Retrofit stabilizers to vintage AS?

[Docster]

We have a 1972 Tradewinds 25ft. Right now I use those useless and frustrating screw style stabilizers. They don't work that well, too much play in them as they are designed.

I would love to install some stabilizers I can raise and lower easily that will help hold trailer still a little better.

What are you using on your vintage AS? How do they get installed? Where are best spots? I really don't want to have to drop the belly cut holes.

[wkerfoot]

I use BAL stabilizers, original equipment of many Airstreams, including my 1979 Safari.

I believe you need a special long reach one on an Airstream.

Bill

Originally Posted by Docster

We have a 1972 Tradewinds 25ft. Right now I use those useless and frustrating screw style stabilizers. They don't work that well, too much play in them as they are designed.

I would love to install some stabilizers I can raise and lower easily that will help hold trailer still a little better.

What are you using on your vintage AS? How do they get installed? Where are best spots? I really don't want to have to drop the belly cut holes.

[crestonrv]

sissor jacks , appx 80.00 a pair , make sure u get the 1's that have 3/4" hex drive .
mount where diamond is behind rear wheels , 4 x 1/4" self tapping hex drive bolts 1" long works fine takes about 40 minutes for pair . thes will also help level trlr and with a flip socket can use 1 x 1/2" brkr bar / ratchet to both level and pull flat tire ! just makes more sence than a stab jack that can't pick up weight.

[Docster]

Originally Posted by crestonrv

sissor jacks , appx 80.00 a pair , make sure u get the 1's that have 3/4" hex drive .
mount where diamond is behind rear wheels , 4 x 1/4" self tapping hex drive bolts 1" long works fine takes about 40 minutes for pair . thes will also help level trlr and with a flip socket can use 1 x 1/2" brkr bar / ratchet to both level and pull flat tire ! just makes more sence than a stab jack that can't pick up weight.

Do you have a link to these? I really like the idea of them being able to lift in an emergency.

[Glenritas]

I have the Bal jacks installed as discribed above, they work great.

As for changing a tire if you have tandem axles just drive the good tire up a ramp block , this will take the flat tire off the ground so you can change it.

BTW if you need to get off the highway fast just remove the bad tire and drive away on 3 tires according to Airstream.

[Al Boondy]

Originally Posted by Docster

Do you have a link to these? I really like the idea of them being able to lift in an emergency.

I don't think it is wise to "lift" an airstream with the stabilizer jacks especially in the rear.

[1966Florida]

I bought the scissor style jacks from camping world- ($75-$80 per pair). I use my Ryobi 3/8" cordless impact with 19 mm socket. Works like a dream. Trying to use the long hand wrench while bending over in the dirt, sand mud etc is like wrestling a toddler under there :-)

I feel that these scissor style jacks have 2x's the lifting capacity as the fixed mounted on the newer A.S models. maybe the newer fixed mounted jacks are better but I was not impressed with the older ones+ I dont like something fixed mounted hanging under there while traveling down the road. adds more weight and looks bad on Vintage.

I purchased 2 more scissors on Amazon. These were about the same price however the jack screw had coarser threads on this set- which reduced the lifting power so I use these 2 for the front and allow the Elect Tongue jack to help out if needed. ( Which this T.J is one of the best things that I swapped out to date!!)

If possible...Try and get the finer thread jacks.
Pick up some Ryobi 18V cordless tools at H.D.- I carry the rechargeable flashlight Cordless drill, and impact in my tool bag every time my trailer leaves my driveway.

[Minno]

We also use the stabilizers that fit in between wheels, if you're tandem. It eliminates most of the movement that is left after the stabilizers are deployed. We worth the money.

Kay