The incessant rocking and swaying of a travel trailer can transform a relaxing camping trip into an exercise in frustration. The key to eliminating this annoyance lies in a multi-pronged approach involving stabilizing jacks, wheel chocks, leveling techniques, and potentially additional aftermarket solutions designed to reduce movement and provide a more stable living environment.
Understanding the Rocking Problem
Anyone who has spent even a single night in a travel trailer understands the frustration of rocking and swaying. Whether it’s caused by someone walking inside, the wind blowing, or even a slight shift in weight distribution, the movement can disrupt sleep, make meal preparation difficult, and generally detract from the camping experience. Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why travel trailers are prone to rocking.
The primary reason is the suspension system and the trailer’s center of gravity. Travel trailers are designed for mobility, not stability. Their suspension systems are designed to absorb bumps and provide a relatively smooth ride while towing, but they are not optimized for static stability. The higher center of gravity, often resulting from elevated appliances and storage, also contributes to instability, making the trailer more susceptible to tipping and swaying. Finally, the tires, while essential for movement, can act as pivot points for unwanted motion when the trailer is stationary.
Essential Techniques for Stability
1. Leveling is Paramount
The first step in eliminating rocking is ensuring your travel trailer is perfectly level. Uneven ground exacerbates rocking issues.
- Side-to-Side Leveling: Use leveling blocks or ramps under the tires on the low side to bring the trailer level. A bubble level placed inside the trailer is the best way to check your progress.
- Front-to-Back Leveling: Adjust the tongue jack to achieve front-to-back level. Again, use a bubble level for accuracy.
- Fine Tuning: Once the trailer is mostly level, make minor adjustments to eliminate any remaining rocking before deploying stabilizers.
2. Stabilizing Jacks: Your First Line of Defense
Stabilizing jacks are designed to support the trailer frame and reduce movement. These jacks are not designed to lift the trailer; they are there to provide support and reduce rocking.
- Proper Placement: Place the jacks as close to the corners of the trailer as possible for maximum stability.
- Even Pressure: Extend the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Avoid over-extending them, as this can damage the frame.
- Solid Foundation: Use jack pads or wooden blocks underneath the jacks, especially on soft ground, to prevent them from sinking.
3. Wheel Chocks: Locking Down the Wheels
Wheel chocks prevent the trailer from rolling and shifting, further reducing rocking.
- Behind the Wheels: Place chocks behind (and ideally also in front of) the wheels to prevent any movement.
- Heavy-Duty Chocks: Invest in high-quality, heavy-duty chocks that can withstand significant force.
- X-Chocks: Consider using X-chocks that fit between the tires. These provide even greater stability by locking the wheels together and preventing them from moving independently.
Advanced Stability Solutions
4. Improving Suspension: Adding Support
Enhancing the suspension system can significantly reduce rocking, especially for older trailers.
- Leaf Spring Upgrades: Consider upgrading the leaf springs for heavier-duty options that offer greater stability.
- Airbag Suspension: Airbag suspension allows you to adjust the ride height and stiffness, providing better stability when parked. This is a more expensive but very effective option.
- Shock Absorbers: Ensure your shocks are in good working order. Worn shocks contribute significantly to bouncing and rocking.
5. Aftermarket Stabilizers: Enhanced Support
A range of aftermarket stabilizers are available to further enhance stability.
- JT Strongarm Stabilizers: These stabilizers connect the trailer frame to the axles, providing a solid connection that minimizes movement.
- BAL Lock-Arm Stabilizers: Similar to JT Strongarms, these stabilizers lock the trailer frame to the axles for enhanced stability.
- Trailer Valet Stabilizer: This is a versatile stabilizer that can be used on a variety of trailer types and provides a strong, stable base.
6. Minimizing Internal Movement
Finally, reducing movement inside the trailer can also help minimize rocking.
- Secure Loose Items: Ensure all loose items are securely stored to prevent them from shifting and causing rocking.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Distribute weight evenly throughout the trailer to avoid creating imbalances that can contribute to rocking.
- Minimize Walking: Be mindful of walking inside the trailer, especially when others are trying to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What are the different types of stabilizing jacks, and which are best?
Stabilizing jacks typically come in two main types: scissor jacks and tongue jacks. Scissor jacks are adjustable and usually mounted at the corners of the trailer, while tongue jacks are used to raise and lower the trailer tongue for hitching and leveling. The best type depends on your budget and desired level of stability. Scissor jacks are generally more affordable, while tongue jacks with wider bases provide more stability. For maximum stability, consider upgrading to heavy-duty scissor jacks or adding aftermarket stabilizers.
FAQ 2: How do I prevent my stabilizing jacks from sinking into soft ground?
Use jack pads or wooden blocks underneath the jacks to distribute the weight over a larger surface area. You can purchase commercially made jack pads or simply use pieces of treated lumber. The larger the surface area of the pad, the better it will prevent the jacks from sinking.
FAQ 3: Are X-chocks really worth the investment?
Yes, X-chocks offer a significant improvement in stability compared to traditional wheel chocks. They lock the wheels together, preventing independent movement and reducing rocking. Many users report a noticeable difference in stability after installing X-chocks.
FAQ 4: Can over-inflating my tires help reduce rocking?
While properly inflated tires are essential for safe towing, over-inflating them will not significantly reduce rocking. Over-inflation can actually make the ride harsher and potentially damage the tires. Always inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer.
FAQ 5: What is the best way to level my travel trailer on a sloped campsite?
The best approach is to use a combination of leveling blocks or ramps under the tires and the tongue jack to achieve a level position. Start by positioning the trailer on the site so that the low side is facing the direction you intend to pull out from. Use leveling blocks or ramps to raise the low side until the trailer is level from side to side. Then, adjust the tongue jack to achieve front-to-back level.
FAQ 6: How often should I check and adjust my stabilizers?
Check your stabilizers regularly, especially after the first few hours of setting up camp and after periods of heavy use or strong winds. The ground can settle, causing the stabilizers to lose contact.
FAQ 7: Can wind contribute to travel trailer rocking, and how can I mitigate it?
Yes, wind can definitely contribute to travel trailer rocking. To mitigate the effects of wind, park the trailer so that the front or back is facing the prevailing wind direction to minimize the surface area exposed. Consider using tie-down straps attached to the frame and anchored to the ground for added stability in windy conditions.
FAQ 8: My trailer has a slide-out. Does this affect stability?
Yes, slide-outs can affect stability, particularly when they are extended. Make sure to support the slide-out with slide-out supports, especially for heavier slide-outs. These supports help distribute the weight and reduce rocking.
FAQ 9: Are there any specific brands of stabilizers that are known for being particularly effective?
Several brands are known for their quality stabilizers. JT Strongarm and BAL Lock-Arm stabilizers are popular choices for frame-to-axle stabilization. Consider reading reviews and comparing features before making a purchase.
FAQ 10: Is it possible to completely eliminate all rocking in a travel trailer?
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all rocking, implementing these techniques can significantly reduce it to a level that is much more comfortable and enjoyable. Aim for noticeable improvement rather than absolute perfection.
FAQ 11: What tools do I need for leveling and stabilizing my travel trailer?
Essential tools include leveling blocks or ramps, a bubble level, wheel chocks, stabilizing jacks, jack pads, a socket wrench for adjusting jacks, and potentially a torque wrench for tightening stabilizer bolts.
FAQ 12: What is the biggest mistake people make when trying to stabilize their travel trailer?
The biggest mistake is often neglecting to level the trailer properly before deploying stabilizers. Without a level foundation, the stabilizers will be less effective and may even contribute to rocking if they are unevenly loaded. Leveling is the crucial first step.
By implementing these techniques and understanding the principles behind travel trailer stability, you can significantly reduce rocking and enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing camping experience. Remember to prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all equipment.