25' Safari movement

[swest22]

As a new camper..I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to keep the rig from moving around so much even when you have all 4 corners stabilized? I do block the wheels. Does it help to block up the tongue jack to a greater extent?

[83Excella]

If you are referring to 'creeping' in addition to the wheel chocks alot of owners use wheel wedges that go inbetween the tires in the middle and tighten snugly, they are available at about any rv dealer or camping world.
The stabilzers are not meant to stop creeping but stabilize the trailer from bouncing and load shift when moving about inside and you will get some movement no matter what since there is no real foundation.

John

[swest22]

Thanks for the comeback John. I had seen those advertised but didn't know if they worked. Will give them a try.
Steve

[jcanavera]

Are you talking about the trailer actually moving (wheels turning) or the trailer itself being unsteady. What year Safari are you talking about?

Jack

[swest22]

It occurs as you move about the trailer while at a site with wheels blocked and stabilizers down. The wheels do rock and I understand as long as I am not on blocks there will be some movement, but am just trying to minimize.

Steve

[jcanavera]

I use a wheel lock device that fits between the tandem wheels. This stops all wheel movement. Here is a link to a picture of something simliar to what I have.

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/p...=SRCH&tcode=37

I was curious about the year of your Safari since A/S had some pretty poor stabilizer jacks on the newer Safari's until 2002 models. I had my 2001 retrofitted to the newer jacks which made a big difference.

Jack

[swest22]

I meant to include the year on the last post. It is a 1997.

[swest22]

Jack,

Thanks for that link. I think I will give that a try. Do you feel that one side is enough?

Steve

[jcanavera]

Originally posted by swest22
Jack,

Thanks for that link. I think I will give that a try. Do you feel that one side is enough?

Steve

Steve,

Unless you got some heavy activity going on, one side should be plenty. I place my lock on the wheels that are up on blocks (in the case of needing leveling). On the side where the wheels are on the ground I use the yellow wheel chocks, blocking one tire forwards and backwards. Personally I use the lock for safety reasons.

Since you have a '97 Safari I think it was equipped with rear stabilizer jacks only (and the little ones to boot). I would advise that you consider upgrading to the new jacks and not only replace the rear ones but add the front ones also. I met a fellow up in Jackson Center last summer who had a '99 27' Safari which only had the rear jacks. Doing the upgrade and adding the front jacks made a night and day difference to the stability of the trailer. My upgrade also helped but not as dramatically since 2001 Safari's came equipped with front jacks albet it small ones.

Jack

[swest22]

Jack,

I am still getting used to this site. While composing my reply I went to FAQs and lost what I had written.

Our Safari came with 4 light weight stabilizer jacks. Upgrading to heavier unit makes good sense as did your suggestion on wheel locks.

What towing hardware do you have and are you satisfied with it? We have an Expedition with towing package, air suspension, and valley stabilizer hitch. Every trip we make seems to reduce my white knuckles. The rig handles very well, at least in my limited experience towing.

I am originally from the Quad Cities in Iowa.

Steve

[jcanavera]

Steve,
I tow with a '99 Chevy Express passenger van. The van has a factory towing package with a 5.7 liter V8 and a 3.73 rear axle. Mileage is between 10-12 mpg when towing in 3rd gear. I have a Reese hitch and dual-cam sway control. The Safari weighs at 6,000 lbs. with food, clothing, other travel stuff, with grey, black, and fresh water tanks empty.

If you click on the photo button below you will see some pictures of my trailer and van, plus some shots of an A/S that got hit by a big hail storm in St. Louis in April 2001.

I've also posted some Safari tips in the knowledge base section that has forums for many specific Airstream trailers. Check out the 2001 Safari forum.

Regards,

Jack