Leaving your RV parked in one place for a long time can take a toll on your tires.
While you should always have tire covers to reduce damage from UV exposure, the weight of your RV sitting on one part of your tires for too long isn’t a good thing either.
That’s why the right RV stabilizer is a great way to reduce wear and tear on your tires.
And these travel trailer stabilizers are also great for leveling your RV if you don’t always have a perfectly flat spot to park it.
Some RV appliances won’t function unless your rig is level, so these stabilizers are absolutely necessary for the functionality of your rig as well.
They’ll also reduce the degree to which your rig will rock or sway back and forth while you’re moving around inside.
If you’re in the market for a new RV stabilizer for your travel trailer or fifth wheel, your initial searches have probably turned up quite a few options.
But we’re glad you’re here today because we’ve done the research for you to compile this list of six exceptional RV stabilizer choices for you to choose from!
From there, we’ve also compiled a comprehensive Buying Guide that will give you a better understanding of all the features and specifications you’ll need to be familiar with in order to more accurately compare different RV stabilizer models.
So let’s start with our reviews!
6 Best RV Stabilizer For Travel Trailers And 5th Wheels In 2023
The six RV stabilizer options we’ve chosen are all great choices. But you should pay close attention to what we liked and didn’t like about each one.
This will give you a better idea of which particular model is the best RV stabilizer system suited for your rig and how you specifically intend to use it!
Here are our top 6 picks for the best RV stabilizer for you to prevent lateral and vertical movement of your travel trailers and fifth-wheel camper:
1. Best Overall RV Stabilizer: Weize Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks for RV Trailer
This set of four Weize Scissor Jacks is our choice for the best overall RV stabilizer because it has a high weight capacity and a ton of versatility to be adjusted to your desired height.
It can be set from 4 inches up to 24 inches high and can hold a maximum of 5000 pounds.
The base of these stabilizers offers a wider, bowtie-style design that helps to keep them stable on softer ground.
It also uses a tooth gear design that ensures straight-line extension and retraction of the stabilizer arms.
This set of four stabilizers also comes with a crank handle that’s easy to turn when you need to extend or retract the arms.
These stabilizers can either be mounted or welded on to the frame of your RV, but you will need to purchase bolts, fasteners, or other requisite hardware in order to install them.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
2. Best Electric Stabilizer: Lippert 298707 Waterproof Electric RV Stabilizer Jack
If you want an electric travel trailer stabilizer that makes it super easy to stabilizer your RV with the touch of a button, the Lippert 298707 Electric Stabilizer Jack Kit is an excellent choice.
This stabilizer mounts to the frame of your rig and includes a waterproof switch that allows you to set the stabilizer arms in place without manual cranking.
It works on uneven terrain because the two arms actually operate independently.
This gives the stabilizer more versatility to keep your rig level on a variety of parking surfaces.
It also provides a total lift up to 30 inches and has a total weight capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The Lippert Electric Stabilizer comes with four nuts and bolts, a breaker, the switch and harness, and the stabilizer assembly.
So you’ll have pretty much everything you need to install it out-of-the-box, but it will require a more complicated installation than some other stabilizers because of the added electrical wiring that you’ll need to set up to make it work.
But it’s hard to argue against a stabilizer that’s made of heavy-gauge steel and finished with a powder coating to give it added durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
So even though it’s a little more pricey than some other models, you’ll know you’re getting a high-quality stabilizer with this product.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
3. Best Budget-Friendly: Camco 44561 Olympian Aluminum Stabilizer for RV
If you need an RV stabilizer but don’t have the largest budget to add one to your camping arsenal, the two-pack of Camco 44561 Olympian Aluminum Stack Jacks is the most budget-friendly option on our list.
You’ll need to use leveling blocks or a heavy-duty RV jack to raise your rig to level before installing these stabilizers, but they’re super easy to use and each one is rated to support up to 6,000 pounds.
The stabilizers are made of cast aluminum and can be adjusted from the lowest height of 11 inches up to its maximum height of 17 inches.
They also weigh just over four pounds each, so they’re really lightweight and easy to move around as needed.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
4. Best Tripod Stabilizer: Eaz-Lift Camco King Pin Tripod 5th Wheel Stabilizer
If you’re looking for a tripod stabilizer for a 5th wheel, the Eaz Lift Camco King Pin Tripod is one of the best options out there.
It’s specifically designed for use with 5th wheels and it’s rated to support up to 5,000 pounds.
The height of this stabilizer can be adjusted from 38.5 inches up to 50 inches to give you a great ability to stabilize your rig according to your personal preferences.
You’ll need to move the three legs of this stabilizer for larger location adjustment, but it also includes a screw lever for micro-adjustments once you mostly have it in place.
This 5th wheel stabilizer does weigh a total of 27 pounds, which makes it slightly heavier than many of the options out there.
But the good news is that you shouldn’t have to move it far if you easily collapse and store it in the back of your truck until you need to disconnect your 5th wheel.
To set this stabilizer in place, you’ll need to first park and level your 5th wheel.
Then you can place the stabilizer under the kingpin and rotate the tripod so that one leg is pointing directly toward the front of the trailer.
From there, you’ll need to make minor adjustments and connect the hitch cup on the stabilizer to the kingpin on your 5th wheel.
Tighten it down and it’s good-to-go, but you can also add a padlock to this stabilizer for added security if you desire.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
5. Best For No-Tool Installation: Valterra 020106 toolless Stabilizer For RV
If you want an RV stabilizer that doesn’t require any tools for a complete installation, the Valterra 020106 Stabilizer makes it easy to set and remove your stabilizer with just your hands.
This stabilizer will fit frames from 14 inches to 28 inches high and it has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds.
The best-case scenario for this stabilizer is actually to use two of them at the front and rear of your rig.
This will give you added stability and reduce both front-to-back and side-to-side movement.
One of the great parts of this stabilizer is that it’s very simple to set up. You easily fold it out and set it under the frame of your rig in your preferred location.
Then you’ll just need to use the central ratchet tensioner to tighten the strap and lock in place solidly.
Once its in place, you’ll feel a noticeable reduction in rattling, bouncing, and swaying when you step into your rig.
And when you’re ready to get on the move again, this stabilizer comes with its own storage bag so you can keep it clean and organized neatly under (or inside) your rig.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
6. Best Universal Stabilizer: BAL 23225 Jacks with Handle Universal RV Stabilizer
If you’re looking for a great universal stabilizer to permanently mount underneath your RV, travel trailer, or 5th wheel, the BAL 23225 set of two “C” Jacks is one of the best sets of universal stabilizers out there.
These stabilizers are rated to hold a maximum of 4,000 pounds and the legs on them measure a total of 25 inches in length.
But because the design of these stabilizers puts the leg at an angle, they’re compatible with frames from 18 to 21 inches high.
They extend super quickly and the legs include an integrated foot at the bottom that helps to guarantee a secure setup.
These feet also reduce the likelihood of sinking or slipping if you’re setting them on softer ground.
You will need a crank handle to adjust these stabilizers once they’re down, but the entire package includes one, along with the two stabilizers, mounting hardware, and a complete set of instructions.
These stabilizers should be attached to the frame of your rig where the cross member meets up with the mainframe member.
The mounting holes on the stabilizers themselves are 5.25 inches apart and all components include a black, electro-coated finish for added rust-resistance.
Things We Like
Things We Don’t Like
Features To Consider When Choosing The Best RV Stabilizer Jack
So now you have six great options at your fingertips! But how the heck do you continue to narrow it down because (in all likelihood!) you really only need to choose one at the end of the day. Well, that’s precisely what we’re going to discuss in this RV stabilizer buying guide!
The Types of RV Stabilizers
There are actually many different designs when you’re looking through RV stabilizers.
But here are four of the most common types and a little more about how they work (as well as some pros and cons of each!).
Scissor Stabilizers
This type of stabilizer is usually set between the tires of your RV in order to provide great stability and reduce bouncing when you’re getting in and out of your rig.
This is one of the most versatile types of stabilizers because they can be installed on almost any type of RV or travel trailer.
These stabilizers use a crank handle to be raised or lowered. They are relatively easy to assemble and are best for side-to-side stabilization.
The only downside of this type of stabilizer is that it can be a little more difficult to set in place because of where they should be set underneath your RV.
This simply winds up requiring a little more time than the setup process for some other types of stabilizers.
Steady Fast Stabilizers
Steady fast stabilizers are popular for 5th wheels and travel trailers because they have a very simple installation process.
In fact, they might be the easiest type of stabilizer to install and some of them can be put in place in about 45 seconds.
They can also be permanently installed on your travel trailer or 5th wheel so that it’s quicker and easier to set them in place when you get to a new destination.
But these stabilizers are also great at reducing bounce and side-to-side movement.
They’re also versatile enough to be installed on many different types of 5th wheels and travel trailers.
Because of their ease of installation and superior performance, these stabilizers do tend to cost more than some of the competition.
That being said, their higher quality makes them worth that added cost, in our opinion.
Universal RV Stabilizers
Universal RV stabilizers are a great choice because (true to their name!) they’ll work universally with RVs, travel trailers, and 5th wheels.
They provide great ability to reduce both bouncing and side-to-side movement and they’re also very easy to mount.
Some RVs will actually come with universal stabilizers already installed, so you should be sure to check if your rig already has these in place.
And if it does, you’ll definitely want to choose another set of universal stabilizers for a compatible replacement.
The only downside of this type of stabilizer is that they don’t have the highest weight capacity when compared to other models.
This can make them an inappropriate choice for larger RVs that are packed full of heavy gear or camping supplies.
Tripod Stabilizers for 5th wheels
Tripod stabilizers are mostly used for 5th wheels and they do a good job reducing side-to-side movements and bouncing.
They aren’t, however, as reliable when it comes to reducing back-and-forth movements and some designs have an unfortunate history of not holding up as long as other types of stabilizers.
They are pretty easy to install and available at a very reasonable cost when compared to the other types.
They also have the advantage of not requiring any additional tools to complete the installation.
Size and wight Of Your RV
The size of your rig will play a large role in the type of stabilizers you should choose. And when we talk about size, we’re talking about both the weight and the length of your vehicle.
For starters, you’ll need to make sure that the weight of your rig isn’t going to exceed the maximum weight capacity for your stabilizers.
But this can be a little tricky because most of these stabilizers aren’t designed to support the entire weight of your RV, travel trailer, or 5th wheel.
As a general rule, you can expect the weight of your rig to be spread out over the total number of stabilizers you install underneath.
This means that you won’t be asking each individual stabilizer to handle the pressure of your rig’s complete weight.
If you’re using them on a travel trailer, for example, some of the weight should also remain on the tongue arm once your trailer is set up.
And additionally, you should never raise your rig so much that all of the tires are completely off the ground.
If you have to do this in order to get your rig level, we’d recommend using leveling blocks or finding a different place to park.
But when you consider your vehicle’s size, length also comes into play.
Longer rigs are more susceptible to bounce and sway, whether it’s from your movement in and out or from heavy wind or other environmental forces.
This is why longer rigs will need more stabilizers if you really want to prevent sway and bounce.
For rigs upwards of 30 feet, we recommend having at least four stabilizers to do the job effectively.
Materials
The best RV stabilizers use high-quality materials. Stainless steel, heavy-gauge steel, and other metals are among the most durable materials that are used in the construction of RV stabilizers because they can support the heavier weights that these products are meant for.
You’ll find some of the lower-priced stabilizers made of materials like cast aluminum.
This can be fine for smaller RVs, camper vans, and travel trailers, but they won’t support nearly as much weight or maintain their strength over the long haul as well as steel or other heavier gauge metals.
And we always recommend looking for a stabilizer that has some form of powder-coated finish that provides added corrosion-resistance.
This is especially important if you’ll have your stabilizers set up for long periods of time, or you live in an area close to a salty body of water.
Design
In terms of design, you’ll notice that there’s quite a bit of variety amongst the products we reviewed above.
This includes tripods, trapezoids, triangles, and other shapes that are meant to support the weight of your RV.
There are pros and cons of all of these design shapes, but one thing you should always look for is some sort of wider base or foot.
When you see a wider base on a stabilizer, it’s clear that the manufacturer has considered how well the stabilizer will perform when the ground underneath it is wet or soft.
And another factor that’s common to stabilizers with a useful design is that they don’t require the use of any other tools or hardware to do their job.
Because not all of these stabilizers are cheap, they should be able to do their job effectively without requiring you to purchase additional tools or hardware.
If you’re really questioning the design of a specific stabilizer, the best thing you can do is to read through the user reviews (good and bad) for the product.
If a certain design doesn’t hold its weight (pun fully intended!), it’ll become obvious really quickly when you’re reading through what previous owners have said about it.
Ease of Installation and Use
When we talk about ease of installation and use, there’s really a trade-off that needs to be made.
Stabilizers that are easier to use over the long haul tend to require a more complicated installation process upfront.
On the flip side, stabilizers that are super easy to install tend to require that same installation process over and over again every time you want to stabilize your rig.
So you’ll need to consider how often you’ll be using your stabilizers and whether long-term convenience or short-term ease are more important to you.
The easiest designs to use require permanent mounting to the frame of your RV.
As you can imagine, this requires more effort and energy during the installation process.
But once the stabilizers are installed, you’ll simply need to flip them down and crank them to your desired height when you reach a new destination.
Stabilizers that don’t require permanent installation to the frame of your rig are easier to install the first time around because you’ll simply need to set them up under your RV and adjust them to your desired height.
But, over time, this leads to a lot of crawling around underneath your RV and micro-adjusting to make sure the weight of your RV is sitting securely on the stabilizers.
So this choice is largely going to come down to your personal preference.
Do you want something that requires more initial labor but will only take seconds to set up once that initial install is done?
Or do you prefer something that doesn’t require a permanent installation but will necessitate more crawling around under your rig over the long haul?
Price
The range of prices that you’ll find for these RV stabilizers is actually fairly large. You’ll find budget-friendly models that will barely cost you more than a single bill with Andrew Jackson’s face on it.
But on the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find high-end models that will set you back almost five bills displaying Benjamin Franklin’s image.
If you really want a quality stabilizer that’s going to last for years and have enough capacity to truly hold your rig in place, you can expect to spend somewhere between $80 and $150.
So, Which Is the best RV stabilizer?
The Weize Scissor Jacks are our choice for the best overall RV stabilizer because they can be permanently mounted on the frame of your rig so that setting them up is quick and easy every time you get to camp.
They adjust with an easy-to-turn crank handle and have a total weight capacity of 5000 pounds. You also get four of them, which gives you a more stable setup with less bounce or sway every time.
But if you’re in need of stabilizers that can be adjusted with the touch of a button, we recommend checking out the Lippert 298707 Electric Stabilizer Jack Kit.
This stabilizer also gets permanently installed on the frame of your rig, but it includes an electronic switch that allows you to put the legs down without cranking a handle or crawling under your RV.
Plus, each leg can adjust individually so that it’s easier to stabilize your rig on uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
So now we need to address any remaining elephants in the room! Before you click away and hit the ‘Buy Now’ button on your favorite RV stabilizer from our list, take some time to read through some of the most frequently asked questions about RV stabilizers and their use.
When do I need RV stabilizers?
RV stabilizers should be used whenever your campsite (or parking space) isn’t level or includes rocky, uneven terrain.
You’ll first need to use leveling blocks to level your rig, but then you should install stabilizers to prevent both side-to-side and back-and-forth sway.
If you ever store your RV in one place for a long period of time or live in it permanently parked in one location, you should also use RV stabilizers.
This will not only minimize sway as you move in and out of the RV, but it will also reduce the amount of weight sitting on your tires and, ultimately, extend the life of your tires as a result.
How to install RV stabilizers?
The exact process of installing an RV stabilizer will depend on the design of the stabilizer that you choose.
It should be relatively obvious that a tripod stabilizer is going to require a different installation process than a set of scissor jacks.
That being said, we can provide some basic tips and processes that should be followed no matter which type of stabilizer you choose.
For starters, your stabilizer should never be used to lift the weight of your RV.
If you need to raise your rig in order to make it level, you’ll need to use leveling blocks or a heavy-duty RV jack.
And it can actually be a good idea to raise your rig slightly more than it needs to be so that it can settle slightly onto your stabilizers once you remove the jack.
Once you have your stabilizers set in a place where you want them, they should secure to the frame of your RV using bolts or some sort of hardware.
This reduces the likelihood of your RV falling off the stabilizers, but the exact method that a stabilizer uses to secure to your rig will depend on the model you choose.
What’s the difference between a ‘stabilizer’ and a ‘jack’?
You probably noticed that some of the products we mentioned in our reviews are labeled as jacks instead of stabilizers.
In general, a jack is used to raise part of your rig so that it’s more level. Stabilizers are then put in place to keep your rig in place and eliminate bounce or sway once it’s there.
You’ll need to be careful about using a product that’s truly a stabilizer to ‘jack up’ your rig.
While some of these products are durable enough to hold the weight of your RV once it’s already raised to level, they aren’t always strong enough to actually lift the weight of your rig.
What maintenance is required for an RV stabilizer?
The maintenance required for an RV stabilizer will largely depend on the type of stabilizer that you choose.
Some designs will need to be lubricated regularly to ensure that the hydraulics inside of them continue to function properly.
But if this is really only the case with a stabilizer that includes any sort of hydraulic mechanism.
If you do find yourself with one of the stabilizers, the best way to maintain it properly is to follow the recommended maintenance instructions in the product’s manual.
But if you have a stabilizer with less moving parts, very little maintenance will be required over the life of the product.
What’s the difference between RV stabilizers and leveling blocks?
While they are somewhat similar, RV stabilizers and leveling blocks have different functions. Leveling blocks will help you level your camper so that your essential appliances keep functioning properly. Stabilizers, on the other hand, help to reduce sway when you’re moving around in your RV but they are not built to lift the entire weight of your rig.
As such, these two items should be used together in order to level and stabilize your rig.
You’ll be able to get your RV level using blocks and then you can insert stabilizers under the frame to keep it level and reduce sway if you’re going to be in one place for a while.
So ultimately, you’ll need both leveling blocks and RV stabilizers to effectively set up your rig for long-term use.
Conclusion
If your rig doesn’t come with fancy hydraulic jacks that operate with the simple touch of a button, these stabilizers are the best way to keep the weight of your RV off the tires.
This is especially important if you live in your rig in one place full-time or you leave it parked for long stretches while you’re not using it.
Otherwise, your tires are unnecessarily taking too much stress and they’ll wear out before you even get to use them to take your RV somewhere epic.
We hope you’ve found the information and reviews we’ve provided here useful and we want to wish you the best of luck selecting your next set of RV stabilizers!