11 Best RV Stabilizer Jacks and Levelers (Buyers Guide)

Table of Contents

What Is the Difference Between RV Leveling Jacks and RV Stabilizer Jacks?

Leveling Jacks

Leveling jacks are designed to do part of the heavy lifting with your RV or trailer by helping to do the work of getting your RV level. Leveling jacks are built to support the weight of your trailer, whether in its entirety or partially, and will raise your RV up at various points to make your RV level in all directions. 

There are two types of RV leveling jacks: tongue jacks and body jacks.

While both are designed to assist you in making your RV level on uneven surfaces, each does so with different approaches. Let’s take a look at both of those types of leveling jacks.

Tongue Jacks

Tongue jacks are found primarily on travel trailers. They are used to raise your travel trailer up off of the hitch of your tow vehicle and then raise or lower the front end of your travel trailer to help bring it to a point of being level front to back. Tongue jacks on travel trailers can be either manual or electric, operated either by a crank handle, the push of a button, or the flip of a switch.

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The load capacity will dictate that sometimes, but upgrading to an electric model such as the Lippert electric tongue jack is an upgrade that many RV owners choose to make leveling a faster and easier process for them. If you prefer the ease and simplicity of a manual crank tongue jack, there are options available for all sizes of trailers as well. 

One benefit of the crank handle style is that you can raise and lower the tongue of the trailer precisely, even down to the tiniest adjustment, which may prove more challenging with an electric model.

An electric model, however, does require significantly less physical effort to use. This is a consideration to also weigh as you choose which is right for you.

Body Jacks

Body jacks are found on many types of RVs. 5th wheels have these body jacks in the front of the RV, almost always, which helps with front to back leveling of the RV. 

Some RVs also come equipped with automatic leveling systems which are body jacks with either four jacks or six jacks that connect from the frame of the RV to the ground, allowing for the full weight of the RV to be distributed across the leveling jacks.

This allows for leveling both front to back as well as side to side of the RV utilizing the body jacks. Both travel trailers and 5th wheels can come equipped with an automatic leveling system. 

An automatic leveling system allows the RVer to adjust the RV on uneven surfaces without the need to use alternative leveling products such as leveling blocks or wood to drive up on in order to help level the RV.

Stabilizer Jacks

Stabilizer jacks are similar to leveling jacks in that they help support the RV when parked by providing contact points between the frame and the ground. However, that is where their similarities end. The primary purpose of stabilizer jacks is to keep the RV steady and stable when parked.

They are not designed to bear the weight of the RV, but to simply keep the RV from moving, tilting, or rolling. They are often four jacks or six jacks that connect the RV to the ground with a significantly lower maximum weight capacity than leveling jacks which can support the weight of the RV. 

The best RV stabilizer jacks are mounted to the frame of the RV and are operated either manually with a crank handle or automatically with the push of a button or the flip of a switch using either electric or hydraulic motors. 

Often, these are scissor jacks or angle arm jacks which fold mostly flat against the frame when not in use and extend out like scissors or arms, respectively, when they are utilized.

What Are Auto-Leveling Jacks?

Auto-leveling jacks are an RV stabilizer system that are designed to not only stabilize the RV and level it, but is programed to automatically raise and lower the RV with the push of a button at each of its leveling jack points to effortlessly bring the RV into a level position. 

This requires careful calibration of the auto-leveling system, which can be done at the factory or your RV dealer. Many RV owners find that fine-tuning this system themselves is valuable to do once they have installed any aftermarket accessories and made adjustments to their hitch and tow vehicle. 

You always want to use stabilizing pads under these auto-leveling jacks to protect your equipment as well as the ground beneath your leveling jacks.

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Since the full weight of the RV can be distributed between these four jacks or six steel jacks, the stabilizing pads help distribute that weight out and prevents the jacks from sinking into soft surfaces or soft ground. 

Some stabilizing pads sit on the ground as either large plastic or rubber pads that get stowed away when traveling. Others are permanent installations on the auto-leveling jacks made of rubber, like the RV Snap Pad.

Can I Add Auto Leveling Jacks to My Travel Trailer?

If your travel trailer does not come standardly equipped with auto leveling jacks it is possible to add them to your trailer after market. A reputable dealer or mobile RV tech can do the installation for you with a simple kit and mounting hardware. 

The EAZ Lift camper stabilizer system is an excellent option to consider for lightweight travel trailers with 13, 14 or 15 inch tires. Lippert also offers an aftermarket auto leveling jack system which is popular with many 5th wheel owners, including many of the largest 5th wheels on the road today.

These come with 4 or 6 point systems and can eliminate the need to use leveling blocks when adjusting the trailer’s level. Adding auto leveling jacks to your travel trailer is a time and labor intensive process. 

Finding a reputable service center or RV tech who is knowledgeable and capable of installing this upgrade for you is equally important in the decision whether to upgrade. Some RVers may choose to DIY this project. If you do, you can order the auto leveling kits to have shipped to you to do so,

Do All RVs Have Stabilizers?

While stabilizers are necessary for the safety of your RV when parked, not all RVs come with stabilizers installed. Most larger trailers and fifth wheels will have installed stabilizer jacks, but some small trailers may only have portable scissor jacks, depending upon the load capacity of the trailer.

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Motorhome stabilizers are also very common, but some RV owners may have removed the stabilizers on their motorhomes in order to improve clearance under their motorhome, requiring portable scissor jacks for those RVs as well. 

This is less common, but it is important to inquire if an RV you are purchasing comes equipped with stabilizers or if this is something you will have to provide on your own for your RV.

For RVs that do not have integrated stabilizer systems, choosing stabilizers that work for your rig is very important. Weight load capacity, fit, and design are all factors to consider as well as the cost. Do you want to add an installed stabilizer system or use portable stabilizers that you will store when not in use?

When Do I Need RV Stabilizers?

Stabilizers are important for an RV any time that you park and utilizing the interior of your RV. For towable RVs, such as a travel trailer and 5th wheel, extending stabilizers under your RV before unhitching from your tow vehicle is imperative. 

This prevents the RV from moving, either forward or backwards as well as falling onto your hitch or tow vehicle when unhitching. Camper stabilizers are also important to minimize some of the bounce when moving about in the RV.

They will not remove all of the bounce, but if you use multiple point RV stabilizer jacks this greatly minimizes that bounciness.

In addition to the four or six point jacks between the frame of the RV and the ground, you can also use a king pin tripod with a 5th wheel to add an additional point of contact to minimize movement of the RV. 

With both travel trailers and 5th wheels, there is an additional RV stabilizer option which is simple to install and can add another level of stability to your trailer setup: the Valterra RV stabilizer. 

The Valterra RV stabilizer is a portable, foldable stabilizer frame made of metal which can be placed either next to the stairs or at the bumper of the RV—or for best results, one in each location.

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The legs extend to fit between the frame and the ground to provide additional points of connection to the ground which minimizes bounce, sway and movement of the RV.

For all RV types, whether towable trailers or motorhomes, you also need to use stabilizers whenever you extend any slides. While leveling the RV is important when extending and retracting slides, eliminating bounce when moving the slides is equally valuable to protect the integrity of your RV. 

If the slide operates with a tooth gear design, extra movement because the RV is not stable can compromise that system, causing unnecessary strain on the gears. Using stabilizers can eliminate much of that risk.

Another simple layer of stabilization that all RV owners should utilize whenever parked is wheel chocks. These rubber, plastic, or wooden wedges that go in front and/or behind the tires of your RV to prevent rolling and minimize movement can add an additional layer of stability for your RV. 

While wheel chocks alone will not stabilize your travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome, they do add to the overall stability and provide an additional failsafe measure of protection for your rig.

How To Install RV Stabilizers?

While some stabilizers are designed to be portable and stored away when not in use, many RV stabilizers can be permanently mounted to the frame of your RV. 

Before you begin, gather all of the required materials and mounting hardware that are included with or on the recommended supply list for your specific brand and model of RV stabilizers. 

This might include mounting screws, bolts, nuts, a hex magnetic socket, or power drill or impact driver. For scissors jacks, you’ll choose either the four corners of the RV’s frame or three points on each side of the RV’s frame, equally distributed from front to back as points of attachment.

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Using the mounting screws or bolts, attach each to the frame and then extend the stabilizers to the ground and ensure that each is securely attached and firmly holding the RV in place. 

While these stabilizers are not holding the full weight capacity of the RV, they should be minimizing movement and helping prevent the RV from rolling from where it is parked.

The weight load capacity of each stabilizer leg will determine if a four point system or a six point system is required for your RV, however, the more points of connection with the ground, the more solid the stabilizer system will be. 

If it fits your RV and your budget, opting for a six-point stabilizer system will lend itself to a significantly more solid and stable base for your RV.

RV Leveling Blocks

For the many RVs that are not equipped with auto leveling systems, leveling blocks are the most common method of bringing an RV to a point of being level when on uneven ground. There are several brands on the market including Camco and Lynx leveling blocks. 

They are all designed similarly, with plastic interlocking blocks that you can securely build up in order to drive your RV up on. When adjusted to the degree of leveling that needs to take place in order to bring your RV to level, it provides a stable base to park on while leveling your RV from side to side. 

There is a maximum weight capacity for these leveling blocks.

While that is rarely an issue for travel trailers, 5th wheels or toy haulers, larger rigs such as motorhomes or buses do need to compare the maximum weight capacity of the RV leveling blocks with that of their rig in order to ensure safe use of the leveling blocks. 

Additionally, these leveling blocks work really well for one, two, or even three levels of blocks, but if you find that you need a greater number of levels in order to bring your RV to the point of being level, the stability of the stack of blocks will be compromised. 

It is likely that you will need to seek an alternative solution, including adjusting the orientation or location when you are parking the RV.

The Types Of RV Stabilizers

Scissor Stabilizers

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Scissor stabilizers are the most common stabilizers for RVs. These are sometimes portable and often frame-mounted, metal with powder coating to prevent oxidation and can be either manually adjusted with a crank handle or drill or automatically adjusted if connected to an electric or hydraulic system when permanently mounted to the RV. 

These fold up and extend out much like scissors open and close, which is how they get the name. Scissors stabilizers do much of the heavy lifting work to keep the RV stable with their four jack or six jack systems. 

These are also very affordable options for the RVer on a budget. For the stabilizers that will offer the most bang for your buck, consider adding scissor stabilizers to your RV stabilizer system.

Stand Jack Stabilizers

Stand jack stabilizers are a portable option that is great for smaller, lightweight travel trailers or utility trailers which might have limited storage space. These sets of two or four aluminum jack stands nest into one another for storage and are lightweight. 

When in use, you place one stand jack under each corner of the RV’s frame, much like a scissors jack. The difference with a stand jack is that it is always manually adjusted with a single large bolt that screws up from the stand jack to connect with the frame of the RV.

The base of the stand jack is a square, creating a solid footprint on each corner of the trailer which helps stabilize it and minimize movement. For larger trailers, these can provide additional stabilization along the sides of the frame for RVs that already have a four point stabilization system, should the owner want to add more stabilization points.

Angle Arm Stabilizers

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An angle arm stabilizer is an electric or hydraulic stabilizer that is permanently mounted to a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome. These come in pairs which are flush mounted to the frame of the RV, and extend down to make contact with the ground. The nature of the angles provides a firm base, which can significantly serve to stabilize the RV.

Most often found on travel trailers or 5th wheels which do not come equipped with auto leveling systems, these provide excellent stability for the back end of a 5th wheel which might have leveling jacks on the front end of the trailer or for the back as well as sometimes the front stabilization of travel trailers with a leveling jack on the tongue of the trailer. 

A benefit of these angle arm stabilizers is that each side can be adjusted manually to provide the best angle for connection with the ground if parked on an uneven surface, such as when you need to park on leveling blocks to bring the RV to be level from side to side.

When not in use, these angle arm stabilizers raise up to be nearly flush with the frame, making the ground clearance for these stabilizers high and of minimal concern for RVs that have drop frames or who take their trailers off-road when every inch of ground clearance matters.

Universal RV Stabilizers

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Universal RV stabilizers are an excellent option for providing additional stabilization for all RV types. There are several examples of such which work universally for travel trailers, 5th wheels, motorhomes, and even utility trailers. 

One such example is the Valterra RV Stabilizer which is similar to a manual version of the angle arm stabilizers. The legs of this frame fold out to wedge under the bumper or frame of the RV on all trailer and small motorhome types to add stability and minimize movement. 

These aluminum or steel jacks provide the option for additional stability when you need it and can store away easily for travel and when not in use.

Another universal stabilizer is called X-chocks. These stabilizers are shaped like an X and fit between the tires of the RV. You can use a special tool to adjust the chocks once they are between the tires to wedge the X-chocks between the tires. 

These heavy duty steel chocks grip the tread of the RV’s tires, minimizing sway and back and forth movement. While these X-chocks are highly adjustable, they do not work for single-axle trailers or for trailers with very little space between the tires. 

They are, however, very lightweight and store compactly, providing an extra layer of stability when needed.

Tripod Stabilizers for 5th Wheels

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For 5th wheel owners, tripod stabilizers are a popular option to increase the stability of your trailer. After unhitching from your tow vehicle, the kingpin of your 5th wheel can provide that additional point of stability when a king pin tripod is used. 

This is a larger stabilizer assembly made of steel beams which has a hitch cup assembly at the top that securely fits around the king pin hitch of the 5th wheel.

Once properly adjusted, the king pin tripod has three additional points on the ground attached to an additional connection point with the trailer to significantly increase the stability of the trailer. 

While this is not intended to replace other lines of stability through the four or six point stabilizer jacks on the frame of the trailer, it can reduce movement and bounce in the trailer similar to many of the universal stabilizer jack options.

5th Wheel Stabilizers

Another option for 5th wheel owners is to add on 5th wheel stabilizers to the front leveling jacks. Popular models include the MORryde 5th wheel cross brace landing gear stabilizers and JT Strong-arm cross brace stabilizers. 

These are both designed to secure the front landing gear to one another in a cross-pattern design, minimizing side to side sway and movement of the trailer. 

This simple design helps secure the front landing gear as well, strengthening them to not only do their job of leveling the 5th wheel trailer, but also adds stability to them as well. 

The relatively low price point of these stabilizers make them a great option for 5th wheel owners who desire the most bang for their buck when adding to their RV stabilizer system.

How Do I Decide Which Stabilizers To Use?

Size and Weight Of Your RV

While many factors play a role in which stabilizers to choose for your RV, the size and weight of your RV should be top of your list to consider. Lightweight travel trailers or utility trailers will require a very different stabilizer system than is required by a 40’+ fifth wheel or toy hauler that is 20,000 pounds when fully loaded. 

Both with require a different stabilizer system from a tag axle motorhome with a 30,000 pound or more load capacity. The right equipment for your equipment is what is most important for the safety of your family and to properly secure your equipment.

A lightweight travel trailer can easily get by with a good set of stand jacks and a crank handle tongue jack for leveling. Larger 5th wheels will require heavier steel jacks, usually a four jack or six jack system with the front landing gear being leveling jacks, while the rear two or four jacks might be angle arm or scissor jacks.

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If you have children or active pets, you might want to add an additional level of stabilization with X-chocks, Valterra RV stabilizer arms, or a king pin tripod if you have a 5th wheel. Large, heavyweight motorhomes will likely require an auto leveling system or heavy duty steel stabilizers mounted to the frame of the motorhome in order to securely and properly stabilize the rig.

Unfortunately, the simple stand jack option that is perfect for a 5,000 pound travel trailer will not work as effectively on the 20,000 pound toy hauler. Similarly, the auto leveling system that works beautifully for that 20,000 pound toy hauler fifth wheel will likely not fit at all on the 5,000 pound travel trailer. 

Size and weight absolutely do matter when choosing the system that is best for you.

Materials

The materials are also important in choosing which stabilization system is right for your RV. Smaller RVs with limited space and cargo weight capacity would quickly find themselves overloaded with heavy duty steel stabilizers, which are likely unnecessary and would often be considered overkill for small travel trailers and utility trailers. 

However, similarly, a large 5th wheel or motorhome which is relying solely on simple aluminum jack stands is probably not going to be very stable and those stand jacks could quickly find themselves compromised under the weight of a heavy toy hauler or motorhome.

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The best RV stabilizer jacks are the ones best suited for your particular RV, and that will vary from one RV to the next. This can also vary from one owner to the next. 

For the owner who will be taking their RV off-road or to the seashore where the elements are likely to be more rough on their equipment, powder coated heavy duty steel or aluminum are going to be a better choice for that owner. For the RV owner who plans to only park in RV parks with clean, level camping pads, this is less of a necessity. 

Consider your intended use when choosing the right materials for your RV stabilizer jacks.

Design

While you might not immediately think that design is a major factor to consider when choosing the best RV stabilizer jack system for your vehicle, it should be a high consideration. 

Design not only effects the look of the product, which is something to consider when it will be either permanently attached to your RV or visible whenever your RV is set up at a campsite, but it also effects ease of use. 

Ease of use will determine how effective your RV stabilizer jacks are. If the system is clunky and difficult to use, will you always use it exactly are designed every single time?

Or will you get complacent and decide that it’s “good enough”, which could compromise the safety and security of your RV stabilizers. Is a manual design simple enough and easy to use for you or would an automatic electric or hydraulic system design ensure ease of use that would lead to continued proper use over time? 

While both might be equally secure and safe to use with your RV, the best RV stabilizer jacks are the ones that you will use correctly as designed every single time.

Ease Of Installation And Use

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Relatedly, ease of installation and use is an important consideration when choosing the best RV stabilizer jacks for your RV. If installing a new stabilizer system is more effort than you are willing or able to give, and the current system is safe and effective, then the current system is probably the best RV stabilizer system for your RV. 

If you need or want to replace your RV stabilizer jacks, consider whether you will install the new system yourself or hire a professional to do so. Are parts readily available or is there a significant delay on parts?

How quickly can you schedule a shop or RV tech to do the installation, if you are hiring the work out. All of these are important to consider, because if the answer to any of these questions is too long, then perhaps choosing another system is the best option for your situation.

Ease of use is also important. Will you be able and willing to crawl under the RV each time to place the stabilizers or to adjust them? Would you prefer to push a button or flip a switch and have them automatically raise, lower, and adjust for you? 

How quickly do you need your set-up and tear-down process to be? These all play into ease of use, and the best RV stabilizers for you are the ones that you can easily and effectively use each time you set up and tear down your campsite.

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Price

The best RV stabilizers are also the ones that are at a price that works for you. Prices can vary greatly, depending on all of the factors we have discussed, so far. Smaller, lightweight stand jacks can be purchased for well under $100, as well as leveling blocks,

Valterra RV stabilizers, and even portable scissors jacks. 5th wheel stabilizers such as king pin tripods and cross braces for front leveling jacks run a little bit more at a couple hundred dollars for each system, and a full set of manual scissors jacks installed on a travel trailer are priced comparably. 

When you begin to look into automatic or electric system, the prices begin to climb. Electric tongue jacks for travel trailers run 2-3 times the price of a manual crank handle option, and electric or hydraulic stabilizer jack system for travel trailers and 5th wheels can cost over $1,000. 

If your budget allows for a several thousand dollar upgrade, auto leveling jack systems with four or six jack are the simplest to operate, but are at the highest level of investment. When considering all of the variables, does the price match what is most valuable to you when thinking about all of the options before you for your RV?

This is a decision unique to each RV owner and important to consider wisely. 

Similarly, if your budget does not allow for the stabilizer that work best for all of your needs and your RV’s specs, it’s safer to wait and save up for the RV stabilizers that you need rather than to choose something that will not work safely and effectively for your needs, unintentionally putting either yourself, your equipment, or others in danger. 

The Best RV Leveling Jacks

The best RV leveling jacks are the one which is best suited to your RV and which you will be able to operate correctly and safely each and every time. There are many options on the market and each carries with it its own pros and cons. 

The best leveling jacks are also the ones that fit your equipment and your own physical needs and abilities best. Let’s look at some of the options.

Tongue Jacks

For travel trailers, the tongue jack is the primary leveling jack on the RV. It is what raises and lowers the trailer off and on the hitch and is designed to support most of the weight of the RV on this front jack. 

Power jacks are quite popular among travel trailer owners because it can much more quickly and easily raise and lower the tongue of the trailer compared with a manual crank handle tongue jack.

Here are a few of the options available on the market today, each one varying in load capacity and features:

Lippert Power Tongue Jack

According to the Lippert website, the Power tongue jack lets you take a break from manually lowering and raising your trailer. 

Engineered with 30 amps of power, this electric jack is fully equipped with four LED lights that light up your coupler for nighttime operation, quiet and efficient helical-cut gears, a textured casing for protection against damage, a 3,500 lb. lift capacity and a powder coated finish.

Husky Brute Power Jack

The Husky Brute Power Jack is similar to the Lippert Power Tongue Jack in that it is fully electric and operates with the push of a button to raise and lower your travel trailer at the tongue. The Husky Brute Power Jack has a slightly higher lift capacity of 4,500 lb. and is designed for most travel trailers on the market today. 

Pro Series Tongue Jacks

The Pro Series are a third power tongue jack options which comes with up to a 5,000 lb. load capacity. The Pro Series Tongue Jack has the capability to raise and lower any travel trailer with ease and the push of a button.

Body Jacks

Body jacks are jacks which are designed to support the RV on the the frame or body of your RV. These can be on either travel trailers or 5th wheels and toy haulers. 

They can also be installed on motorhomes. Larger RVs are more likely to have body jacks installed from the factory or dealer because they come with a higher weight load capacity for the frame to support the weight of the body jacks when traveling down the road.

These can also be portable and not permanently installed to the frame of the trailer. There are a few different styles of body jacks. Let’s look at an example of each:

CAMCO EAZ-Lift Scissor Jack

Camco EAZ-Lift scissor jacks are some of the simplest of designs that works well on all trailers. These come in various sizes and load capacities up to 5,000 or even 7,500 lb. weight capacity. They raise and lower manually with a crank handle or power drill with a hex magnetic socket to quickly extend or retract the arms of this jack.

Camco A Frame Screw Jacks

Camco A Frame screw jacks are another basic design which is made of lightweight aluminum, square-base frames that secure to the frame with a screw bolt design. 

The square base adds stability to your trailer and the lightweight, stacking jacks nest easily for storage when the RV is not parked. These screw jacks work well for lightweight travel trailers and utility trailers with lower end weight ratings.

Ground Control Drop Down Jacks

Ground Control drop down jacks are one of the most complex lack systems, but also the simplest to use. These automatic leveling jacks are permanently affixed to the frame of the RV and raise or lower with the touch of a button. 

As auto leveling jacks, they are also designed to support the weight of the RV and the system is designed to support a load capacity of up to 5,000 pounds per leg. These leveling jacks have large RV stabilizer pads at their base to evenly distribute the weight across a broader base, making these a great choice for even the largest of 5th wheels and toy haulers. 

The Best RV Stabilizer Jacks

The best RV stabilizer jacks, much like the best RV leveling jacks, are the ones that are easy for you to use safely and effectively each and every time. 

Depending upon your mobility needs, whether you travel alone, with a partner, or a family, and how frequently you set up and tear down your camping equipment, there are a variety of RV stabilizer jacks which can be classified as the best, depending upon the RV and the owner. 

Let’s look at some of the options available for RV stabilizer jacks:

Scissor Jacks

Scissor jacks are a good option for all types of trailers. They can be permanently mounted to the frame of the RV or can be portable and tucked in a storage bay when not in use. These are relatively simple to operate with either a crank handle or a power drill with a hex magnetic socket to quickly extend or retract the jack to stabilize the RV.

For trailers with a lower ground clearance, the portable option provides the benefit of not hanging too low to the ground when not in use. If ground clearance is not a concern for your trailer, permanently mounting scissor jacks to your RV’s frame can significantly streamline the process of engaging them when you park your RV.

Be sure to also check the weight load capacity of your RV to ensure that permanently mounting them does not add too much weight to your RV when traveling down the highway.

Lippert Electric Stabilizers

Lippert Ground Control electric stabilizers are another great option for a permanent installation. Often, these will come installed from the factory, but a reputable dealer or RV tech can also install these on your trailer. Angle arm stabilizers are one popular option of Lippert electric stabilizers.

With the push of a button these can raise or lower and each side can adjust independently to provide secure bracing between your trailer’s frame and the ground below. While not designed to support the weight of your RV, they can slightly lift up on the frame to make for more solid stabilization. 

Your travel trailer might come equipped with two sets—one in the front of the frame and a second in the back. This can provide a very stable base for travel trailers of all sizes.

Camco King Pin Stabilizer

Fifth wheel owners often find that a king pin stabilizer is an ideal addition to their RV stabilizer system. The Camco king pin stabilizer is a larger stabilizer assembly made of steel beams which has a hitch cup assembly at the top that securely fits around the king pin hitch of the 5th wheel. 

Once properly adjusted, the king pin tripod has three additional points on the ground attached to an additional point of connection with the trailer to significantly increase the stability of the trailer.

While this is not intended to replace other lines of stability through the four or six point stabilizer jacks on the frame of the trailer, it can reduce movement and bounce in the trailer similarly to many of the universal stabilizer jack options. 

The Camco king pin stabilizer folds up easily to fit in a storage bay when not in use. Most owners find that they use the king pin stabilizer most of the time because it significantly improves the overall stability of their rig.

Dumble Slide Out Stabilizers

Perhaps the most controversial of all stabilizers is the Dumble slide out stabilizers. These slide out supports are individual jacks that are designed to support the slide out bracing and help stabilize the slide outs of your trailer. 

When securely and properly engaged, these slide out stabilizers eliminate bounce and movement in the slide out, which for RVers with children or active pets can be quite significant.

However, the controversy here lies in how supporting the slide out affects the frame of the trailer. Some argue that by supporting the slide out with an aftermarket slide out stabilizer this transfers the impact of movement to the frame of the trailer. 

While little evidence supports this in practice, it is important to consider that with every change that is made in the engineering of an RV, it does affect other aspects of the design.

If you are eliminating bounce in the slide outs with slide out stabilizers, it is equally important to support the frame in other areas so that the movement is not simply shifted back to the frame.

Drop Down Jack Stabilizers

Drop down jack stabilizers are a relatively open collection of stabilizer types. 

These are jacks which are permanently affixed to the frame of the trailer and fold up or raise up either manually or automatically when the RV is in motion. Then when the RV is parked they drop down either manually or automatically to provide an impact point with the ground to stabilize the RV. 

Some examples of this are angle arm jacks, often found on travel trailers or fifth wheels, and telescoping stabilizer jack legs.

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One benefit of these are the ease of use. They are permanently installed, making even manual drop down jack stabilizers quick to employ when you park your RV. 

Upgrading from manual to automatic is something that a service center or RV tech can easily do, and there are also kits that the DIYer can pick up to do on their own, should they feel up to the challenge. 

Level and Stabilize Your RV Like a Pro

With all of the options available, no matter what your RV, your budget, or your needs, there is equipment available on the market today that will enable you to level and stabilize your RV like a pro. 

If you prefer keeping it simple, and simple to you means doing it all with the touch of a button, you can certainly do exactly that. If simple to your means less buttons to push and doing each piece manually, there are options for that for you as well. 

After considering all of the ways that you can level and stabilize your RV, which system is the right one for you?