Bouncy 5th wheel

[Jimdamedic]

We just bought a new Keystone 5th wheel. Is there any way to get rid of the bouncing when someone walks around?  We currently use x chocks and those helped a little. The rear stabs are down and right. If anyone has used any of the myriad of products out there with success I?d appreciate the help. FWIW irs a 2020 29 foot rear entertainment 5th wheel with three slides.

 

[Rene T]

I picked up a set of RV scissor jacks and put them pretty much between the front landing gear and the rear stabilizers. Helped out a lot.

 

[donn]

Like Rene said, find a pair of stabilizers like you already have.  Bolt them on somehwere near the mid point.  Thinkmof it as a poor mans 6 pt leveling system.u

 

[Joezeppy]

You might also consider a stabilizer system such as http://www.steadyfast.com/. There are other brands as well but this is the one I have. It takes out virtually all of the bounce and sway motion. One of the best improvements I've ever made!

 

[Rene T]

I have the Steady Fast system and it stops much of the swaying front to back and side to side but had no effect on bouncing that I could tell. The middle jacks really helped.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'm really surprised that the combination of landing gear, rear stabilizers and the X-chocks do not firm it up nicely. I know you said everything is "right", but I have to wonder if it couldn't be better.  Do you put the stabs down first and get them nice & tight, then put the x-chock in?

Adding 2 more stabs in the center is usually considered an alternative to the x-chock - they both are intended to stop suspension flex. It's the next thing to try, though. You could pick up a cheap pair of jack stands at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool to give it a try.  If that solves the problem, invest in some screw-drive stabilizers you can bolt on near the axles for a more convenient and permanent solution.

 

[Joezeppy]

I have the Steady Fast system and it stops much of the swaying front to back and side to side but had no effect on bouncing that I could tell. The middle jacks really helped.

I guess I always think of sway and bounce together but right, the Steady Fast is really for the sway. I've used an X-chock for years which also helps things. A friend of mine added the mid-point jacks like you did - just in front of the axles - and likes the results.


The only time I really notice any bounce is when our youngest daughter is with us. She only weighs about 100 lbs but walks like a sledge hammer!

 

[Jimdamedic]

I'm really surprised that the combination of landing gear, rear stabilizers and the X-chocks do not firm it up nicely. I know you said everything is "right", but I have to wonder if it couldn't be better.  Do you put the stabs down first and get them nice & tight, then put the x-chock in?

Adding 2 more stabs in the center is usually considered an alternative to the x-chock - they both are intended to stop suspension flex. It's the next thing to try, though. You could pick up a cheap pair of jack stands at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool to give it a try.  If that solves the problem, invest in some screw-drive stabilizers you can bolt on near the axles for a more convenient and permanent solution.

I?ve never had a 5th wheel that didn?t have auto leveling. This unit has electric stabilizers in the rear. I didn?t even have the x chocks when I set it up the first time. I do front jacks. Back stabilizers. X chocks. Then slides. The chocks helped a little.

How tight do you put the rear stabilizers?  I put them down until the barely moved the back of the camper up.

 

[Jimdamedic]

I'm really surprised that the combination of landing gear, rear stabilizers and the X-chocks do not firm it up nicely. I know you said everything is "right", but I have to wonder if it couldn't be better.  Do you put the stabs down first and get them nice & tight, then put the x-chock in?

Adding 2 more stabs in the center is usually considered an alternative to the x-chock - they both are intended to stop suspension flex. It's the next thing to try, though. You could pick up a cheap pair of jack stands at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool to give it a try.  If that solves the problem, invest in some screw-drive stabilizers you can bolt on near the axles for a more convenient and permanent solution.

And if I add a 3rd set of stabilizers they go just in front of the axle on the frame correct?  Which axle?

 

[Rene T]

Mine are mounted on the frame right in front of the front tires/

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

And if I add a 3rd set of stabilizers they go just in front of the axle on the frame correct?  Which axle?

It's not critical.  Wherever convenient and still fairly close to the center.  Most people put them just ahead of the front axle, where they usually fit nicely and are easy to use.

 

[Dvan]

A tripod stand under the hitch helps as well

 

[Rene T]

A tripod stand under the hitch helps as well

I had a stand for mine a few years ago but it was only 2 legs. I went to the Steady Fast system and did away with the stand. It only takes 30 seconds to adjust and there is no need to store anything.  Much happier. 

Note: if you put it close to the axle, you may not be able to manually crank it up or down.

 

[SeilerBird]

I love this thread. Three years ago I bought my first fifth wheel. A 33 foot three slide Travel Supreme from 1998 for $4200. I had it installed at my RV park were I intend to live till I die, 20 to 30 years from now. I leveled the RV perfectly and it is parked without scissor jacks or jacks of any kind. No tripod and nothing to stabilize it. It sits of three axles. Yes this RV is as solid as a S&B. One of the reasons I bought this one was because it appeared to be very solidly built with three axles and all solid oak cabinetry throughout. I got lucky.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Just purchased a new 2019 34 foot keystone. Think the new suspension system that come with the new units causes some of what your describing. I use extra blocks for the rear stabilizer jacks in the back. It helps. My next step in a tripod under the 5th wheel hitch. Hoping that takes care of it.

 

[Senator]

The best thing I did was buy 6 of the Anderson Trailer Jack blocks.  With the struts a lot shorter, there is less sway.  Plus they are easy to use.  I have used X-chocks, a waste of money.

I have a 6-jack self-leveling system.  It is like being on concrete with the Andersen blocks, compared to without.  You can try a bunch of wood 8x8 blocks as a cheap alternative.


https://andersenhitches.com/Products/3608m--trailer-jack-block.aspx