[VAC] Trailer Stabilizer Jacks

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Daisy,

Stabilizer jacks are used to prevent a parked trailer from bouncing on it's
springs when the occupant moves around inside when parked.  There are two
types that serve the same purpose but are very different in design,
construction, and price.

Newer Airstreams are delivered from the factory with a set of four BAL crank
down stabilizer jacks attached to the frame under the trailer, two at the
rear and two near the front.  The owner attaches a long handle and cranks
the jack down to stabilize (not lift) the trailer when parked.  A new set of
those jacks probably costs $300 to $500 or more installed.

The other approach is four small portable cast aluminum stackable jack bases
with a long threaded vertical shaft.  When parked, the owner places one
under each corner and rotates the threaded shaft to raise the shaft to a
point where the end contacts the (hidden) frame of your Airstream.  The
shaft is then rotated another half turn to snug up against the trailer frame
and it will stabilize (not lift) the parked trailer.  The stackable jacks
can be purchased inexpensively from RV stores or catalogs.  A caution about
using the portable jacks, Airstreams have bellies enclosed by aluminum sheet
which conceals the frame location.  If the owner accidentally cranks up the
shaft on the jack with the end pressing against belly skin, not belly skin
with frame immediately underneath, the belly skin will be punctured.

Neither would serve well to level a trailer on uneven terrain.  The best
approach would be to pull your trailer off of its parking pad, place 2" by
6" planks in the desired spot, then back the trailer onto the planks.  If
the situation calls for more leveling than that, it would be best to use a
large commercial grade jack or jacks to lift and level the A/S, place boards
under the wheels, then use stabilizer jacks to steady it.

Harvey