Question on power jack

[Alex]

My 1972 Ambassador has an electric type powered jack to raise the trailer tongue. In the even that this breaks or goes out, can anyone tell me how I could manually lower and raise the tongue or will I have to replace the motor?

Thanks

[53flyingcloud]

Alex

In the even that this breaks or goes out, can anyone tell me how I could manually lower and raise the tongue or will I have to replace the motor?

Depending on the make of your power jack, I understand that, if you have to cranke it manually, the top cover piece can be removed to lower or raise it manually.
Parts are available for most makes/models.

good luck~

ciao

[Pahaska]

With most jacks, you can remove the motor (may require an allen wrench) and use a ratchet with a socket to turn the shaft at the out put of the motor. be aware that you will have to turn and turn and turn since you are working through a gearset.

[overlander76]

Yes indead the owners manual talks about removing the motor from the jack by loosening the allen screw and inserting the crank handle in the tube to lower or raise the jack by hand. I don't have a crank to insert in the tube and wish I did.


Does anyone know a source for the crank handle?

Thanks
Brian

[bryanl]

Yes, an allen wrench is the usual tool to remove the motor head. Some of the power jacks provide access to the jackscrew through a port so the motor doesn't need removal.

Once you get access to the top of the jackscrew, you can use a 'Z' shaped handle designed to fit into the top and provide some leverage for turning the jackscrew.

Since most jackscrews have a slotted tube top (a tube with notches cut in each side), I find I can use a large pry bar to turn it or a big screwdriver sideways across the slot.

[jcanavera]

Alex,
Use caution if you remove the head from your power jack to manually crank. Most jacks have a resyncronization process that has to be performed prior to replacing the head. If you don't follow this procedure you will damage the head and gears. If you can verify the manufacturer of the jack you may be able to contact them (assuming they are still in business) for specific instructions and a manual crank.

I had a power jack on my SOB which had a pop open cap that allowed me to insert the crank without pulling off the power head and having to resyncronize. Wish my Airstream jacks had that feature.

Jack

[Pahaska]

Originally posted by jcanavera

I had a power jack on my SOB which had a pop open cap that allowed me to insert the crank without pulling off the power head and having to resyncronize. Wish my Airstream jacks had that feature.

Jack

My 2003 International had a jack with the pop-off cap. I never had to use it. My Classic does not have that feature; I suspect that we have the same jack.

[kposey]

My power jack quit working also. We used a car jack to jack it up and down, then bought a manual jack. It was $30 as opposed to $200. Eventually want the power jack back. It was nice!