Stabilizer jacks Sports 16'

[Breezin']

The first of what I'm sure will be many questions as I get to know my new Bambi....
The right front stabilizer is located smack in the middle of where the step is attached. There is no way (at least no way I can figure out) to put down the stabilizer with the hand crank. I know I can use a socket and a drill but I hate to have to carry something else. This just doesn't seem right! The other three are no problem but you can't get to the right front without hitting the step...
For those of you with 16's, is this how yours is set up?? I've emailed picture to the dealer for their feedback as well. Thanks much!

Deb

[BAAMbi7]

Yes, welcome to our world!!!

Our BIGGEST frustration with this but we have been doing it for over a year.

What you need to do is, have the step first in the "closed/up position". Then lift the step up like you are opening hte space between the "moveable step" and the other one.

Stick the hand crank right int he middle and make contact with the stabilizer. I like to squat a little then let the step rest on my left knee ( if I am facing the Tow vehicle). Then start to crank. At first you may have the hand crand rubbing on the step a bit, but you'll get the hang of it.

I know it's awkward, but we haven't figured anything else. Just get the hand crank between the steps. If we kept the Bambi at home, I'd get you a picture, pronto, but it's not. Next time though. Maybe a movie as well.

Yeah it's a bugger, but it's ok. Now, if I could figure out why they put only one bathroom towel rod on the door instead of two - one above the other would have been perfect!

Good Luck.

[TG Twinkie]

Doesn't the step close up to where it is even with the belly pan when in the travel mode?
If so, access to the stabilizer should not be any different than the other 3.

[Breezin']

Originally Posted by BAAMbi7

Yes, welcome to our world!!!

Thanks BAAMbi7, good to know I'm not alone :-) I just thought "surely it isn't designed to be this way". I tried open and closed but not half-opened so I'll try that next.
I appreciate the advise.

[Breezin']

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

Doesn't the step close up to where it is even with the belly pan when in the travel mode? If so, access to the stabilizer should not be any different than the other 3.

No - not flush, it hangs down just enough that the bend in the hand crank hits the bottom of the step if you try to turn it from underneath. Same if you put the step out... it then hits the top of the step.

[BAAMbi7]

Ill get over there tomorrow, but when the step is "closed" the "bottom" step is resting on the non-moving step.

When you raise or lift the front part of the movable step just about 3-4 inches, it will allow just enough access to insert the hand crank into the stabilizer pin.

[BAAMbi7]

Taking the picture is a little challenging, but see if you can see how this works.

The first is with the step "ajar" a bit up fro the fixed step. The back of the "lifted step is also "opened" up to allow the bar to pass back.

The second is if you push it up all the way toward the body of the trailer - be careful of the silver!

[BAAMbi7]

oops, both reflect the first scenario. i didnt put in a pic of the "fully opened" step.

[Breezin']

Thanks much BAAMbi7 - I will try this tomorrow (I also store offsite). I don't think I have that much clearance but I'm taking the pictures and the ipad with me :-) Thank you for taking the time to send these!!

Deb

[BAAMbi7]

There should be the same amount of clearance in yours as in mine. Let me know how you make out. If not, I'll try a video next time. It's definitely a PIA, but I'm not sure how they could have alterd the design based on where the stabilizers must be located.

Good luck!

[norcal bass]

Dblackb -

On my new 16, I can angle the hand crank into the jack twist with the step in the travel (or closed) position and still get it to bite and crank. No need to angle the step up or anything like that. I agree that it is funky ... but not a big deal at least on mine.

Hope you are enjoying your new Airstream!

[Breezin']

Thanks all for the suggestions/pictures. You're right, not ideal (and it doesn't help that I'm left handed) but doable. Appreciate all the input.

No matter - I still love my new Airstream!!

[norcal bass]

Dblackb -

Just curious ... what is your tow vehicle and which hitch are you using?

Also, noticed that you have the aluminum/steel propane tank cover. Did the dealer install that for you as an extra? If so, how much roughly? Heard they are not cheap.

Your setup looks great!

[Breezin']

norcal bass -
I tow with a Ford F150, V8. Right now I'm towing with just the ball and a friction sway bar. Dealer insisted I didn't need WD hitch and I'm going to tow a couple of times and then decide. Tongue weight is well below what Ford recommends for a WD hitch as well. We'll see.
Yes, dealer installed the propane tank cover and I also had them add segment protectors on the front. And definitely NOT cheap (about $1400 for all 3 pieces). But I live in FL so was worried about how fast the plastic would look bad. If I had it to do over, I would still get the propane cover but leave off the segment protectors. They are not hinged like the FC so you have to undo the whole thing to clean behind. Should have thought that out better and asked instead of assuming they would be the same as on the FC.