5er with auto leveling jacks

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motojavaphil

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2006
Posts
673
Location
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Does such an animal live?  Is it expensive?  Also does anyone know how to keep vibration, people walking at one end shaking the people at the other end.  Sure would like to dampen the vibes a bit.  Any suggestions would be appreciated...Phil
 
HWH Corp (http://www.hwhcorp.com/home.html) makes levelers for all kinds of RVs, including trailers.  See http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml23553.pdf for the 5th wheel products.
 
Camping World used to sell the HWH leveling system for trailers - as I recall a 4 jack system was around $3000.  Since most 5W now have powerful electric front jacks (the "landing gear"), I would think a pair of rear jacks, perhaps electric rather than hydraulic like the HWH system, could be added for quite a bit less.

If you only need to stabilize rather than level, i.e. get rid of the vibes, that's fairly straight-forward.  First you need sturdy rear stabilizer jacks, either manual or electric, if you don't already have them.  I further recommend locking chocks for the wheels, something like a Chock & Lock [ http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?deptID=&subOf=71,33&skunum=19342 ] or similar product. These stop the wheels from rocking as the springs flex when people walk around in the rig.  Last, a king pin stabizer helps a lot - see http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?deptID=&subOf=33&skunum=20307&src=TSC

You may or may not need all of these, so I would go one step at a time until the problem was solved.

If you already have rear stabizers, they may not be strong enough to apply a sufficient stiffening pressure to handle the vibrations you are experiencing. Or maybe you aren't cranking them down tight enough.  Some people use a 1/2 inch drill/driver to power-crank them down. An 18V cordless does the job nicely.  Some units aren't very strong and will been or flex under pressure - if so, they will need to be replaced with better quality.  And many rear stabilizers have tiny foot pads that quickly work into the ground and relax the pressure. Placing a sturdy board under the pads will help a lot. Try a piece of 2x6 or 2x8
 
Has anyone used these HWH systems in this forum and what were their plus/minus.  I agree the expense is a bit much but knowing they exist gives me the ability to reseach some more looking for cost and ease of operation.  The concept seems so simple and perhaps a bit overdue with 5ers.  Thank you for the help.  The websites were excellent as were the recommendations.
 
HWH is probably the largest supplier of leveling systems to the RV indursty, especially motor homes.  I have personally experienced their factory service and it's excellent.  I can recommend them for any leveling needs you have for any RV.
 
Another major power jack manufacturers for RVs is Bigfoot (Quadra Mfg) -  see http://www.bigfootleveler.com/product.html
They have a some systems designed for trailers.  Power Gear is still another major jack manufacturer and they sell aftermarket systems for Class C's that should also work on a 5W. See www.powergearus.com

Depending on the size/weight of the trailer and frame construction, you might be able to simply weld on a pair of electric trailer tongue jacks under the rear corners. Some of these jacks have remotes, so you can mount the switch in a conveninet place. The drawback to this jury-rig design is that you don't have one common control for all jacks, as you would if you put in a full, 4 corner system.
 
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