Just a few Question?

bob_4050

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Mar 13, 2025
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1
I own a 2023 imagine 26RB.my first question is on the stabilizer jack, one of them wind down by there self after i crank up. need to replace or is there a way to tighten.
2. Is it ok to but slide out before jacks are down,I heard its better to be down then slide out.when my wife and i arrive at campy wife is inside, i do outside seem to be easier when slide out then put jacks down after leveled.
 
I own a 2023 imagine 26RB.my first question is on the stabilizer jack, one of them wind down by there self after i crank up. need to replace or is there a way to tighten.
2. Is it ok to but slide out before jacks are down,I heard its better to be down then slide out.when my wife and i arrive at campy wife is inside, i do outside seem to be easier when slide out then put jacks down after leveled.
I NEVER stabilize before I operate slides. The owners manual says that but frankly in most cases they don’t know squat

I ensure the trailer is level side to side via blocks or preferably digging down the high side wheels

Unhook, level with front jack and then deploy slide. After this I then lower the stabilizers

My thought is when they installed the slide and operated it in the factory the stabilizers definitely were not down so why would you do this afterwards?

Auto leveling systems and the famous people that bring out those impact drivers for the stabilizers likely always twist the body somewhat
Just a theory of why the slides fail
 
Once the stab is completely raised, give it just a bit more to bind it slightly. It won’t come down till you move it.
I’ve always leveled and then opened the slides. That’s what the manuals suggest and I haven’t had any issues.
Rich
 
I own a 2023 imagine 26RB.my first question is on the stabilizer jack, one of them wind down by there self after i crank up. need to replace or is there a way to tighten.
2. Is it ok to but slide out before jacks are down,I heard its better to be down then slide out.when my wife and i arrive at campy wife is inside, i do outside seem to be easier when slide out then put jacks down after leveled.
I recommend leveling the coach before opening the slides. When you level the coach you are going to twist the frame and introduce stress as you level it, you don't want to transmit those stresses into the slides. The slides are fragile enough and introducing twists and additional stresses will not help their longevity.
 
I recommend leveling the coach before opening the slides. When you level the coach you are going to twist the frame and introduce stress as you level it, you don't want to transmit those stresses into the slides. The slides are fragile enough and introducing twists and additional stresses will not help their longevity.
Stabilizers are not meant to level. There will be zero twist of the frame if you level the tires on boards or dig the high side down

Stabs are meant to touch the ground not level
I have said this before many times that this twisting does indeed happen with people with impact guns and auto leveling systems

Then they deploy the slides and they bind and fail

Auto leveling imo is the worst thing ever
 
For my 2017 model, there was a flurry of issues with the stabilizers not staying up. GD at the time actually paid to have all of mine replaced with a different brand. Shop around, and you'll see that none of them are very expensive. If under warranty, try a claim with GD. If out of warranty, go with one that has a higher weight capacity than the current, as it will be a bit more rugged, and therefore hopefully not be as prone to the issue. Mine have been perfect in the 7 years since - except for that one that I mangled even though it was in the full up position, at a camp site in the Land Between The Lakes....
 
Why is it ‘the worst thing ever’? It’s doing the same thing you are except without the boards and digging down the high side.
It isn’t at all doing what I do

The boards are the biggest factor

Using the suspension to level the trailer with boards instead of 4 corner points of the jacks which will twist the frame.
 
It isn’t at all doing what I do

The boards are the biggest factor

Using the suspension to level the trailer with boards instead of 4 corner points of the jacks which will twist the frame.
Auto leveling systems are bi-axial. They only level front to rear and side to side, which keeps the chassis level and square.
They Do Not level diagonally, which would twist the chassis.
My 35ft fifth wheel had 6 point auto leveling. Never had an issue with the 3 slides. Also, my Class C and 3 Class A motor homes all had 4 point auto leveling. No slide issues whatsoever.
Unfortunately, it’s cost prohibitive to add to our current trailer.
Rich
 
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I recommend leveling the coach before opening the slides. When you level the coach you are going to twist the frame and introduce stress as you level it, you don't want to transmit those stresses into the slides. The slides are fragile enough and introducing twists and additional stresses will not help their longevity.
Leveling the coach should not introduce any stress to the chassis, if it’s done correctly.
Rich
 
Auto leveling systems are bi-axial. They only level front to rear and side to side, which keeps the chassis level and square.
They Do Not level diagonally, which would twist the chassis.
My 35ft fifth wheel had 6 point auto leveling. Never had an issue with the 3 slides. Also, my Class C and 3 Class A motor homes all had 4 point auto leveling. No slide issues whatsoever.
Unfortunately, it’s cost prohibitive to add to our current trailer.
Rich
Except we are talking lightweight Imagine and Reflection trailers

Not Solitudes, Momentum and definitely not full framed motor homes
 
Doesn’t matter. The principle is still the same. If it’s a factory option, the frame will be braced for it.
Rich
Well since Lippert sells ground control to be installed on any imagine or any trailer for that matter I don’t believe Lippert “braces” anything because of auto leveling systems

Have a great day
 
Well since Lippert sells ground control to be installed on any imagine or any trailer for that matter I don’t believe Lippert “braces” anything because of auto leveling systems

Have a great day
Notice I said “factory option”. Not every day add on. 🙄
Rich
 
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