Need Stabilizers?

[DreamStreamr]

We learned from some older Airstreamers who rarely, if at all, used their stabilizers. Since that time, in 2007, we have used ours only when parked and unable to reorient against buffeting from a broadside wind. If we can turn our back to the wind, we're steady again. If we can't then at least it feels like we won't get turned over (even tho we know that won't happen).

Bottom line on our 25' International, the stabilizers seem to add no benefit to us except rarely. We don't need them. We don't mind the mild rocking, saves eight more operations to unhitching/hitching, and our entry door always operates better without stabilizers.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by DreamStreamr

We learned from some older Airstreamers who rarely, if at all, used their stabilizers. Since that time, in 2007, we have used ours only when parked and unable to reorient against buffeting from a broadside wind. If we can turn our back to the wind, we're steady again. If we can't then at least it feels like we won't get turned over (even tho we know that won't happen).

Bottom line on our 25' International, the stabilizers seem to add no benefit to us except rarely. We don't need them. We don't mind the mild rocking, saves eight more operations to unhitching/hitching, and our entry door always operates better without stabilizers.

You must be svelte folks. My partner and I are each well north of 200 lb, and he's what I like to call an "active sleeper" so every time he flips over in the bed without the stabilizers down, the whole trailer quivers a bit. The stabilizers don't eliminate that, but they reduce it tremendously to the point that it never wakes me and doesn't make the locker doors make little ticking sounds as they wiggle like they do without the stabilizers down.

I put the BAL stabilizers on our 24' Argosy before putting new axles on... with the old axles, I was almost disappointed that I'd spent the money and time on them. When camping by myself I didn't notice a huge different with them down or up most of the time. With new axles, the difference is pronounced.

[Action]

Originally Posted by DreamStreamr

We don't mind the mild rocking, saves eight more operations to unhitching/hitching, and our entry door always operates better without stabilizers.

If the enrty door is difficult to close the stablizers are supporting the coach such that the coach is flexing and the door opening has changed positions. Making the door difficult to operate.

The stablizers were not designed to remove the load from the running gear and front jack. Only to control or suppress the movement of the coach when parked. It is not necessary to use the stablizers when parked. It is only for your comfort. The other usage would be in long term storage as an added prevention for trailer tip over.

If you do not see a benefit when parked by all means don't use them and save your self some steps.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[moosetags]

Sometime we use our stabilizers, sometimes we don't. In old Lucy (2005 25FB), we didn't use the stabilizers very often until she got older. In the last couple of years, we used them more often because of the squeaks she developed which were very noticeable as we moved about the trailer. Using the stabilizers, stopped the squeaking. On New Lucy (2012 23FB) we are not using them.

Brian

[dkottum]

We only use the stabilizers if unhitching from the truck, or if strong winds are forecast. Overnight stops we leave them up to make things easier and minimize risk or driving off with them down.

[m.hony]

I use them because the trailer wiggles with every move if I don't...
Occasionally I will not bother with the stabilizers if we are only in a spot for 1 night.

[BAB]

I don't use them at all. I put them out a few times the first year I had my trailer and didn't find any real advantage. Perhaps because it's just me and the two dogs. I was using my electric drill (on a fairly low torque setting, I might add), and found that once I had enough force to slightly reconfirm the door from easy opening/closing. So, I do open and close them to lubricate them a couple of times a year, but frankly, it's just one less thing to remember when I break camp....

[m.hony]

That's the difference-
You are by yourself.
With 2 people are in the trailer, 1 person walking will shake the other person in bed or on the couch-
If I ever end up by myself I will probably not bother, either.
I try to walk softly. Other people do not. Other people "lumber" or "stomp" with heavy feet.