8 Essential Stabilizing Solutions for Park Model RVs With High Entries

Imagine stepping out of your high-entry park model RV only to feel the entire structure sway beneath your feet. This unsettling bounce is a common headache for destination trailers, which sit much higher off the ground than standard travel trailers. Fortunately, transforming your elevated retreat into a rock-solid home is entirely achievable with the right combination of stabilizing gear.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

The Unique Challenge of High-Entry Park Model RVs

Park model RVs are designed for long-term placement, often featuring residential-style sliding doors and high chassis clearances that require three to four entry steps. This elevated design creates a massive air gap beneath the rig, which acts as a giant lever arm. Every footstep inside, or even a gust of wind outside, gets amplified into noticeable structural movement if the foundation is not properly secured.

Standard RV stabilizers are frequently overextended in these setups, which severely compromises their structural integrity. When a scissor jack or telescoping leg is extended near its maximum limit, its lateral holding capacity drops dramatically. To eliminate that annoying “trailer wiggle,” you must address multiple points of vulnerability: the steps, the frame, the tires, and the leveling jacks themselves.

Entry Steps – Lippert SolidStep Quad Series

High-entry park models demand an entry system that anchors directly to the earth rather than hanging suspended from the RV frame. Traditional pull-out steps bounce underfoot, transferring energy directly into the chassis and causing the entire living space to shake whenever someone enters or exits. A ground-contact step system eliminates this springboard effect entirely, providing a solid transition from the ground to your elevated threshold.

The Lippert SolidStep Quad Series is the premier choice for high-clearance entries because it features four wide, slip-resistant aluminum steps and adjustable steel feet that adapt to uneven terrain. Its extra-wide top step creates a seamless transition zone right at the doorway, preventing awkward missteps. The unit folds cleanly into the doorframe for travel, keeping road grime away from your interior.

• Weight capacity: 400 lbs
• Compatible entry heights: 35″ to 44″
• Step width: 24″ or 30″ models

Before purchasing, measure your door width from inside flange to inside flange and verify the ground-to-sill height, as this quad-step is designed for entry heights between 35 and 44 inches. Ensure you have at least 36 inches of clear swing space outside the door to deploy the steps safely. This setup is perfect for permanent or semi-permanent park models, but it is not the right choice for rigs with tight campsite clearances or ultra-narrow patio setups.

Step Stabilizer – Stromberg Carlson Jack-In-The-Box

Even high-quality pull-out or folding steps suffer from lateral sway and downward sag over time, which strains the RV’s subfloor and door frame. A dedicated step stabilizer sits directly beneath the bottom step, absorbing the impact of foot traffic before it can flex the step mechanism. This simple intervention dramatically extends the lifespan of your entry system and stops the rig from rocking.

The Stromberg Carlson Jack-In-The-Box step stabilizer offers a simple, brute-force solution with its massive 10,000-pound load capacity and heavy-duty steel construction. Sold as a pair, these screw-jack stabilizers adjust from 8.25 to 14 inches to snugly fit under almost any step configuration. The wide base plates prevent sinking into soft dirt, while the top U-shaped bracket securely cradles the step frame.

• Load rating: 10,000 lbs per pair
• Adjustable height range: 8.25″ to 14″
• Material: Heavy-duty steel with powder-coat finish

Keep in mind that these stabilizers require manual adjustment via a spin-handle, meaning you must bend down to set them up. They are best suited for RVers who park their rigs for extended seasons and want a set-it-and-forget-it stabilization point. It is not the right choice for travelers who hop from site to site daily and demand rapid, push-button setups.

Scissor Jack – BAL 24028 Deluxe Leveling Jack

Scissor jacks are the workhorses of RV stabilization, bridging the gap between the chassis frame and the ground. On high-entry park models, standard 20-inch jacks are simply too short, forcing you to stack precarious towers of wood or plastic blocks underneath them. High-extension scissor jacks provide the necessary reach without compromising structural rigidity.

The BAL 24028 Deluxe Leveling Jack boasts a class-leading 30-inch extension and a 7,500-pound load capacity per jack, making it ideal for tall park models. Engineered with heavy-gauge steel and coated in a rust-resistant finish, these jacks feature a patented tooth-gear design that ensures straight vertical lifting without side-to-side drift. The wide frame-mounting plates distribute the load evenly across the trailer frame, reducing localized stress.

• Maximum extension: 30 inches
• Load capacity: 7,500 lbs per jack
• Mounting footprint: Large outer flange for maximum frame support

Because these jacks have a long 30-inch reach, they hang slightly lower when fully retracted compared to shorter models. Ensure your rig has adequate ground clearance behind the wheels to prevent scraping during transit. This product is an essential upgrade for permanent park model owners who need dependable, heavy-duty frame support at all four corners of their elevated rig.

Jack Pad – RV SnapPad Xtra Leveling Jack Pads

Metal jack feet have a small footprint that easily sinks into grass, gravel, or warm asphalt, throwing your carefully leveled RV out of alignment. Jack pads expand this footprint, distributing the weight over a much larger surface area to prevent sinking and sliding. Additionally, they shield your metal jacks from ground moisture, preventing premature rust and corrosion.

The RV SnapPad Xtra Leveling Jack Pads are made from ultra-durable, recycled tire rubber and are designed to snap permanently onto your existing jack feet. Once installed, they never need to be removed, eliminating the muddy chore of placing loose plastic pads every time you park. The heavy rubber construction naturally dampens vibrations inside the RV while providing an incredibly high-friction grip on slick concrete pads.

• Material: 100% recycled tire rubber
• Compatible landing gear: 9-inch round metal feet
• Weight added: Approx. 4.8 lbs per pad

Sizing is critical here: these pads are specifically designed for 9-inch round landing feet commonly found on fifth wheels and heavy park models. Check your existing jack brand and foot diameter before buying, as a loose fit will result in the pad falling off during transit. These pads are an absolute must-have for anyone parking on gravel or grass, though they are an unnecessary luxury if your rig never leaves a poured concrete pad.

Wheel Stabilizer – BAL X-Chock Tire Locking Clutch

Even when your frame is jacked up, tandem axle tires can roll micro-distances back and forth as people move inside the coach. This “chucking” motion is highly noticeable in long park models, creating a constant, subtle sway that feels like structural instability. Standard wheel chocks merely stop the trailer from rolling away; they do not lock the wheels in place to prevent this internal movement.

The BAL X-Chock Tire Locking Clutch works by applying opposing outward force directly to both tires of a tandem axle setup. This locking action completely immobilizes the wheels, turning your suspension into a rigid, non-moving foundation. The X-Chock collapses down to 1.375 inches and extends up to 10 inches, allowing it to fit into highly compact tire clearances.

• Expansion range: 1.375″ to 10″
• Mechanism: Patented scissor action with opposing force
• Accessories included: Plated ratchet wrench

Avoid using these chocks as parking brakes on steep inclines; they are strictly designed for stabilization after the rig is leveled. Always remove them before pulling your slides in or hitching up, as driving over them can damage your tires or axle alignment. They are an essential addition for any tandem-axle park model, but they are useless on single-axle destination trailers.

How to Assess Your Park Site Soil and Foundation

A solid stabilization setup is only as good as the dirt beneath it. Before deploying a single jack or block, you must evaluate your site’s soil composition and moisture levels. Sandy or clay-heavy soils shift dramatically under load, especially after heavy rains, which can cause your park model to settle unevenly over time.

Look for low spots where water pools, as saturated soil loses up to 80% of its load-bearing capacity. If you are setting up on raw dirt or gravel, clear away any loose topsoil or organic debris until you hit compacted earth. For long-term setups, laying down a bed of crushed gravel or installing concrete pavers under your jack points provides a stable, drainable foundation that prevents sinking.

Regularly check your site during seasonal transitions. Spring thaws and heavy autumn rains are notorious for softening soil, requiring you to re-torque your jacks and re-level the rig. Ignoring soil conditions guarantees that even the best stabilizing hardware will eventually fail to keep your home steady.

Stabilizer Bar – Lippert JT’s Strong Arm Kit

Vertical jacks do an excellent job of supporting weight, but they are vulnerable to lateral and longitudinal shear forces. When you walk across your living room, the momentum pushes the RV side-to-side, causing the tall jacks to flex slightly. Stabilizer bars solve this by creating a rigid triangle between the RV frame and the landing gear, eliminating sway entirely.

The Lippert JT’s Strong Arm Kit utilizes a patented triangulation system that bolts directly to your existing scissor or landing jacks. Once the jacks are extended, you simply tighten the heavy-duty T-bolts to lock the telescoping steel inner tubes in place. This solidifies the entire suspension system, making the RV feel as stable as a traditional house on a concrete foundation.

• Design: Triangulation system (one-time bolt-on installation)
• Compatible jack types: Round landing gear, square jacks, scissor jacks
• Inclusions: Two front stabilizer bars, two rear stabilizer bars

This kit requires a one-time bolt-on installation that involves minor drilling into your RV frame, so keep a solid set of tools handy. It is compatible with most round landing gear, square jacks, and scissor jacks, but you must ensure you purchase the correct kit length for your specific frame width. This system is perfect for full-time park model residents who want to eliminate 100% of frame sway, though it may be overkill for casual weekenders.

Leveling Blocks – Camco Heavy Duty Block Set

To keep your jacks from overextending—which, as noted, dramatically reduces their strength—you need to bring the ground closer to the jack. Leveling blocks act as modular spacers, allowing you to build a wide, interlocking platform under your stabilizers. This keeps your jacks operating in their sweet spot where they are strongest and most rigid.

The Camco Heavy Duty Block Set features an interlocking grid design made of UV-stabilized, high-density polymer that can withstand immense pressure without cracking. This 10-pack set’s customizable stack height lets you easily level wheels or support jacks on highly uneven terrain. Their bright yellow color ensures they remain highly visible, preventing accidental trip hazards around your high-entry doors.

• Quantity: 10 interlocking blocks per pack
• Material: UV-stabilized heavy-duty polymer
• Compatible uses: Under wheels, tongue jacks, stabilizer pads, and scissor jacks

Never stack these blocks higher than four inches for wheel leveling, and always ensure the base block has full contact with flat ground. Over time, mud and gravel can pack into the hollow undersides, so a quick rinse before packing them into their included zippered storage bag is highly recommended. These are an indispensable, budget-friendly tool for every RVer, regardless of how often you move.

Frame Jack – Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack Stand

Long park model RVs often suffer from “mid-frame sag,” where the space between the front landing gear and the rear stabilizers bounces under foot traffic. Standard corner jacks cannot address this central instability. Placing auxiliary frame jacks directly under the main chassis rails near the slide-outs or entry door creates an extra point of contact that stops this localized bouncing.

The Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack Stand is a lightweight, rust-free solution that supports up to 6,000 pounds per stand. Sold in packs of four, these cast aluminum stands adjust easily from 11 to 17 inches via a heavy-duty threaded steel rod. Their compact footprint makes them easy to position in tight spaces beneath your plumbing or slide-out mechanisms.

• Load rating: 6,000 lbs per stand
• Adjustable height range: 11″ to 17″
• Material: Cast aluminum base with steel threaded rod

Keep in mind that these are stabilizing stands, not lifting jacks; you must use your rig’s main tongue jack or leveling system to lift the RV before placing and snugging these stands. They are best suited for semi-permanent installations where you want to relieve pressure on your tires and suspension during the off-season. They are ill-suited for quick overnight stops due to the manual setup required for all four corners.

Sizing Your Stabilization Gear for Maximum Safety

Choosing stabilization gear is not a “one size fits all” endeavor, especially with heavy, high-clearance park models. You must start by checking your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the federal certification label. Ensure that your combined jack and stabilizer capacities exceed this rating by at least 20% to account for dynamic loads like moving slide-outs, wind shear, and water tank weight.

Height calculation is equally critical to prevent overextension. Measure the distance from your RV frame to the ground at your level park site, then select jacks that can reach this height while remaining within their optimal working range. If your frame height is 24 inches, a jack with a 30-inch maximum reach is ideal, whereas a 24-inch jack would be pushed to its absolute structural limit.

When in doubt, prioritize wider bases and heavier weight ratings. A broader footprint reduces the localized pressure on the soil, while higher-rated gear provides a safety buffer that prevents structural failure under unexpected loads. Investing in oversized gear is a cheap insurance policy for your mobile home’s structural integrity.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term RV Stability

Stabilizing gear is constantly exposed to the elements, making regular maintenance essential to prevent rust, binding, and mechanical failure. At least twice a year, thoroughly clean the threaded rods of your scissor jacks and frame stands with a stiff brush to remove road grime, salt, and dirt. Apply a dry silicone lubricant rather than wet grease, as grease attracts abrasive dust that can grind down the threads.

Regularly inspect all mounting bolts, welds, and pivot points for signs of stress, hairline cracks, or loose hardware. High-entry rigs exert tremendous leverage on their attachment points, making loose bolts a common source of mysterious chassis sway. If you notice any bent brackets or stripped threads, replace the components immediately rather than trying to bend them back into shape.

Finally, perform a monthly “re-snug” of all manual jacks and stabilizer bars, especially after heavy rains or seismic shifts. Ground settling is a natural process that slowly robs your jacks of their holding power. Spending five minutes walking around your rig with a socket wrench ensures your park model remains rock-solid year-round.

Conclusion

Elevating your park model RV doesn’t have to mean living with a constant, seasick sway. By combining ground-contact steps, robust frame jacks, and smart triangulation stabilizers, you can turn a bouncy trailer into a rigid, comfortable home. Invest in quality stabilizing gear today and finally enjoy the rock-solid foundation your alternative living lifestyle deserves.