leveling/stabilizing jacks
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9741
Printed Date: 28 Jun 2025 at 2:14pm
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Topic: leveling/stabilizing jacks
Posted By: mjlrpod
Subject: leveling/stabilizing jacks
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 10:48am
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Hey all. My pod's back end overhangs the end of my driveways pavement by a few feet, and i don't have enough room to leave it parked where it wouldn't overhang. The land slopes down from the end of the pavement rather quickly. I realize the jacks are intended for stabilizing, not leveling. But the jacks are really cheap, and not very strong at all. If i replaced the 2 rear stabilizers with "jacks" is that ok to do, as in, can the jacks damage the trailer because they are now stong enough to lift it? Is the area where the stabilizers are now, a stong structural area good enough to bear a load? It would just make me feel better to know that if i get a little weight in the rear of the camper, i can atleast know my jacks won't bend, or fold, and i go for a ride down hill. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Replies:
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 11:45am
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There shouldn't be any issue. The lion's share of the weight will still be on the wheels and tongue jack.
I've had to replace one jack and have another that's somewhat bent but usable. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 11:49am
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+1
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 9:42am
| I put SAVA-JACK bases on our pod in the rear so they come off very easily and stow in the truck. |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 11:49am
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I saw some at walmart yesterday that are 25.00 dollars. They are rated to lift 3000 pounds. I may replace atleast the rear stabilizers with these new "jacks", maybe do all 4. My guess is i would actually be able to " jack " up the trailer if i had these new jacks installed. Perhaps to level, or maybe even if i had a flat tire?? I would never lift the entire trailer off the ground, so 2, 3000 pound jacks should lift 1 side off the ground easily? ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 8:45pm
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I wouldn't use them as jacks. Forest River's instructions are not to do so as it can stress the door. Think of it as taking a ruler sitting across three points, one in the middle and one at each end. With weight on top, lift one or both ends and see what happens to the ruler. That is a simplified picture of the stress that is placed on the R-Pod if you try to lift the ends with the stabilizers. Use a proper jack for lifting the 'Pod at the axle area (not on the axle itself) since that is the area which already carries the weight of the 'Pod.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2017 at 5:42pm
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+1, not meant to be jacked from the corners. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 10:35am
I can attest to the door issue. I had one of the rear jacks screwed down a little tighter that the other and it caused the door to stick. I checked the jacks and sure enough one needed to go down a little further. It was barely touching the pavement. Fixed the problem by giving it a twist or two. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 8:53pm
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There shouldn't be any issue. The lion's share of the weight will still be on the wheels and tongue jack. +1 I parked my pod in the same situation and was nervous about sitting in the back, but there's a lot more weight up front. The fresh water tank on mine was in the back and it was empty. That helps too. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |