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aluminomad · 07-23-2011, 07:40 AM

could not find answer in forums when searching key words etc... on a 68 22' Safari... what do we need as far as stabilizer jacks go & where is the safe/correct place to place them? I'm hoping we can get such at an RV dealer & not specifically Airstream... although we plan to visit one by months end... just hoping to stabilize this weekend

Thanks

~T

kevinb · 07-23-2011, 07:57 AM

You can place 2 in the front under the A frame close to where each A frame member meets the main frame rail. Then place one aft of each tire (you will see a small 3" patch on the belly pan) again on the frame rails. For the rear two you can also place them further back where the main frame is welded to the bumper. This latter place is for stabilizing only, Do Not Lift Or Level the trailer from this point.

Kevin

purman · 07-23-2011, 08:00 AM

I have a 68 28' Ambassador. I put 2 in the rear where the frame comes out from under the belly pan. right by the bumper. and 2 up front on the frame right at the start hitch area. I just have jack stand type. But if you are going to mount them you would want them mounted to the frame for sure.

kevinb · 07-23-2011, 08:05 AM

Yes you can get them from any RV dealer, a set of aluminum stacker jacks (4) run about $ 40.00

ROBERT CROSS · 07-23-2011, 08:10 AM

On our 63 we used a model like this bolted to a one foot square of 3/4 plywood.Rv Stabilizer Jack 5000 lb

These are also popular http://www.rvpartscountry.com/StackJacks4Pack

aluminomad · 07-23-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinb

You can place 2 in the front under the A frame close to where each A frame member meets the main frame rail. Then place one aft of each tire (you will see a small 3" patch on the belly pan) again on the frame rails. For the rear two you can also place them further back where the main frame is welded to the bumper. This latter place is for stabilizing only, Do Not Lift Or Level the trailer from this point.

Kevin

so in essence I could get by w/just 4? & TY for all the info! we've had to do thing very slowly due to well everything

but stabilizing is up there w/the roof vents... but they just need weather stripping (they only leak if it rains wicked or it's wicked windy when it rains)

Inland RV Center, In · 07-23-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aluminomad

could not find answer in forums when searching key words etc... on a 68 22' Safari... what do we need as far as stabilizer jacks go & where is the safe/correct place to place them? I'm hoping we can get such at an RV dealer & not specifically Airstream... although we plan to visit one by months end... just hoping to stabilize this weekend

Thanks

~T

Airstream uses a different size stabilizing jack. It has a 13 inch turning bolt instead of the 6 inch.

That then allows you to see the turning bolt, so that you don't have to get on your hands and knees.

The stabilizing jacks have 3 mounting holes. Two go directly to the frame. The other one is used to attach it to the frame "crossmember".

The jacks in your case, should be mounted just below the very "first" and "last" main bow. That will give you 12 foot spacing between the jacks.

Regular RV dealers would not likely have the Airstream type BAL jacks.

Andy

tkasten · 07-23-2011, 11:30 AM

Andy above is correct. I installed 4 of the BAL jacks on my 65 Safari in the locations Andy mentioned. Only needed a drill and socked and only took me 45 minutes. They really work great. I use an elect. drill/ socket to operate the jacks.

aluminomad · 07-23-2011, 11:41 AM

we went to Lee Family RV, Windham ME & got a set of 4 for about $40... hubby put them where suggested (@ A & behind tires in patch) & so far so good... wiggles pretty much gone

Inland RV Center, In · 07-23-2011, 02:40 PM

Don't know what you bought, but I don't think it was the BAL jacks that Airstream uses.

Airstreams price for a set of 4 BAL jacks is $322.00.

How about a photo or 2?

Andy

vswingfield · 07-23-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Don't know what you bought, but I don't think it was the BAL jacks that Airstream uses.

Airstreams price for a set of 4 BAL jacks is $322.00.

How about a photo or 2?

Andy

Sounds like a set of these Aluminum Stack Jacks - Product - Camping World. They're what I always used on my Trade Wind. I was envious of the BAL jacks but never upgraded.

Gringo · 07-23-2011, 04:09 PM

So, are you guys using these jacks in addition to the four stabilizers mounted to the trailer?

vswingfield · 07-23-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gringo

So, are you guys using these jacks in addition to the four stabilizers mounted to the trailer?

In my Trade Wind's case, none mounted to the trailer. That's why I was envious of the trailers that had the BAL jacks mounted. All these responses were about '60s vintage trailers.

My '83 Excella has the BAL jacks mounted on the trailer, so I wouldn't use the stacking stabilizers. Even if I could find all of them.

Actually, I don't mind the movement. Sometimes I don't put the stabilizers down at all.

overlander64 · 07-23-2011, 05:01 PM

Greetings Vaughn!

Quote:

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Actually, I don't mind the movement. Sometimes I don't put the stabilizers down at all.

I am with you, particularly on my tandem axle coach as in many circumstances the tandem is very stable on its own -- my single axle Minuet on the other hand, is a bit too nautical without having its stabilizers deployed.

Kevin

Gringo · 07-23-2011, 05:49 PM

Ah, now I see. The earlier trailers didn't have factory stabilizers attached. Now I got it.

I still wish mine was steadier. I wake up at the least movement. or noise. or light. or random idea.

vswingfield · 07-23-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gringo

Ah, now I see. The earlier trailers didn't have factory stabilizers attached. Now I got it.

I still wish mine was steadier. I wake up at the least movement. or noise. or light. or random idea.

Well, you could try some. I can't see how four more stabilization points would not help, at least some. They're not expensive.

I've used them for other things too. Just don't try to hold up a car with them.

Also, when you're using them, be sure you don't get the propane line between the jack and the A frame. Even though you're just trying to stabilize the trailer, you could mash the line a little with movement. Then next time, a little more. You get the idea.

kevinb · 07-24-2011, 06:59 AM

Another thing I like to do is place a small piece of wood (1x2) between the stabilizer and coach to increase the surface area.

Kevin

aluminomad · 07-24-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Sounds like a set of these Aluminum Stack Jacks - Product - Camping World. They're what I always used on my Trade Wind. I was envious of the BAL jacks but never upgraded.

yup

we can't afford anything fancy @ this point... but we needed to stabilizer her since she didn't have any of her own

Mikethefixit · 07-24-2011, 07:38 PM

Whatever works for ya. You should be able to get your money back by selling them on Ebay and buying the correct jacks at a later time when you can affort it. Save up yur money.

aluminomad · 08-02-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

Whatever works for ya. You should be able to get your money back by selling them on Ebay and buying the correct jacks at a later time when you can affort it. Save up yur money.

??? how can they be the correct jacks if the 68's didn't have them to begin w/? anyhoo... this is our home... better than a cardboard box & now stable... THANKS for EVERYONES help... I'm sure I'll have more posts w/our slow progression~ <3 T