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Whether you RV full-time or you take your big rig on vacation once a year, you should be prepared. As a matter of fact, any vehicle comes with maintenance. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the maintenance jobs, and the bigger the tools you need to tackle it. When it comes to maintenance, a lot of times you need to lift your RV to get underneath it. That means crawling under a really heavy ride. Along with that comes the need to be able to trust whatever is holding it up.
In addition to maintenance, sometimes you need RV jacks or stabilizers to keep your rig steady while you’re parked. Especially if you don’t have a self-leveling system, you need tools to help you get the RV level so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about feeling lopsided the whole time.
My Top Picks
If you don’t want to go through the entire article, we put our best RV jack stands recommendations here:
- Libra 5000lb RV Trailer Stabilizer
- Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack
- Eaz-Life RV Stabilizing Scissor Jack
There’s no escaping needing the best RV jack stands, and good ones at that. So how do you know what kind you need and whether or not you can trust that they’ll hold the weight?
Well, there are a lot of factors to consider. Size, weight, shape, load distribution, and more all factor into your decision. While some jack stands can be welded or bolted onto the body of your RV, others are electrical, and the most affordable ones are manual, requiring a bit of elbow grease.
Let’s take a look at the top picks, how to choose, and some frequently asked questions, so you’ll have a better idea of where to start.
This is our BEST affordable choice. The size of the Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack makes it the ideal candidate for all kinds of vehicles, and, it is very easy to transport anywhere you go.
1. Libra 5000lb RV Trailer Stabilizer
If you have a big recreational vehicle, this is one of the best solutions. You always want to check the jack’s lift capacity. It can hold up to 5000 pounds, so even the biggest fifth wheels only need four of these bad boys to lift the entire thing. When you get parked and you’re working on leveling the RV, you can count on something this heavy-duty to stabilize the load with no problem.
It prevents wobbling and shaking so you don’t have to worry about all of the problems you’d have from an uneven vehicle. You can avoid damage to the vehicle itself and its contents by ensuring that it’s level and that your best jack stand will support the weight for an extended period of time.
One of the best things about this model is that it has a wide base, so you can use it effectively, even on soft ground. It will remain in place and keep your trailer stable without sinking into the turf. You may also notice that they have an extended height capacity, making them more functional and versatile than other solutions.
The package includes all mounting screws and hardware, so no extra purchases are necessary. It’s quick to install and easy to use, so you’ll be able to set up camp in no time. The only drawback here is that they’re a little more pricey than other solutions but well worth the cost. You can even find them in sets of four, which gives you a great package deal.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Heavy duty
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes with mounting screws and hardware
Cons:
- Expensive
Stabilizing and leveling your RV/Trailer, the Libra 5000 Lb. Stabilizer remains steady on soft surfaces because of its wide bow-tie base. 
2. Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack
The size of these jack stands makes them ideal candidates for all kinds of vehicles. You can take them with you anywhere. Just throw them in your toolbox and you can use them for your truck, your trailer, or any other vehicle you may have. These adjust to heights of 11 to 17 inches, which isn’t as tall as other jack stands, but it’s enough for smaller campers and most vehicles. The tripod design makes them stable on soft ground and it’s an affordable set of four.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Made of cast aluminum
- An affordable set of 4
Cons:
-
- Height extension is a bit short
This is our BEST affordable choice. The size of the Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack makes it the ideal candidate for all kinds of vehicles, and, it is very easy to transport anywhere you go.
3. Eaz-Life RV Stabilizing Scissor Jack
If you’re looking for a permanent solution so you don’t have to fiddle with adjusting and readjusting every time you go camping, an option like the Eaz-Lift may be the right choice. You can weld or bolt it onto the bottom of your RV, and it will hold up to 7500 pounds.
These jack stands are weather-resistant, so you can leave them attached to the bottom of your RV all the time without having to worry about them. While they can be pricey, they’re more reasonable than a lot of jack stands to offer this type of weight rating.
They’re easy to install and use right out of the box, and once you install them, they’re easy to adjust. They expand to a height of 23.5 inches, making them some of the tallest available. If you have a tall RV, this is one of the best options out there. It’s compact, but heavy-duty, making it much easier for you to use while giving you the peace of mind you need to keep your RV and your family safe.
With a corrosion-resistant steel construction and a powder coating, you get the protection you need for the tools you love, ensuring longevity and reliability under one of your most valuable assets.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to adjust
- Can be bolted on
- Reasonable price
- Great load capacity
Cons:
- Lower load capacity than others in the category
Tooth gear design of the scissor arms ensures straight line vertical extension and retraction. Double lead, acme thread drive screw is designed so the jack raises quickly and the crank handle turns easily.
4. Lippert 298707 Electric Stabilizer Jack
Not only is the Lippert 298707 waterproof, but it comes with an electric switch kit so you don’t wear your arm out cranking. A lot of scissor jacks have a manual rotator arm, but this electronic lift allows you to push a button and watch it go.
Retracting and extending at the push of a button makes setting up and taking down your campsite easier than ever. And when it comes to having to perform maintenance on your vehicles, you can save up your energy for the actual work rather than being worn out by your jack stands first.
With the ability to bolt it onto the frame of your vehicle, you don’t have to waste time setting it up and positioning it just right. It’s a permanent fixture for your convenience. Rugged durability ensures it will last a long time, which is a great feature to have in something with a lot of moving parts.
It requires less effort and less time to use an electric jack, but it weighs a whopping 58 pounds, and it will cost you. While it’s more expensive than manual options, it’s great for stabilizing big RVs. Each leg works independently, so you can adjust accordingly and get the stability you need.
Pros:
- Reduces sag and can be used on soft ground
- Saves installation time and energy
- Waterproof switch kit
- Independent leg operation
- Convenient and easy to use
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
Built with heavy gauge steel, embossed legs, and a powder-coat finish — when it comes to durability, this power stabilizer was made to withstand the elements and perform with efficiency, day after day.
5. Husky 81080 Slide-Out Adjustable Stabilizer
If you have a large fifth wheel with multiple slide-outs, you may find that you need to stabilize more than just your frame. Stabilizing your RV slide-outs ensures maximum use of the slide-outs with the stability they need to stay in good working order. Stabilizing your slide-outs can prevent damage to the fragile mechanisms that support your slides. With the Husky 81080 stabilizer pair, you can choose between three different height options from 16 inches to 49 inches.
This adds versatility to your stabilizers because they’ll work for multiple slides and you can choose the size that you need the most. They’re weather-resistant and designed to last so you get smooth operation for a long time.No assembly required for the Husky 81080 stabilizers. Just set them up and position them conveniently. A six-inch footpad makes placement easier and prevents them from sinking on soft ground.
While you get ease of use and portability, one drawback to the Husky product is that it’s not quite as durable as some of the other slide-out stabilizers on the market. However, at the price, you can afford to buy more once yours wear out.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Attractive design
- No assembly needed
- Steel construction
- Water-resistant
- Affordable
- Wide range of heights
Cons:
- Not as durable as some
Helps prevent wear and tear, and costly slide-out frame repairs. Easy to operate, no assembly required. 
How RV Stabilizers Work
When you came here, you likely already knew what an RV stabilizer did, because you were looking for one. If you didn’t, you should have a better idea now. If you’re still confused, here’s a quick rundown of the device. RV stabilizers are made to stabilize an RV. When you park a camper, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or any other RV, you have to level and stabilize it so you can live in it. Otherwise, you’ll have a pretty rocky home on wheels.
These devices are designed to either attach to the frame permanently, so you can stabilize your RV quickly with a built-in tool, or they’re designed to be portable, so you could potentially use them to stabilize other vehicles when needed as well. Some people use leveling blocks, but depending on the slope of the ground where you’re parked, the amount of leveling that needs to be done can vary. A stabilizing jack allows you to adjust the height more freely to ensure your rig is properly leveled.
Types of RV Stabilizers
Landing gears
These mount directly to your RV. They’re quick and easy to install, but must be installed properly to the frame or they won’t be as effective or as safe as they should be. Some are manual and some are electric. They can hold up to 12,000 pounds.
Tripod jacks
These look exactly like the name sounds. They’re jacks on a tripod. They are very common. They can hold up to 600 pounds and are generally very affordable. While some models come with pads to prevent sinking, they’re usually not the best choice for soft ground because the skinny legs can sink.
Pipe-mount jacks
These types of jacks look like a long pipe or tube. They have manual cranks and can hold up to 8000 pounds. While some have to be mounted to your vehicle to work, others don’t. Installation takes a bit longer, but the functionality relies on the correct installation.
Leveling systems
A leveling system typically comes as a set and the devices work together to ensure your trailer is level. They can hold up to 5000 pounds each but are not intended to lift the RV. They’re simply intended to adjust a few inches here or there to ensure everything is level.
Electric stabilizers
Most electric stabilizers can hold up to 7000 pounds. They have a switch or a button that controls the lift, so you don’t have to crank. They’re more expensive, but they take less time and they’re a lot easier to use.
How to Choose
Choosing the correct RV jack stand is important because the stability of your RV is at stake. There are several things you can look for when trying to choose what’s best for you.
Vehicle size
Consider your vehicle’s overall weight. If you have a 20,000-pound fifth wheel, you need at least four jack stands that hold 5000 pounds each. For extra stability, you could choose something that holds a bit more.
Value
Sure, cheap products save you money upfront. But you don’t want to skimp on something that is meant to hold one of your most valuable assets. You need to consider cost carefully to make sure that what you’re getting is a good value, not just a cheap price.
Construction
Some jack stands are made from affordable materials while others have more heavy-duty construction. Some are water-resistant and others are not. Consider how your jack stands are made before making a decision.
Installation
Some mount to your RV and some don’t. Consider how the jack stand installs before buying it. Do you want to spend time and energy installing it or do you want it to be more portable? Will you need help installing it, and is it worth the extra installation cost? These are all things to think about.
Adjustment
How easy are the jack stands to adjust? If you find that midway through your vacation, your RV isn’t level anymore, can you easily fix it or do you have to start the process all over? Make sure you can easily adjust them if needed to ensure a stable RV all the time.
Frequent use
Think about how frequently you’ll use them and for which vehicles. If you’ll use your jack stands for more than just your RV, they should be portable. If you’re living in your RV full-time and you move around a lot, installing them directly on your rig might be the best bet.
FAQ’s About RV Stabilizers
If you have an RV with a built-in self-leveling kit, you probably won’t need jack stands. But any RV could need stabilizers from time to time. They help give your RV a little extra support and can keep it from rocking back and forth. If you find that without jack stands, your RV is a bit like a raft in the ocean, consider giving it a little extra stability.
Which RV jack stand is best for you will depend on how you’re using it. What works for you won’t always work for your neighbor. Regardless of the type of jack stand you choose, you can stick with a few of the more well-known brands to ensure you’re getting a good product.
Those brands include Valterra, Libra, Camco, Husky, Eaz-Lift, Lippert, Ultra-Fab, BAL, and Pacific Rim. If you know someone who has an RV, and they have a recommendation for you outside of those brands, give it a try. First-hand experience and advice are always valuable.
Many RV jack stands take just minutes to set up. Regardless of installation, once you’re ready to crank it, it doesn’t take long at all. While it depends on the type of jack, typically setting up an RV jack stand involves either a manual crank to adjust the height or a switch to do it automatically.
The RV jack stand should be positioned so that once it is lifted, it supports your RV frame. Installing your jack stand directly onto the frame ensures that it’s always there. If you have portable RV jack stands, you may need to position it as closely as you can, lift it, and reposition it accordingly as you go.
This part is a bit trickier than using them. Some bolt onto the frame and others can be welded on. If your jack stands require any installation at all, read the owner’s manual carefully. If they come with all of the mounting hardware you need and you feel comfortable doing it, you could save some money doing it yourself.
However, if you like the added convenience of having your jack stands installed on your rig but you don’t think you can do it yourself, it may be worth the cost to have a professional do it for you. Especially if it requires something you’re not familiar with, like welding, it’s best to leave it to someone who will do it right the first time.
Every jack stand is different. If you find that your RV jack stands need lubrication or repair, read the owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Amazon is always a great place to start. You can compare specs and pricing as well as ensure a quick delivery. However, if you need a more personal experience, do a quick search for trailer supply stores or RV dealers near you. They’ll have experts on hand who can help you figure out what you need.
What is the difference between jacks stands and ?
stands do not raise your RV. are used to lift your RV in certain areas to make sure it is level.
The Verdict
There you have it. RV jack stands galore. There are so many that it can be overwhelming. Keep in mind that the best RV jack stand for you will have more to do with your rig and how you’re using it than the jack stand itself.
This is our BEST affordable choice. The size of the Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jack makes it the ideal candidate for all kinds of vehicles, and, it is very easy to transport anywhere you go.
Quality jack stands come in all shapes and sizes, and my personal favorite is one that means I don’t have to work very hard. For a small rig and an affordable set, go with the Camco Olympian Aluminum Stack Jacks. For a large RV, use a combination of Libra 5000lb RV stabilizers and Husky slide-out stabilizers. Happy camping, you happy camper! And remember, home is where you park it.