Lippert JT's Strong Arm

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lippert.com 432-LIPPERT (432-547-7378) Rev. 09.29.23

JT’s Strong Arm

™

Installation and Owner’s Manual

(For Aftermarket Applications)

CCD-0001455

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................ 2

Safety ................................................... 2

Parts List ................................................ 3

Resources Required ................................... 4

Preparation ............................................. 4

Front Jack Installation ................................. 4

Side to Side Bracket Install ............................ 4

Option 1 ............................................... 5

Option 2 ............................................... 5

Option 3 ............................................... 5

Option 4 ............................................... 6

Option 5 ............................................... 6

Front to Rear Bracket Installation ...................... 7

Option 1 ............................................... 7

Option 2 ............................................... 7

Jack Clevis Assembly ................................. 8

Front to Rear Stabilizer Assembly ..................... 8

Stabilizer Tube Assembly .............................. 8

Rear Jack Installation .................................. 9

JT’s Strong Arm

Installation and

Owner’s Manual

(For Aftermarket Applications)

JT’s Strong Arm Aftermarket Kits

Part # Description

191023

Jack Stabilizer, 5th Wheel - 58” or more between

front jacks

191024

Jack Stabilizer, 5th Wheel, Short - Less than 58”

between front jacks

Side to Side Stabilizer Assembly ...................... 9

Scissor Jack Option ................................... 9

Telescoping Rear Jack Option ......................... 9

Other Chassis Options ................................. 9

C-Chanel Uninsulated Option ....................... 10

C-Chanel or Tube Insulated Option .................. 10

Apply Labels .......................................... 10

Operation ............................................. 10

Maintenance .......................................... 10

Hydraulic Jack Adapter Lugs ........................ 11

Parts List ............................................ 11

Resources Required ................................. 11

Preparation .......................................... 11

Installation ........................................... 11

Notes .................................................. 12

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Summary

Safety

General Safety Warnings

Crucial safety warnings regarding operation and potential hazards.

Ground Clearance Warning

Warning against lifting the trailer completely off the ground, creating an unstable condition.

Support Recommendations Warning

Warning to support the trailer per manufacturer's recommendations before working underneath.

Leveling System Operation Warning

Warning to unlock Strong Arms before retracting jacks with automatic leveling systems.

Front Jack Installation

Side to Side Bracket Install

Instructions for installing side-to-side stabilizer brackets based on chassis measurements and type.

Front to Rear Bracket Installation

Front to Rear Stabilizer Assembly

The JT's Strong Arm Stabilizer System is a locking bracket system designed to stabilize and eliminate chassis movement in 5th Wheel recreational vehicles. It achieves this stabilization through a triangulation system that attaches to the trailer's landing gear or jacks and frame. The system is specifically intended for 5th Wheels and should not be used for any other purpose.

Function Description

The core function of the JT's Strong Arm Stabilizer System is to reduce or eliminate the rocking and swaying motion commonly experienced in 5th Wheel trailers when parked. This is achieved by creating a rigid, triangular support structure around the trailer's existing leveling jacks. The system comprises several components, including outer and inner stabilizer tubes, swing bolts, stiffening pads, spacer mounts, and various fasteners, all working together to brace the jacks against the trailer's chassis.

The installation process involves attaching brackets to the front and rear electric leveling jacks and to the main rails or cross-members of the chassis. These brackets then serve as anchor points for the stabilizer tubes. The stabilizer tubes themselves are adjustable in length, allowing them to be extended and locked into place to form the triangular bracing.

For the front jacks, the installation varies based on the distance between the jacks and the type of cross-member (insulated with steel floor, uninsulated C-Channel, or tubular steel). Different options are provided to accommodate these variations, ensuring a secure attachment of the stiffening pads or spacer mounts to the chassis. These pads or mounts provide a robust connection point for the swing bolts, which in turn connect to the outer stabilizer tubes.

The rear jack installation also offers options depending on the type of rear jacks (scissor jacks or telescoping jacks with or without articulating foot pads) and the chassis construction (C-Channel uninsulated or C-Channel/tube insulated). Similar to the front, the goal is to securely attach the stabilizer tubes to the rear jacks and the chassis, forming additional triangular bracing.

Once installed, the system works by tightening the T-Bolts on the stabilizer tubes after the trailer has been leveled. This action extends the tubes and creates tension, effectively bracing the jacks against the chassis and preventing side-to-side and front-to-rear movement. A final step involves a slight lift of the trailer using the electric jack switch to eliminate any remaining play in the bolts and bolt holes, ensuring maximum rigidity.

Usage Features

The JT's Strong Arm Stabilizer System is designed for aftermarket applications, meaning it can be installed on existing 5th Wheel trailers. Key usage features include:

Enhanced Stability: The primary benefit is a significant reduction in trailer movement, providing a more stable and comfortable living environment when parked. This minimizes the feeling of rocking or swaying that can occur with standard leveling systems alone.
Customizable Installation: The manual provides detailed instructions for various chassis configurations and jack types, ensuring that the system can be adapted to a wide range of 5th Wheel trailers. This includes specific options for different distances between front jacks (e.g., less than 58", 58" to 66", 66" or longer) and different cross-member constructions (insulated steel floor, uninsulated C-Channel, tubular steel).
Triangulation System: The use of a triangulation system is a fundamental design feature that provides superior stability compared to simple vertical support. By creating diagonal braces, the system resists forces from multiple directions.
Adjustable Stabilizer Tubes: The stabilizer tubes are designed to be adjustable in length, allowing for precise fitting and tensioning once the trailer is leveled. This ensures optimal bracing regardless of the terrain or specific jack extension.
Swing Bolt Mechanism: The swing bolts facilitate easy engagement and disengagement of the stabilizer tubes. They can be pivoted to allow the tubes to swing to the ground for deployment and then tightened to secure the system.
Warning Labels: The system includes warning labels that must be placed in a visible location near the electric leveling jack switch. This serves as a crucial safety reminder to unlock the Strong Arms before retracting the jacks, especially when used with automatic leveling systems, to prevent damage or injury.
Hydraulic Jack Adapter Lugs (Optional): For units equipped with hydraulic jacks, an optional kit is available to adapt the system. This involves installing adapter lugs onto the footpads of the hydraulic jacks, allowing them to integrate with the stabilizer tubes. This feature extends the applicability of the Strong Arm system to a broader range of 5th Wheel trailers.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance of the JT's Strong Arm Stabilizer System is straightforward and primarily focuses on ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of its components:

Regular Cleaning: Periodically, the strong arms should be washed with water to remove any salt or debris. This prevents corrosion and keeps the components clean. After washing, they should be wiped dry with a clean cloth.
Greasing: The installation instructions emphasize applying white grease to specific moving parts, such as the shaft of the swing bolts and the flanges of the bushings during assembly, and to the swing bolt tabs. This lubrication helps ensure smooth operation and prevents wear. While not explicitly stated as a recurring maintenance task, periodic re-greasing of these points would likely contribute to continued smooth operation and corrosion protection.
T-Bolt Tightening: The T-Bolts on the stabilizer tubes are crucial for engaging the system. The operation instructions detail tightening these T-Bolts after leveling the trailer. This implies that users should regularly ensure these bolts are adequately tightened each time the system is deployed to maintain optimal stability.
Inspection: Although not explicitly listed as a maintenance feature, regular visual inspection of all components for signs of wear, damage, or loose fasteners is implicitly important for any mechanical system. This would include checking the stabilizer tubes, swing bolts, brackets, and all nuts and bolts for proper condition and tightness.
Label Integrity: The warning labels are a safety feature. Ensuring they remain clean, visible, and legible is an ongoing maintenance consideration. If a label becomes damaged or unreadable, it should be replaced.

Lippert JT's Strong Arm Specifications

General

Category	Automobile Accessories
Material	Steel
Installation	Bolt-On
Finish	Powder-Coated
Type	Stabilizer
Adjustable Height	Yes
Compatibility	Travel Trailers
Features	Reduces chassis movement and swaying