The 5th-wheel tripod stabilizer has been around for a long time. Of course, and so have tripods for easels and presentation boards. You can see these devices in many places in our modern technological world.
They are used to hold and stabilize cameras, telescopes, surveying equipment, and more. Generally, they help to keep the mounted items from shaking or vibrating.
Tripods also help to keep devices in one place. They provide a steady base for them to rotate or otherwise be adjusted.
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Tripods Overview
One of the interesting things about a three-legged stand is that it is a physical demonstration of the power of the number 3. The number is very symbolic because it is the uniter of the negative and the positive. The balancer of yin and yang.
Historically, the triangle has represented 3, and its strength and the tripod are 3-dimensional triangles, so they are triply strong. Who would have thought such a lofty and sophisticated thing would be stuck under a 5th wheel camper?
The use of the 5th wheel stabilizer
A 5th-wheel RV is designed so that most of its considerable weight is borne by the tires and, in turn, the axles. Meanwhile, each corner of the box portion of the camper has what is usually called a stabilizer jack.
These are not designed to hold the camper’s weight or lift it off its tires as a jack would. They are meant to be used to stabilize the unit after it has been leveled. Also, to assist with front-to-back leveling, but only in small amounts.
The idea of adding a tripod that extends from the 5th wheel hitch plate down to the ground is to stabilize the whole place even more and keep it from excessive swaying and shaking when people are doing their usual things inside of it. That’s the theory, at least.
Advantages of a 5th wheel tripod stabilizer
In reality, there are pros and cons to these devices. Some people use them, and others say they don’t have a need for them.
Some RVers believe that a tripod is better to have than nothing under the front end of the camper. However, it just doesn’t feel right without the landing gear down.
Tripod stabilizers are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $60 to close to $200. It takes close to 15 minutes to set up the stabilizer once you have everything else done and ready. There is no installation needed; you just use it when you need it.
Since it folds up and is relatively lightweight – 25 to 45 pounds. It doesn’t take up much of your precious storage space.
Disadvantages of a 5th wheel tripod stabilizer
On the cons side of the discussion, many RVers who have tried tripods say they really don’t work as expected. A friend of mine says that they still allow movement. And as mentioned, some say they don’t see a need for the devices.
Another drawback is getting the tripod set up on non-level surfaces. It isn’t as simple as on a nice-level concrete or gravel pad. Additionally, it seems that adjustments made for non-level sites cancel out the stabilizing effect. This is because the tripod becomes loose and shifts with the weight above it.
Storage space is always needed, and it’s just one more thing taking up room that could be used for something else. Not to mention that you could buy a half tank of gas or so for the price.
There are a range of tripods available for your camper. However, the main differences are in steel or aluminum and the related weight capacity. I don’t know about you, but an 800-pound capacity doesn’t seem like a lot for something like this.
So, it’s probably better to spend a little more and get a stronger – and heavier – tripod stabilizer. I recommend WEIZE 5th Wheel Tripod Stabilizer. We are currently using it; it’s very durable and comes with the following items:
- One hitch cup
- Chain
- Three bottom pads
- Three sets of locking nuts and bolts
- One top connector with three-leg assembly and one adjusting rod.
The stabilizer is designed with robust, heavy-duty steel and powder-coating finish to ensure the highest stability and longevity. The chain is also zinc-plated, and the installation process is effortless.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you really need one or not depends on you. Do you use your camper on rough ground or mostly level spots? Do you have lots of families – that is, kids – running around and causing the other inhabitants to get seasick on dry land?
Maybe it’s just the two of you or even just you, in which case you might be able to get by without it. The 5th wheel tripod stabilizer is one of those optional pieces of equipment that RV owners love to buy and try. Then, decide if they actually like it or not. However, if you don’t find it useful, you can always sell it to someone else who may need it.