Travel trailer parked on a gravel campsite with black scissor stabilizer jacks lowered onto stable ground

Best RV Stabilizer Jacks: 3 Picks for Travel Trailers

Compare Lippert, BAL, and portable RVGUARD stabilizer jacks by mounting fit, extension range, folded clearance, and safe use.

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For most travel trailers replacing tired factory stabilizers, the Lippert 285326 24-inch scissor jack pair is the straightforward choice: two frame-mounted steel jacks, a crank handle, and a documented 4-1/4-inch folded height. Choose the BAL 24002D if smoother manual cranking matters more, or RVGUARD’s four-pack of aluminum stack jacks when you need removable supports and have suitable frame clearance. None of these products is a substitute for equipment designed to lift or level an RV.

Our picks at a glance

Best straightforward replacement

Lippert 285326, 24-inch pair

Best match for owners replacing two conventional bolt-on scissor stabilizers, provided the frame attachment and clearance work.

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Best for frequent manual operation

BAL 24002D, 24-inch Deluxe pair

The Deluxe’s manufacturer-documented roller-bearing assembly differentiates it from BAL’s more basic washer construction.

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Best removable option for low frames

RVGUARD aluminum stack jacks, four-pack

No permanent scissor-jack installation, but the 11-to-17-inch adjustment range rules out many taller setups.

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The deciding measurement is not your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating. It is the distance from an approved stabilizing contact point to firm ground after the trailer is already level, plus the space available for the jack when it is retracted for travel. Check those measurements before using any of the Amazon links below.

RV stabilizer jack comparison

These options represent different installation and use cases. The capacities shown are manufacturer-stated support figures, not permission to raise a trailer, change a tire, or transfer its axle weight onto the jacks.

Model Construction and range Why choose it Main limitation Amazon
Lippert 285326 Steel scissor pair; 4-1/4-inch retracted, 24-inch extended; 5,000 lb stated capacity per jack Documented bolt-on/weld-on replacement kit with handle and bolts Crank mechanism is conventional; 24-inch reach may be too short for a high frame Check availability
BAL 24002D Deluxe Steel scissor pair; approximately 4-to-24-inch range; 7,500 lb stated static capacity per jack Deluxe roller-bearing drive and included crank Manufacturer cautions against uncontrolled power-tool operation Check availability
RVGUARD 6,000 lb stack jacks Cast-aluminum removable four-pack; 11-to-17-inch adjustment Useful where removable contact points are preferred and the frame sits low enough No permanent mounting; too short for many frame heights, not lifting stands Check availability
Frame-mounted replacementLippert 285326

Range
4-1/4 to 24 inches
Key advantage
Two-jack kit with crank
Watch out
Check mounting and ground reach

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Frequent manual useBAL 24002D Deluxe

Range
About 4 to 24 inches
Key advantage
Roller-bearing drive
Watch out
Power tools require proper clutch control

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Removable and compactRVGUARD stack jacks

Range
11 to 17 inches
Key advantage
Four portable stands
Watch out
Needs a suitable safe contact point

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Specifications describe the named models, not every product bearing a similar retail title. Check the manufacturer’s current instructions and the exact model identifier before ordering.

The best stabilizer jacks by use case

Best conventional replacement

Lippert 285326 manual scissor jack kit

A predictable starting point when you need two new 24-inch frame-mounted stabilizers, not an entirely different stabilization system.

PackageTwo scissor jacks, crank, mounting bolts
Retracted / extended4-1/4 / 24 inches
Rated support5,000 lb per jack, manufacturer stated
MountingDocumented bolt-on or weld-on application
Why it belongs here: Lippert identifies part 285326 as a two-jack kit rather than a single replacement leg. Its documented collapsed height makes under-trailer clearance easier to assess before purchase.

Replacing a damaged original scissor jack often becomes complicated because two products that both extend to 24 inches can have different folded dimensions, bolt-hole patterns, and included parts. Lippert publishes those details for this model family, which makes the fit check more concrete than relying on an undifferentiated “universal” listing.

This is the sensible choice if the existing trailer uses manual scissor supports and the frame has compatible attachment locations. It is not automatically a direct bolt-in replacement for every factory jack. Inspect the frame and compare the actual mounting points; the manufacturer of your trailer controls whether and where modifications are permitted.

Choose it if

  • You are replacing a worn pair of conventional steel scissor stabilizers.
  • A 4-1/4-inch folded package clears the road and underbody components.
  • You want the handle and hardware included in the named two-pack.

Skip it if

  • Your intended ground contact is beyond the usable reach of a 24-inch jack.
  • Your RV lacks approved frame mounting locations or needs a special OEM replacement.
  • You expect powered deployment or the ability to lift the trailer.

View Lippert 285326 on Amazon

Best for regular hand-crank use

BAL 24002D Deluxe scissor jack pair

Choose the BAL Deluxe when the drive mechanism matters to you. Its roller-bearing assembly is a documented mechanical difference, not a claimed lab-proven reduction in effort.

PackageTwo jacks with manual crank
Adjustment rangeApproximately 4 to 24 inches
Rated support7,500 lb static per jack, manufacturer stated
MechanismDeluxe roller-bearing assembly
What separates it from the Lippert: BAL distinguishes its Classic washer-based screw mechanism from the Deluxe’s roller bearing. That is a more meaningful buying distinction than ranking the jacks solely by their advertised capacity.

BAL also specifies double-lead acme threading and an included handle. For an owner who still prefers a hand crank at every campsite, this is a plausible upgrade worth considering. The manufacturer does not supply independent, directly comparable effort measurements against Lippert, so it would be misleading to claim a specific percentage of time or force saved.

Important listing detail: BAL’s own product documentation identifies model 24002D as the Deluxe set, while an Amazon title has also described 24002D as “Classic.” Use the part number and supplied components to confirm the exact variant rather than trusting that adjective. If the listing photos, packaging or specifications do not resolve the discrepancy, ask the seller before purchase.

Do not assume that a higher static rating makes the jack suitable for lifting. BAL warns that uncontrolled cordless-drill or impact use can damage its scissor jacks. Use the manufacturer-approved manual handle or the explicitly permitted clutch-controlled method and never drive the mechanism against resistance.

Choose it if

  • You extend and retract manual stabilizers frequently.
  • You want the Deluxe bearing design and a two-jack package with a handle.
  • Its folded and extended geometry suits your verified mounting points.

Skip it if

  • You cannot verify that the sold kit is truly BAL 24002D Deluxe.
  • You need remote or electric stabilization rather than a hand-operated jack.
  • You plan to use an impact driver or lift trailer weight with the jack.

View BAL 24002D on Amazon

Best removable low-clearance option

RVGUARD 6,000 lb aluminum stack jacks, four-pack

A different solution for compatible campers where portability matters and a suitable contact point is within the short adjustment range.

PackageFour removable aluminum stack jacks
Adjustment range11 to 17 inches
Claimed maximum support6,000 lb per jack; not a lifting rating
InstallationNo permanent scissor-jack attachment
The deciding limitation: These do not fold flat beneath the RV. They are separate screw-adjusted stands, and 17 inches of maximum reach may be too little once the trailer is level and standing on uneven terrain.

The square-base, nestable aluminum design is useful when you need to store your supports between trips or avoid adding permanently mounted arms. RVGUARD’s product description expressly says these stands are for stabilization and must not be used to raise the RV. The four-pack does not mean you can put them under arbitrary sheet metal, plumbing, a slide-out or an unapproved frame component.

Check actual frame-to-ground clearance and the manufacturer’s approved contact areas. On soft soil, a stable appropriate pad or board may improve the footing, but it does not turn unsuitable ground into a safe support surface. Do not improvise stacks of loose materials to compensate for a jack that is too short.

Choose it if

  • You have a lower frame with an approved contact point inside its working range.
  • You want four portable supports without permanent installation.
  • You have room to carry and store separate stands.

Skip it if

  • Your measured clearance exceeds 17 inches or varies widely by campsite.
  • You need a fixed deploy-and-go jack permanently attached to the chassis.
  • You are looking for stands to lift the trailer, change a tire or support people working below it.

View RVGUARD stack jacks on Amazon

How to choose the right jacks before ordering

Measure both deployed reach and travel clearance

With the RV properly parked and leveled using its intended equipment, measure from each approved jack attachment or contact location to the ground. Repeat for the positions you intend to support. If you camp on irregular terrain, add a realistic margin for surface differences rather than assuming every site matches your driveway. The maximum extension printed on a scissor jack is not a promise of optimal stiffness at full extension.

For permanently mounted jacks, also measure the space available when retracted. A nominally low-profile jack still needs room for its housing, crank access and footplate. Check for nearby tanks, wiring, pipes, steps, suspension travel and departure-angle exposure. On a fifth wheel or motorhome, confirm that a product intended for a travel trailer is compatible with the actual manufacturer’s stabilization system and frame.

Match the mounting method, not just the weight rating

A 5,000 lb or 7,500 lb static-capacity label describes a tested or declared support condition for that product. It is not the trailer’s payload capacity and should never be used as a reason to lift the frame. If a failed factory unit is welded or bolted to a designated bracket, match the original footprint and manufacturer-approved attachment method. Frame drilling or welding can affect critical structures; use the RV and chassis manufacturer’s instructions or a qualified RV technician when mounting is uncertain.

Decide whether your problem is vertical bounce or lateral sway

Corner jacks primarily reduce movement at the supported corners. If the trailer still rocks when someone crosses the floor, check whether all feet have appropriate ground contact and whether the footing is firm. If the movement is mainly fore-aft tire or suspension motion, different stabilization equipment may be required. Tightening scissor jacks harder is not a substitute for diagnosing where the movement originates.

Do not chase absolute zero motion by lifting the corners. Overextending or overloading a stabilizer can damage the jack or trailer and can distort how doors or slides fit. Chock the wheels, finish leveling first, and follow the exact jack maker’s contact-pressure and adjustment directions.

Three mistakes that lead to disappointing replacements

  1. Buying four jacks because the total capacity looks impressive. The combined numbers on a product page do not establish load-sharing or authorize lifting a camper. Buy for correct geometry and approved frame placement.
  2. Ordering a full set when only one factory part differs. Confirm the part number, the number of jacks in the package, the crank and hardware, and whether an OEM cross-brace or specialized mounting bracket is involved. Some listings sell one jack, others two, and portable stands often come as four.
  3. Using a drill until the corner moves upward. Fast extension can disguise increasing resistance. BAL specifically cautions against uncontrolled power-tool operation. Use the exact model’s approved operating method and stop at the specified stabilizing contact.

For most owners, a measured and correctly installed ordinary scissor jack will be a better purchase than an impressive capacity figure on a mismatched product. If you cannot establish a safe mounting position, resolve that first rather than experimenting under the trailer.

How these picks were researched

This is a documentation-based buying guide, not a hands-on product test. The comparison uses named manufacturer product pages and instructions for geometry, package contents, drive design and usage limits, then matches those exact models to Amazon.com US listings. We also reviewed published RV buying guides and owner questions to identify recurring confusion about stabilizing versus lifting, operating with power tools, and matching frame height.

We did not rank jacks by unsupported wobble-reduction percentages, promise universal installation, or assume a high stated load rating means better real-world stability. Product titles and offers can change. Verify the exact model, included hardware and current availability when selecting a listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can RV stabilizer jacks be used to level a travel trailer?

Do not use these stabilizers to lift or level the trailer. First level it with equipment approved for that job and keep the wheels properly supported and chocked. Only then deploy the stabilizers according to the specific product and trailer instructions. A large static capacity does not change the intended use.

Should scissor stabilizer jacks be extended all the way?

Not as a goal. Choose a jack whose working range accommodates your actual frame-to-ground measurement, then extend it only to the maker’s specified stabilizing contact. Operating near the maximum reach can leave little adjustment margin, and excessive tightening is not a remedy for movement in the tires or suspension.

Do I need two stabilizer jacks or four?

That depends on the RV’s original design and approved stabilizing positions, not a universal rule. Lippert 285326 and BAL 24002D are two-jack kits, while the RVGUARD option includes four removable stands. Replacing only a worn pair may be appropriate, but do not add new support points or modify the frame without the RV manufacturer’s guidance.

Are aluminum stack jacks better than permanently mounted scissor jacks?

They are better only for a specific setup. Portable stack jacks avoid permanent mounting and can store separately, but RVGUARD’s 11-to-17-inch range limits where they can reach. Frame-mounted scissor jacks travel with the RV and generally offer a broader extension range. Measure the contact height before choosing either design.