The JT Strong Arm Stabilizer System is designed to reduce chassis movement in travel trailers and fifth wheels. The system utilizes a triangulation method, attaching to the coach’s landing gear or jacks and frame. Installation requires specific preparation and adherence to provided instructions to ensure proper functionality and safety. The documentation emphasizes the importance of level ground and clearing jack landing locations.
System Overview and Intended Use
The JT Strong Arm system functions as a locking bracket mechanism intended to stabilize travel trailers and fifth wheels. According to the provided documentation, its primary purpose is to eliminate chassis movement. The documentation explicitly cautions against using the system for any purpose other than its intended function, as doing so may result in damage or personal injury. It is specifically designed for use with an automatic leveling system, and users must unlock the Strong Arms before retracting the jacks.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Prior to installation, several preparatory steps are required. The documentation stresses the importance of parking the trailer on solid, level ground. All jack landing locations must be cleared of debris and obstructions, including depressions in the ground. When parking on soft surfaces, the use of load distribution pads under each jack is recommended. Personnel and pets should be kept clear of the coach during operation of the leveling system. The system should not be used to lift the unit completely off the ground, as this creates an unstable and unsafe condition.
Required Tools and Materials
Installation of the JT Strong Arm system requires a specific set of tools. The documentation lists the following:
- Tape measure
- Felt-tip black marker or equivalent
- Hammer
- Center punch
- Power drill
- 5/16” drill bit (for pilot holes)
- 7/16” drill bit
- 3/8” drill bit
- Counter-sink bit (for deburring)
- 9/16” deep socket and ratchet
- 5/8” box end wrench
- 1/2” box end wrench
- 3/4” box end wrench
- Locking pliers
Installation Procedure – Key Steps
The provided documentation details several steps in the installation process. Initial steps involve measuring the distance between the front electric leveling jacks, just below the frame of the chassis. This measurement is critical for proper component placement. The documentation references securing a stiffening pad to the bottom of the main rail and tapping 5/16” holes with either a 3/8”-16 tap or a 3/8” flange. Spacer mounts are also prepared, and swing bolts are used to secure components. The inner tube of the stabilizer should extend past the outer tube by approximately 5” and tightened until resistance is felt. The stabilizer tubes should be rotated toward the center of the chassis and upward. A 3/8” - 16 x 1 1/4” swing bolt, a 3/8” washer, and a 3/8” - 16 x 1” self-tapping bolt are used in the assembly process, with grease applied to a 3/8” washer.
Component Identification
The documentation lists specific part numbers for different components within the JT Strong Arm system:
- P/N 191024: Jack Stabilizer, 5th Wheel, Short (for applications with less than 58” between front jacks)
- P/N 191023: Jack Stabilizer, 5th Wheel (for applications with 58” or more between front jacks)
Operational Notes and Safety Precautions
The documentation includes specific operational notes. It is essential to level the trailer side-to-side before operating the system. The front of the trailer should be lowered 3/4” lower than the rear. Rear jacks should be lowered and set evenly, and the T-Bolts on the rear Strong Arm Jack Stabilizers should be tightened. The documentation explicitly states that manual information should only be distributed as a complete document unless Lippert Components provides explicit consent for partial distribution. All manual information is subject to change without notice, with revised editions available for free download at lci1.com.
Warnings and Safety Information
The documentation contains several warnings regarding safe operation. Failure to adhere to these warnings may result in death or personal injury. The system is intended solely for stabilizing trailers and fifth wheels and should not be used for any other purpose. Parking the unit on solid, level ground is crucial, and jack landing locations must be free of debris. Utilizing load distribution pads on soft surfaces is recommended. Personnel and pets must be kept clear of the coach during operation. Lifting the unit completely off the ground is explicitly prohibited due to the resulting instability.
Post-Installation Considerations
The documentation does not provide detailed post-installation maintenance instructions beyond the operational notes regarding leveling and jack adjustment. However, it implies the importance of regular inspection and tightening of bolts and connections to ensure continued system functionality. The documentation also notes that the system is designed to work in conjunction with an automatic leveling system, suggesting that maintaining the proper operation of the leveling system is also critical.
Conclusion
The JT Strong Arm Stabilizer System is a locking bracket system designed to minimize chassis movement in travel trailers and fifth wheels. Proper installation requires careful preparation, the correct tools, and adherence to the provided instructions. Safety is paramount, and the documentation emphasizes the importance of level ground, clear jack landing locations, and avoiding complete lifting of the unit. Users should consult the full documentation available at lci1.com for the most up-to-date information and revisions.
Sources
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