Stablizer jacks replacement with scissor jacks

[spoonplug]

Has anyone replaced there original stablizer jacks with scissor jacks? Is there a problem in doing this.

[BigAl]

I think you might lose some ground clearance. I also think they look ugly. Maybe that's just me!
Al

[tjdonahoe]

Ditto.....

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by spoonplug

Has anyone replaced there original stablizer jacks with scissor jacks? Is there a problem in doing this.

Why ??

They don't stabilize and more than what you already have, they also add weight to the rig, they look ugly on an Airstream, they lower the ground clearance, AND, they put a drain on your pocket book.

Andy

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Why ??

They don't stabilize and more than what you already have, they also add weight to the rig, they look ugly on an Airstream, they lower the ground clearance, AND, they put a drain on your pocket book.

Andy

But... if you do replace them, can I have the old ones please?

[Rocinante]

Even if you do buy free-standing scissor jacks, it's probably best if you don't use them to "jack" the trailer - just stabilize. Scissor jacks are quite a bit stronger than conventional Airstream stabilizers.

Experts here can confirm / deny, but as far as we understand it, those aren't jack points and actually lifting the trailer at these locations could create unfortunate frame-twisting results.

[nskinner]

I would like to hear an expert response to the above. I have seen scissor jacks advertised in links from this site for use to level an AS. This would imply that there are suitable points to raise one side from without risking twisting the frame. I know the stabilizers are not intended to level. If this is safe a safe practice it would be great if someone could confirm this and advise where best to place the jacks. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by nskinner

I would like to hear an expert response to the above. I have seen scissor jacks advertised in links from this site for use to level an AS. This would imply that there are suitable points to raise one side from without risking twisting the frame. I know the stabilizers are not intended to level. If this is safe a safe practice it would be great if someone could confirm this and advise where best to place the jacks. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Honestly, the best location for leveling jacks on an Airstream is in the nearest dumpster. NEVER level an Airstream travel trailer using those jacks. EVER. For any reason. The list of Bad Things that will (not might) happen is too long to list here. First problem is tweaking the frame, which is not designed to carry the weight of the entire trailer in a single concentrated point, second, little things, like the main door not opening or closing when jacked up, and many times after the jacks being lowered. The list goes on.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by nskinner

I would like to hear an expert response to the above. I have seen scissor jacks advertised in links from this site for use to level an AS. This would imply that there are suitable points to raise one side from without risking twisting the frame. I know the stabilizers are not intended to level. If this is safe a safe practice it would be great if someone could confirm this and advise where best to place the jacks. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Lifting jacks are almost always a hydraulic type of jack.

Stabilizing jacks are exactly that, as they will fail if used to lift the trailer.

When lifting the trailer with jacks, they should be place on the verticle axle mounting plate. For single axle trailers, place the jack rearward of the tires. For tandem axle trailers, place the jack between the tires. For the triaxle trailers, place the jack between the middle and rear tires.

Stabilizing jacks that are not mounted, should be placed on the A-frame and the frame at the bumper. For longer tailers, another stabilizing jack can be placed between the 2 axles on the axle mounting plate.

Stabilizing jacks should NEVER EVER be used to lift the trailer.

Andy

[kosullivan]

What is the reason Dexter says not to use the scissor jacks at the axle. I see no difference between driving a tire up on a leveling block and jacking it at the axle under the frame mount. It would seem to put the same pressure on same contact point

[tjdonahoe]

You would most likely crush the axle using a jack under it, I use a 12 ton hydraulic bottle jack on the frame mount with a piece of 1/2 " steel between the frame and jack so the pressure is on the verticle surface and not on the flange as it will bend.If I had a scissor jack , I would toss it, a 8-10 ton hydraulic jack can be had for $30....

[eartick]

Originally Posted by spoonplug

Has anyone replaced there original stablizer jacks with scissor jacks? Is there a problem in doing this.

I am in the process of installing FOUR 30" scissors in place of the TWO broken ones on the bumper.

I weighed the two originals with brackets. I am adding TWO extra pounds so Andy's comment about adding weight is true but not that much to be worried about.

For me to replace with ORIGINAL jacks it would have cost me $135 for TWO vs $65 for FOUR scissor jacks. Installation is a wee bit more for four but I now am going to be a lot more stable when I set her up.

Of course I am not installing them back where the original bumper stabilizers are and am installing them by welding directly on the frame. I failed to mention that I am about 90% done with a 65 Overlander restore and am in process of getting ready to install belly pan.

[2008AS]

My son was rushing around lowering the stabilization jacks before I had leveled the front to back pitch with the tongue jack. To finish leveling the Airstream, I raised the foot(lowered the front) and all the front weight was briefly supported by the stabilizer bar. Once I realized our mistake I immediately took the pressure off the stabilizer jack.
1-Do you think i damaged anything?
2-Where should I check for damage.
3-what are the possible damage areas.
The attachment plate is mounted to the frame that bears weight seems to be attached to the frame.

All replies are appreciated. Thank you.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by 2008AS

My son was rushing around lowering the stabilization jacks before I had leveled the front to back pitch with the tongue jack. To finish leveling the Airstream, I raised the foot(lowered the front) and all the front weight was briefly supported by the stabilizer bar. Once I realized our mistake I immediately took the pressure off the stabilizer jack.
1-Do you think i damaged anything?
2-Where should I check for damage.
3-what are the possible damage areas.
The attachment plate is mounted to the frame that bears weight seems to be attached to the frame.

All replies are appreciated. Thank you.

Is your door at the front? If so, check to see that it is opening and closing the same as before. If it is then likely no problem.

[KK4YZ]

I would suggest looking at the jacks and the attach points. You should be able to see damage if there is any

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by 2008AS

My son was rushing around lowering the stabilization jacks before I had leveled the front to back pitch with the tongue jack. To finish leveling the Airstream, I raised the foot(lowered the front) and all the front weight was briefly supported by the stabilizer bar. Once I realized our mistake I immediately took the pressure off the stabilizer jack.

1-Do you think i damaged anything?

2-Where should I check for damage.

3-what are the possible damage areas.

The attachment plate is mounted to the frame that bears weight seems to be attached to the frame.



All replies are appreciated. Thank you.

Hi - replies 14 and 15 are spot on. I just wanted to chime in and let you know many of us have made the same mistake - the first time I did it, my heart sank. I thought I destroyed the frame or something horrible like that. I think unless you raised or lowered the a frame by more than a foot, you probably don’t have anything to worry about - especially if the door functions properly and you don’t see any ugly damage underneath.

Been there - done that - still camping [emoji3]

[ROBERT CROSS]

In my experience...the stabs will collapse before damaging anything.
AMHIK 🥴 BTDT😂

Bob
🇺🇸

[2008AS]

Yes. My door is in the front.

Door works fine. Don’t see any damage around the frame. The attachment points appear to be the same on both sides. One doesn’t really look different than the other side. Although when I get home I plan to get a crawler and go under for a better inspection.

Like you guys, I had a lump in my throat once I realized what had happened for fear of severe damage.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by 2008AS

Yes. My door is in the front.



Door works fine. Don’t see any damage around the frame. The attachment points appear to be the same on both sides. One doesn’t really look different than the other side. Although when I get home I plan to get a crawler and go under for a better inspection.



Like you guys, I had a lump in my throat once I realized what had happened for fear of severe damage.

You can probably just add yourself to the group of us (some admit it, some don’t, so our number is unknown) who have been there, done that, and lived to camp another day [emoji3]

[JNSNFL]

Our new-to-us AS is a twin axle and we've had it updated for roadi-ness. It had/has no stabilizing system other than "the site".
I am adding 2 scissor jacks, only to the rear, presumably somewhere between the rear wheel and the bumper, to provide stability, NOT for leveling.
I have Lego blocks for leveling roll (side-to-side or yaw) angle, and I use the tongue to level pitch (front to back elevation). My goal/piont is simply to provide set-up stability versus the boat-on-water feel when we're in the cabin.
Where is the best point to place them? Please don't respond with the trash, that's not at all helpful and not a mechanically sound response.