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Thursday, June 2, 2022

RV Stabilizer Jacks vs Leveling Jacks: What’s the Difference?


While some may argue that RV stabilizer jacks are the same as leveling jacks, they aren’t the same and are important for different reasons.

The purpose of leveling jacks is to lift a part of an RV to the same level as the remainder of the RV, so that you may have a more enjoyable camping experience.

However, apart from enjoying your trip, you have more reasons to get them. You'll face a lot of problems without leveling jacks and leveling blocks. For starters, an RV that is not level puts undue strain on its frame as well as everything inside.

When fixtures, such as furniture, are not level, they will be taxed. Consider the stresses that will be imposed on a cabinet door's hinges if it is not level. Maintaining a level RV is also important if your RV has an absorption refrigerator. You can permanently harm a fridge if you operate it off-level.

Stabilizing your RV is your next priority after leveling it. Stabilizing jacks or other stabilizers can help to extend the life of your camper.

When compared to a balanced and stabilized RV, a camper that is allowed to rock and sway with the movements of the people within will face more stress. Stabilizing jacks keep your RV steady. They aren't designed to carry the weight of an RV, and should never be used to level an RV. Instead, they should be used to limit the amount of movement the RV endures.

Stabilizer jacks are metal arms designed to extend from the frame to the ground. Your jacks should be retracted into the frame when you're on the road and extended to the ground when you're parked.

There are several types of stabilizer jacks you can choose from.

Types of RV Stabilizer Jacks
If you have the necessary tools, stabilizing an RV is simple. There are different types of stabilizer jacks available on the market. Below are the different kinds to help you pick one that's right for you.

Electric
Electric stabilizers work with just a push of a button and come in a variety of designs. These jacks are usually highly powerful and function well with an auto-leveling system. They are heavy duty and are capable of supporting nearly 5,000 pounds.

They're also usually portable. You just set them up, and their electronics will raise and stabilize your rig without you lifting a finger.

The biggest disadvantages are its price as well as the risk of running out of battery and manually retracting the jacks yourself.

Hydraulic
Hydraulic stabilizer jacks are frequently used in large RVs. These hydraulic systems can hold a significant amount of weight. Some have a capacity to hold 7500 lb vehicles. So, you'll find them on larger, heavier fifth wheels, travel trailers, and haulers.

These jacks pressurize the hydraulic system that supports the RV with hydraulic fluid. One of its disadvantages is that they are a little complicated, and repairs typically necessitate the services of a highly qualified professional.

Pipe-Mounted
Pipe-mounted stabilizers are one of the most common types of stabilizers.

Their cost is reasonable but they are almost always manual and can be difficult to set up effectively.

Scissor
Because of their ease of use and low price, these jacks are a preferred choice of many RV campers. A good scissor jack can also support a lot of weight, which makes them a little costly.

Depending on the manufacturer, these stabilizers can support up to 10,000 pounds. However, they must be permanently put on your setup.

These types of jacks are standard on most contemporary RVs and come pre-installed.

Tripod
Tripod jack stabilizers are one of the most cost-effective types. They are set up on three legs to ensure that your setup will be stable.

Tripod jacks, however, aren't usually designed to support more than 500 pounds each jack. They normally require a pad or other flat support from underneath so that the slender legs don't sink into the soft ground if you go off the beaten path camping.

If you don't have a particularly heavy RV, these inexpensive and simple-to-use tripod jacks can be a good choice.

Permanent
Many stabilizing products are permanently attached, so you'll have one fewer thing to set up or store. While scissor jacks are attached to the RV's frame, they can be easily repaired or replaced by removing a few bolts. Permanent hydraulic and electric stabilizer jacks are more complicated to remove or repair, requiring more time and resources.

Before you go shopping, it's important to understand the different types of RV stabilizers you can choose from. Ask us if you're not sure which RV stabilizer jacks are best for your vehicle.

Have a look at our selection of stabilizing jacks from top brands. We offer low shipping and free shipping for orders of $99 and more.

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