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Topic ClosedStabilizing the Stabilizer?
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Bill-GA View Drop Down
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Posts: 214 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Stabilizing the Stabilizer?
    Posted: 16 May 2012 at 1:58pm
When I first purchased my RPod (from a private party) I discovered a very bent "stabilizer.   I ordered one from FR for under $30 (shipping was more!!!).    I've been out several times and I'm still concerned about making my Pod stable.   Yes,  I twist the large nut 1 or two turns past the ground contact, but it still has some wiggle.  I have "Y" type stabilizers and I understand new RPods have scissor jacks, but they both look like a wobbly solution.  I'm a big guy and I feel like I have to tip-toe in the camper. Embarrassed
 
Has anyone come up with an improved technique / solution?  I found this link, which creates a triangular solution that looks solid, but it seems very pricey.  http://www.steadyfast.com/index.html
 
Bill & Bev
13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa'
2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out)
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2012 at 8:12pm
I have the scissor jacks on our 177 and also am large.  It doesn't wiggle a bit.
Keith-N-Dar
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2011 R-Pod 177
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Bill-GA View Drop Down
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Posts: 214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2012 at 9:50pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

I have the scissor jacks on our 177 and also am large.  It doesn't wiggle a bit.
Keith-N-Dar,
Do you jack the 177 up off the wheels? What's your technique ? "x" turns after contact? From the pics I've seen, the scissor jack still looks like a single point on the frame to a single point ( e.g. Pad) on the ground.

Does anybody know the dif. between a stabilizer and a scissor jack? Is the jack more stable?

Thanks.
Bill & Bev
13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa'
2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out)
2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2012 at 9:58pm

Since our pod didn't come with the front stabs, I've been using jack stands up front and the stabs in the back.  Makes the platform rock solid.

Bill, as far as I know they are one and the same.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2012 at 10:49pm
I use a battery drill and run the pads down on the ground.  That is it.  The dealer made a point of telling me several times not to use the jacks as anything other than stabilizers.  He said it was possible to rack the chassis to the point where I would not be able to open the door.
Keith-N-Dar
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FISHTAIL View Drop Down
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Joined: 08 Jun 2011
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Posts: 130 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2012 at 9:10am
That's interesting.  I use mine to level the camper all the time and I've never had an issue.
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2012 at 9:55am
We do a bit of final leveling with the jacks. We have 4 scissor jacks. Use the blocks to get it close side-to-side, then the tongue jack to get it level front-to-rear.. and then final left/right with the jacks, never have to do much "lifting". By the time we have it to that point, it's plenty stable enough for us. I am 6' and 210lbs.
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Seanl View Drop Down
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2012 at 10:32am
I have a set of screw jacks that I sometime put midline on the frame (about center around the axle) to take some of the bounce out. 
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tpierce220 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2012 at 11:15am
I've noticed it depends on where we're at.  I find that the bounce is noticeable on gravel and less so on a solid ground surface or on concrete.  
Adventures with ¡Podtástic!--Life in a Forest River RPod 182G with Tim and Louis and our two cats, Desi and Lucy. Check our website at http://podtastic.info for information on our journeys.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2012 at 9:40pm
 
Originally posted by FISHTAIL

That's interesting.  I use mine to level the camper all the time and I've never had an issue.

As a rule with any camper, never use them to level.  First level side to side with something under the wheels while still hooked up, then level front to back with the tongue jack after unhooking.  The stabilizers should touch the ground then one or two turns max.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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