I just though I would communicate my installation experience.  Over all, it went very well. However, I had to study the instructions for some clarification.

The one thing that stands out the most. I would recommend indicating that it is necessary to install the strong arm with the scissor jack in the up position. I could not find that key step any where in the instructions, but concluded that was necessary, because of the position the measurement of the strong arm inner tube had to be 1" out of the outer before installation. That would not seem necessary to mention, but could save someone some extra time. Honest, I did not figure that out the hard way.  The second suggestion would be to have a drawing of the not so obvious parts next to the part number and description. 

The rear strong arms I had to go to a panel a bit higher because there is no cross member.  I am going to try this and if necessary, I will install a cross member at a later date. There is plenty of room for one. However, I am pinched for time. I have a 2005 Jayco Eagle 294SS. What would you think a cross member would cost me? I could probably get away with just a 1/8" - 2" - 8' length of angle iron.

The actual labor time was roughly 2 and 1/2 hours. I did spend time the evening before reviewing the instruction thoroughly. I also did some pre-assembly in the house, where it was a bit warmer.
I will let you know how the system works after my family's trip to go see Mickey in Orlando.

Kind Regards, Tom

Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006
Subject: installation experience
 
Lou,

I did forget one thing. On one of the outer tubes I had to run the bolt all the way through and then file the bur, if you will, on the inside of the outer tube in order for the inner tube to slide in.

Kind Regards, Tom

Subject: Install Feedback

Hello Tom:

I appreciate the feed back.  It's always good to have a fresh perspective / look at the instructions, we know that they are pretty intense, but we tried to cover all of the possible scenarios that one may encounter during install. 

Regarding your cross member and your current install.  Was the panel that you installed to heavy gauge sheet metal?  Did you use the stiffener pads included in the kit and sandwich the panel between two of those pads to "beef up" your connection point?

Wherever you attached, needs to be absolutely rigid with no flexing whatsoever.  Otherwise you'll not be able to remove all of the movement and you may be faced with metal fatigue at that point of connection.

The best thing to use for a cross member is 2" x 3" rectangular tubing.  I've found that a 6' length of that will cost about $40.  You can have the metal supply place cut the ends on a 45 degree angle just like the zinc plated spacer mounts in the kit and then use self tapping bolts to mount it to the chassis just as you would the spacer mounts.  If you do use angle iron, be sure to use 3/16" or heavier so that you do not have any flexing...tubing is best though.

We have addressed the parts ID problem and in our latest version have drawings of those parts...sorry we missed yours!   What is your impression of the quality of the parts / product over all?

I wasn't quite sure what you meant about de-burring the outer tube.  Please explain more.

I'm anxious to hear how it goes for you while you're camping. Thanks for the great feed back and congrats on the install.

We appreciate your business!

Lou

Subject: Re: Install Feedback

Tom:

Thanks for the feed back, this is good stuff.  You're right about over torqueing the lock nuts.  There is a position that is not so tight that the arm will move, yet tight enough to hold everything together.  That is the place you want to be with those.  Never had one come off nor for that matter a T-handle back-out and get lost, and we've got about 3 years of travel time on our rig.  Sounds like you may need to go with the cross member to ensure that you get the most efficiency from the system.  Keep me posted and thanks for the info.  Travel safe.

Lou

Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2006
Subject: installation experience

Lou,
 
My impression is that the quality is there. Good heavy gauge parts and Nylock nuts. I am a little concerned one is going to work its way off while going down the express way because you don't want to over torque the Nylock nuts on the swing bolts. I am sure your team took that into consideration on your choice of nuts.
 
Cross member - No I could not put a stiffening pad on. There was not an enough access room. I will have to look into the 2”x 3” tube when I come back, as you suggested. I did use the spacer mount with the self taping bolts.  I am not sure of the gauge of the metal, it was not a very heavy gauge.  So, Based on you comment of fatigued metal, a cross member is probably a good idea.  De-burring - The threaded spud had to be tapped out, if you will, with the T-Bolt. And because of that there some excess metal protruding past the threaded spud into the inside of the outer tube.  Have a nice day and best regard,

Tom

Subject: Re: Install Feedback

Lou,

We are back from our trip and enjoyed the Strong Arm Stabilizer system completely. The normal movement noticed while sleeping was not noticed at all when the children rolled over in the middle of the night, and the day use was noticeable improvement as well. The system worked very well and we did not lose any T-bolts or other hardware in our 2500 mile round trip. Thanks for a great product and my neighbor may be contacting you for system for his new Jayco as well.

Best Regards, Tom