Staying at a campsite for several weeks provides time to do some fixes, upgrades and general improvements. While we’ve been very happy with our VanLeigh Vilano 365RE 5th Wheel, there’s always room for improvements.
One area we hoped to improve was lessening the movement or slight shaking whenever we moved about the RV or when washing and drying clothes in the washer/dryer unit installed in the nose of our 5th wheel. The Vilano has a Lippard Level-Up automatic hydraulic leveling system and it’s those six legs that provide the stability when we’re parked.
As we traveled we’ve observed a good number of people using stabilizing tripods placed under the king-pin of their 5th wheel. However, after researching these tripods I found there are reported varying degrees of effectiveness and the actual tripod is something that has to be setup/removed and stored away each time you travel. I wanted something that once installed didn’t need to be removed and also required as few steps as possible to lock or unlock for moving.
We settled on the STEADYfast three stabilizing arm system designed and made by Hanscom Enterprises, LLC.
The installation took a little over three hours but I wasn’t in any hurry so it could probably be done a little quicker. The only tools required were an electric drill and the appropriate size drill bits, socket and wrenches. I’d selected the kit made to bolt onto the 8-inch round foot plates of the Lippard hydraulic legs and it worked well.
There are two stabilizing arms in the front running from opposite sides of the frame to one of the grounded leveling plates and then a third stabilizing arm runs from one side of the frame across to the opposite grounded leveling plate. These arms stay attached to the leveling plates when you travel.
T-handles loosen and tighten the leveling arms in the frame mounted stabilizing brackets. You loosen them whenever you raise or lower the leveling legs and then tighten them once things are level.
It’s simple to operate, has only three points to tighten or loosen. I’m happy to report the results were immediate and it has removed most of the shake we were hoping to eliminate. There’s also nothing else I have to find a place for in the “basement” storage. All that spells success to me!
Even on the road, Brooks, you’re still into home improvement! :)
Yelp, what can I say, Paul, I’m a fixer! Give me something and I’ll soon be thinking of ways to make it better or at least to make it “mine.” :-)
Another happy camper! Well done, my friend!
Yelp, at least a little happier! :-)
I guess only photographers would see that tripod as being upside-down! :-)
Mark, I did think of a tripod when I was putting the telescoping arms in place. Don’t try this with you favorite camera tripod at home folks! Or at least if you do be sure and remove the camera first. ;-)