventor and ask him if you could use them with hydraulic jacks. I don’t know why not.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I would think that Steadyfast could be used, but am amazed that a rig with 6-point jacks is so wobbly. I'd be looking for the reason before spending money on Steadyfast or whatever.

Typically the front jacks (aka "landing legs") are the weak link in 5W set-up. They are usually extendable much further than the other ajcks and have an extra slip-joint to achieve that. That can allow wobble up front. Have folks walk around inside while you watch the front legs closely and see if there is movement. You want the two sections of the front legs overlapped as much as possible to reduce wobble at the joint. If possible, avoid extending the entire front leg too far - use wood block to shorten the travel to ground contact.