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07-08-2014, 09:01 PM
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#1
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: IN
Posts: 3
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stabilizing parked trailer and other issues
We have a 2014 28BH. Now that we have camped about 10 nights this year, some issues have beome evident. I don't know if everyone has problems like this, but we have some shaking with our parked camper. We have electric stabilzing jacks and use wood 2x6 under each support, but the camper shakes noticeably when someone walks in camper or steps on the stairs to get in or out of the camper. It is not unstable, but it is loose. I have read about stabilizing systems and was wondering if anyone has used them with a conventional travel trailer? Also, I have noticed the floor boards squeek when we walk on them (like they are not properly glued down, rubbing on the nails like in a house). I did not experience that issue with our previous trailer, but it was a much smaller hybrid so they may not have had as many seams to deal with. Neither issue is major and we really like the trailer, just wondering if there are any secrets to these issues. I strongly dislike camping without full hookups (water pump is loud even after installing an accumulator, which doesn't really help much).
Finally, the ceiling vent in the bedroom area lets in a lot of light early in the morning. Not that we sleep late generally, but I am using a peice of posterboard with velcro attachments to cover the inside of the vent to block out the light. It is easy to place and remove as needed, but not a great long term solution. Anyone have other ideas for covering this (curtain or whatever)?
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07-08-2014, 09:23 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,723
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For stabilization I use the x chocks between the tires. Helps alot.
Bought the x chocks from Camping World.
For the vent I use a vent pillow.
Got the pillow at Walmart
As for the squeaking floor your dealer might be able to help you.
__________________
Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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07-09-2014, 06:25 AM
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#3
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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I got the x-chocks and they didn't seem to help us...
if in the DFW area,
have some in the garage and also have a pin tripod for the old 5er that I don't use
but I did get one of these to put under the rear hitch on the LONG rear overhang of our 5er and that helped a lot...
some have even opted for the rear stabilizer bar like I had on my previous 5er
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07-09-2014, 06:56 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,162
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For stabilizing your camper chocks help some, but the stabilizer are the answer. They will pretty much make the rig shake free. This is what I installed.
http://www.plugitright.com/RVStabilizer.html
Vent pillows are what a lot of people use. I think there is a dark colored vent cover out there that you could replace your old one with.
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07-09-2014, 07:02 AM
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#5
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Uhhiya
Posts: 96
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We installed the Camco Stair Stabilizers. This distributes the weight of the person on the stairs to the ground rather than the trailer. The stairs become rock solid which is very important when carrying a toddler who fell asleep in his camp chair by the fire.
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2013 Z-1 251BH | 2011 Nissan Armada | Curt WD hitch with no sway control
2014: 20 Nights & 1338 Miles
2013: 23 Nights & 1200 Miles
2012: 10 Nights & 254 Miles
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07-09-2014, 07:10 AM
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#6
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 688
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We use the X chocks, huge improvement. also it is not uncommon to have to go out and put down your stabilizers alittle more after a day or two to reset evrything. As for the bedroom vent, install smoke or black vent covers, this will cut down on light and allow you to keep the vents open even in the rain.
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Jason & Wendy
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7L PSD
2015 Keystone Montana 3711FL
B&W Patriot 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch
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07-09-2014, 07:55 AM
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#7
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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good point on the dark vent covers - which is what we have, but that Shower skylight has to go
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07-09-2014, 08:12 AM
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#8
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 99
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We have the same TT and use 2 of these stabilizers to take some of the rock-n-roll out of the camper once we're set up: http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-02010.../dp/B001UGJPXQ Together with the 4 built-in stabilizers, they take out a majority of the movement. We put one under the rear bumper and one just to the right of the stairs (it would be best right under the stairs, but you can't get to the frame there).
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07-09-2014, 08:59 PM
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#9
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Edge2
We have the same TT and use 2 of these stabilizers to take some of the rock-n-roll out of the camper once we're set up: http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-02010.../dp/B001UGJPXQ Together with the 4 built-in stabilizers, they take out a majority of the movement. We put one under the rear bumper and one just to the right of the stairs (it would be best right under the stairs, but you can't get to the frame there).
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X2...I put mine one on each side under the frame. Vent pillow will knock out the light.
__________________
Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
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07-10-2014, 05:53 AM
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#10
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Winchester, ON
Posts: 1,177
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnboytoo
good point on the dark vent covers - which is what we have, but that Shower skylight has to go
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I have a solution to the shower skylight. I don't like them either as they let in too much sun, which equals heat. The skylight has two parts, the part on the roof and the inside part. Remove the inside part (it has screws) and place either block-out curtain lining material or Reflectix on it and put it back. This will block out all the light. I used the curtain lining on our previous trailer and used Reflectix on our current one. It was just a matter of what I had on hand.
As for the shaking, there are many solutions which help (several mentioned here) but you cannot remove all the shaking unless you remove the wheels. Remember - you are supported by rubber tires, with air in them. This is going to "give" somewhat.
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2012 Cruiser Sahara 330SS
2015 F250 Super Duty diesel
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07-10-2014, 06:58 AM
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#11
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 178
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Check your stair bolts, ours were very loose when we tightened them up took the bounce out when you walk up the stairs.
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2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB
2012 Ram 1500 Hemi, with full tow package
Reese 1500, 15000 hitch
and sway bars.
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07-10-2014, 03:34 PM
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#12
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 650
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mark5w
For stabilization I use the x chocks between the tires. Helps alot.
Bought the x chocks from Camping World.
For the vent I use a vent pillow.
Got the pillow at Walmart
As for the squeaking floor your dealer might be able to help you.
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I do exactly the same thing. X chocks and vent pillows. The vent pillows I use have an aluminum foil to help reflect the heat. This helps keep heat out.
__________________
Bert, Cathy, Kylie & Kaitlin
2014 SunsetTrail Reserve 32BH
2009 Silverado 3500HD LTZ 4X4 6.6L Duramax
YouTube LetsRV Instagram LetsRV_
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07-10-2014, 07:25 PM
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#13
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bert
I do exactly the same thing. X chocks and vent pillows. The vent pillows I use have an aluminum foil to help reflect the heat. This helps keep heat out.
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You have x chocks that fit your wide stance?
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Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
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07-11-2014, 04:31 AM
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#14
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 190
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim D
You have x chocks that fit your wide stance?
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Yes: X Chocks Model 28014
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~Mike & Kim~
NW Pennsylvania
2014 Rockwood Windjammer 3008W Diamond
2012 Toyota Tundra, 5.7L
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07-11-2014, 01:45 PM
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#15
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New Camper
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9
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We have the same camper 2014 ZT28BH. We have noticed the movement of the camper as well but have not addressed it as of yet. Probably will later this year.
One thing we purchased pretty much right away was a vent shade for the bedroom. This allows for the vent to be open and air to still flow through for the most part. We also have roof vent covers on all the vents which helped some as well.
We have not noticed the problem with the floor though. So that may be specific to your camper.
Ours is actually in for repairs right now having the rear axle replaced as it is bent and having some wall portions fixed as they were bowing out in the bedroom. Working with the dealer and Crossroads on the wall to see what might happen with it.
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09-16-2014, 05:51 PM
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#16
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New Camper
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: maine
Posts: 1
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Same here
Quote:
Originally Posted by aabshagen
Ours is actually in for repairs right now having the rear axle replaced as it is bent and having some wall portions fixed as they were bowing out in the bedroom. Working with the dealer and Crossroads on the wall to see what might happen with it.
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aabshagen, what was the fix for the wall bowing out? my 28BH is doing the same! I also noticed the roof separating above in the same area as the wall bowing. My dealer has yet to repair and any advice would help.
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03-29-2015, 05:23 PM
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#17
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: In
Posts: 10
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2013 28BH here and I can relate. I will share what I did and I can say I am more than pleased with the results.
1) $5.00 Yellow chocks from Walmart. After you are leveled side to side, hammer one on each of the frt of frt and rear of rear. A small, handheld sledge will help set them firm.
2) The X chocks don't spread far enough for our wide stance axles. Pick up Fastways One Step Chock. ONEstep™ Chock » Fastway Trailer Products
3) Get yourself a couple of 2"x10" boards and cut the into 18"-24" pices. Tie together 2 and 3 boards so you have 1, 2 and 3 high blocks. Use these in appropriate heights at the 4 corners. The higher you can keep the stabilizer contact point, the better.
4) Buy, or assemble a 18"-24" 10"x10", use this under your tongue.
the reason for the 18"-24" lengths is the larger footprint, the greater stabilization.
I am pretty pleased as we have 2 Collies 80 and 90 pounds, a 3 yr old, the wife, and myself and movement is definitely at a minimum. I may try slide jacks, but was told they can negatively impact slide operation if too much torque is applied to them.
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