You have your wheel chocks and leveling blocks to help you avoid some RV movement while stationary and to keep the RV in place, but do you still have rocking going on when people are walking around or it’s windy outside?
A stabilizer may come in handy and change it all. Gary Wheeler, MORryde International, Inc., spoke with us about the purpose and types of stabilizers available to RVers.
The purpose of a stabilizer is to “minimize/eliminate movement in the trailer after you’ve parked and are living in the camper,” explains Wheeler. Imagine your travel trailer or fifth-wheel and how much it tends to move when someone heavy footed is walking across the floor, or maybe the kids are tearing it up, or perhaps the washer is running. With a stabilizer, much of that movement or shaking sensation is reduced noticeably. Windy weather can also shake an RV, but a stabilizer can provide the support the unit needs to withstand the element as well as better distribute weight.
The type of stabilizer you need depends on your type of RV. MORyde can offer advice depending on your make and model as well. “There are four types [of stabilizers],” says Wheeler, “a cross bar that attaches to the front electric landing gear [designed for fifth wheels], crossbars that attach to scissor jacks – both front and rear, a hitch mount stabilizer, or an I-beam stabilizer.” Each stabilizer type has a distinct design and optimal mounting location, however, all you need are some simple, basic tools to get it installed. The I-beam stabilizer doesn’t require any tools at all. The hitch mount stabilizer covers a multitude of RV types, provided the RV has a hitch receiver, including fifth wheels, Class C and Class motorhomes, and truck campers.
Storage is also straightforward. “The cross bar and scissor jack stabilizers stay in place once installed, the hitch mount stabilizer can stay in place or be removed and placed in compartment, and the I-beam stabilizer – the lightest of the four – comes with a storage pouch as it needs to be stored while traveling,” explains Wheeler.
Reducing movement and sway takes some stress off the unit itself as well, however, the major benefit is added stability and comfort for campers in the RV. “If you are sensitive to motion while camping, it will completely stabilize your unit without needing other products,” says Wheeler.
MORryde International, Inc., is a member of MARVAC. Visit their website at https://morryde.com.