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mazoolah · 05-01-2017, 08:48 AM

So first trip with the 25 fc fb and the atwood jack sounded terrible . Like it was clutch slipping then engaging. This is the 4000 pound rating , so should be strong enough . Made noise raising and lowering. I had read before going out that some were having trouble with the lower rated 3000 that some trailers came with . So i used my jeeps adjustable suspension To help raise and lower to avoid stressing the jack . But Didn't help . So 2 questions , anybody have similar trouble ? And did airstream supply A manual crank in 2017 models ? Couldn't find any in the box of equipment that can with the trailer . I will have it looked at by dealer at end of season for warranty work ,but its a long tow so want to keep using if possible.

George0726 · 05-01-2017, 01:18 PM

We also have a 2017 FC 25FB, picked it up last week. It comes with the 3000 lb Atwood power jack. Not the one described in the manual which states the power jack has limit switches to shut the motor off at end of travel. The Atwoods don't have limit switches; when you hear the ratcheting, grinding noise at end of travel you are advised to release the switch. Not very sophisticated, but there you have it. You should only hear the noise at end of travel. As a side note, I've ordered a Robofoot to reduce the time the jack needs to be on to do its job.
We did get a manual crank handle, it was in a box with a sewer hose & connector, an electrical outlet tester and one other item which I can't remember.

mazoolah · 05-02-2017, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the reply , airstream must have done a running change , we got a 4000 , clutch noise is thru out the range .going to go around it with grease .and see if that helps .no sign of a wrench ,i went thru the packages again ,no luck .what did they include an adapter or a crank ?

George0726 · 05-02-2017, 07:59 AM

It was the crank. I was told by the dealer it was for the jack but I didn't actually try it. I will next time I'm at the storage facility - I'll also check the rating (3K vs 4K) and post if anything not as stated.

HowieE · 05-02-2017, 09:45 AM

The crank is quite small and may be overlooked. It has 2 5 in. legs, one with a slot to mate to the jack shaft, separated by a 5 in. offset.

You might try supporting the tongue and running the jack without a load. If there is noise under that condition you have a problem.

I can't imagine a jack without limit switches. That would make no sensible design, not ever from a Bean Counter's lets make is cheaper consideration.

I would contact Atwood because the failure mode on most jacks is auto descend. Not something you want to deal with.

SeeMore · 05-02-2017, 11:08 AM

Here is a link to the Atwood power jack manual in which you can find a diagram showing the handle and it's use port.

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/...2011.21.07.pdf

Atwood jacks come with a five year warranty so you should have recourse with the manufacturer concerning your issue.

m.hony · 05-02-2017, 11:12 AM

I replaced my original Super Jack with another Super Jack.
At first it made a terrible squealing sound when raising the jack.
I called Barker and told them about this.
They told me it was because the jack was new and it would quiet down in time.
It did.
Now it sounds normal- like the old one did- like they all do- without a bunch of excess squealing.

Mollysdad · 05-02-2017, 11:13 AM

I built a box from plywood 1' square with 2" x 4" center and sides. That way, the jack doesn't have to descend very far. Just in case.

mazoolah · 05-02-2017, 04:25 PM

Ok so looking over the jack . There is a star washer Between the jack mounting flange and the frame so the mounting flange is cocked up a little . I know it is to scrape paint and create a good ground ,but I would have assumed it should be under the bolt head ,right?

m.hony · 05-02-2017, 05:03 PM

All of them have the Star washer on top of the frame.
The jack is always tilted back a little.

rmkrum · 05-02-2017, 05:05 PM

The bolt head bears on the jack flange...so a lock washer there would not help electrical connection.

If the tilt is irritating, procure and add a couple more washers in the same place as the original to make it straight...the slight air gap may help prevent hidden corrosion...

mazoolah · 05-02-2017, 05:37 PM

Ok thanks ,I am surprised by that !

George0726 · 05-02-2017, 07:00 PM

My FC25 has the 4K power jack

mazoolah · 05-04-2017, 07:20 PM

The dealer sent me a wrench , they are the best ! I'm going to put the tongue on jack stands ,and try running it up and down in the air to see if the shaft is running smoothly etc .

Mgieselman · 05-05-2017, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.hony

All of them have the Star washer on top of the frame.
The jack is always tilted back a little.

I fixed mine and maybe I shouldn't have, assumed it was tilted back because it wasn't aligned correctly during manufacturing.

So far it doesn't seemed to have caused any issue being straight up and down.

KJRitchie · 05-05-2017, 05:48 AM

After I damaged my original Barker Superjack I replaced it with another one as I was concerned with others may not clear the propane tank cover. Within a week it was making a racket. Sent it in for repair under warranty. Got it back and within a couple of months making noise on the down retract with weight. Lived with it for a year and decided to ditch Barker and got the Atwood 4k with Robofoot from eTrailer last year. So far so good and I like the Robofoot, very convenient.

Kelvin

JMynes · 05-05-2017, 06:50 AM

My 2017 27FB came with the Atwood 4000 lb jack. It was making clutch/ratchet noise from day one. Then it stopped retracting under power, but would extend just fine. It came with a hand crank and a drill adapter so I was able to retract it manually.
A call to Atwood revealed they sold their jack business to Lippert. A call to
Lippert got me a case number and a new jack, which sounds like it's supposed to, so far...

m.hony · 05-05-2017, 07:17 AM

I honestly never noticed the tilt or star washer until I replaced my Super Jack.

mazoolah · 05-05-2017, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMynes

My 2017 27FB came with the Atwood 4000 lb jack. It was making clutch/ratchet noise from day one. Then it stopped retracting under power, but would extend just fine. It came with a hand crank and a drill adapter so I was able to retract it manually.
A call to Atwood revealed they sold their jack business to Lippert. A call to
Lippert got me a case number and a new jack, which sounds like it's supposed to, so far...

Your experience has me thinking that might be the way to go , rather then put it off till the end of the season .did you work thru your dealer ir contact Atwood directly ?

JMynes · 05-06-2017, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazoolah

Your experience has me thinking that might be the way to go , rather then put it off till the end of the season .did you work thru your dealer ir contact Atwood directly ?

It was kind of convoluted.
I REALLY griped about it to Tampa RV, the selling dealer. They were coming to my house (almost 2 hr drive) to replace the rear bumper they damaged. I wanted the jack done at the same time to avoid me having to make the trip. They tap danced about a diagnosis being required, then they could order the part, etc. etc. Service manager offered to send a local mobile RV repair company to diagnose, then fix. That sounded good to me.
I called Atwood. Then Lippert. Described the symptoms, and promptly got a case number for jack replacement. Over the phone...
I called the local mobile RV repair company and provided them with the case number. They coordinated with Lippert to get the jack, then installed it when it came in.
So, yes, I called Atwood (Lippert) directly because nobody but me was going to make this Priority 1. My intent was to get the warrantee part sent to me and I would install it, but it had to go to an RV repair business. Several phone calls for updates were made, making sure I was just enough of a PITA that they wanted it over with almost as much as I did.
The bumper is done now, too, looks good! Same multiple phone call strategy.