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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper
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    Tripod under King Pin

    Hi,
    We are new to fifth wheels. I'm wondering if we need the king pin tripod for ur GD Solitude 310GK, or what it actually does. I would appreciate some opinions. What does it do? Is it more of a stabilizer or is it used for support more? Is it good to use when stored for a while?
    Thank you
    Bob
    Bob and Shirley (both recently retired)
    Ontario Canada
    2018 Solitude 310GK
    2018 Ford Diesel King Ranch F350 Short Bed
    Pull Rite Super Glide

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    We use a tripod stabilizer and find that it really works well on our smaller Reflection which does not have auto levelling. The key to making it work is to raise the landing gear slightly to really load the tripod. I am not sure how much value a tripod would be on a Solitude with 6 point auto levelling.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  3. #3
    Seasoned Camper Likes to tow's Avatar
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    I bought a tripod for our last 5th wheel and could see no change in the amount of movement we feel inside the trailer. I don't even carry it on trips anymore! The only advantage i could see to using it was that it keeps anyone from walking near the greasy king pin and getting grease on their clothes. It also prevented the grand kids from bumping their heads on the pin box assembly or getting grease in their hair. Few people use them anymore. If you want to prevent movement get some stabilizers that attach to the bottom of the landing gear and attach to the frame of the trailer.

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Likes to tow View Post
    I bought a tripod for our last 5th wheel and could see no change in the amount of movement we feel inside the trailer.
    Thought the same thing until I realized that raising the landing gear about 1/8" after putting the tripod in place, puts enough weight on the tripod to make it really effective at stabilizing the front of the trailer.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  5. #5
    Rolling Along
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    Northfield Center, Ohio
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    Quote Originally Posted by Likes to tow View Post
    I bought a tripod for our last 5th wheel and could see no change in the amount of movement we feel inside the trailer. I don't even carry it on trips anymore! The only advantage i could see to using it was that it keeps anyone from walking near the greasy king pin and getting grease on their clothes. It also prevented the grand kids from bumping their heads on the pin box assembly or getting grease in their hair. Few people use them anymore. If you want to prevent movement get some stabilizers that attach to the bottom of the landing gear and attach to the frame of the trailer.
    I feel the same way as Likes to tow. There may be some advantage if you run a washer and dryer in the front closets, which we don't do. We don't even take it with us anymore. We do use it when storing for a long time.
    Gordo Fuchs
    Northfield, Ohio 44067
    2015 305RE Moryde I/S, Electric/hydraulic disc brakes
    2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins

  6. #6
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cate&Rob View Post
    Thought the same thing until I realized that raising the landing gear about 1/8" after putting the tripod in place, puts enough weight on the tripod to make it really effective at stabilizing the front of the trailer.

    Rob
    Agree with Rob, after taking his advice about raising the landing gear just 1/8" they do make a difference.
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
    2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
    2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
    2003 F350 - retired
    Michigan
    We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
    https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/


  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Likes to tow View Post
    If you want to prevent movement get some stabilizers that attach to the bottom of the landing gear and attach to the frame of the trailer.
    I didn't care for the large diameter holes that had to be drilled in the lower flanges of the main trailer frame I beams to install the stabilizer arms that many use. Also, the aluminum tripod is about half the weight of the steel stabilizer arm system. (Weight is important to us ). There are different ways to solve the trailer motion problem . . . the tripod (set up as described) works for us without needing the landing gear stabilizer arms.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  8. #8
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    X chocks work pretty well too. Takes a lot of motion out of the tires.
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
    2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
    2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
    2003 F350 - retired
    Michigan
    We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
    https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/


  9. #9
    Rolling Along TNFSolitude's Avatar
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    We have the Solitude and 6pt leveling system, washer & dryer up front and use the tripod. We believe it helps with the vibration. I typically set it up only if we are going to be stationary for awhile and know we'll be doing laundry before moving again.
    Tom & Nancy
    Newport, MI
    369RL, #302

    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  10. #10
    Fireside Member
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    When we set up somewhere for a week or longer, I use the tri-pod, X-chocks and scissor jacks under the rear hitch assembly. It works for us.
    [/SIGPIC]

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