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KJRitchie · 08-15-2015, 04:48 PM

I had to replace the original Barker Superjack last winter with the same jack purchased via Vintage Trailer Supply. The unit I got had a bad noise when retracting with weight. I had Barker replace it. This one seem to be OK but now rattles like crazy when retracting with weight. The rattle seems to be coming from the head area, almost like there is stripped teeth in gear. It doesn't make this noise if the trailer is jacked up high and starts to come down but as soon as the trailer is just above level position the rattling starts. Jacking up is the normal humming/whining noise.

Does everyones jack make the same noise coming down as going up?

Kelvin

AWCHIEF · 08-15-2015, 05:46 PM

Mine does that also. I was going to call Barker when I get home from this trip.

KJRitchie · 08-17-2015, 08:43 AM

I may call Barker too. When I was having an issue with my original replacement they suggested putting differential oil in the top of the jack shaft. It's supposed to have seeped down into the tube but after a week the oil was still in the tube. Maybe it was too cold last November to allow this. I ended up sending it back and they replaced it. This one seemed OK but after a few months of use this rattle appeared.

The only reason I got the Superjack again because I was afraid the newer models or other brands head casing wouldn't clear the top of the propane tank cover.

I noticed in one of the 2016 AS models on the Colonial website a different shaped tongue jack that doesn't look like a Barker product. I think its an Atwood jack.

Kelvin

AWCHIEF · 08-18-2015, 04:51 AM

Got home yesterday and the jack was clanking away when removing from TV and leveling. Calling today.

Skater · 08-18-2015, 06:15 AM

Mine started doing that, too, a while back. It winds perfectly smoothly on the way up, so I know it's not a stripped gear (and I pulled the top off and checked and greased it, and the gears look perfect inside the head). It only does it as I'm lowering the tongue.

I can't figure out what it would be. My theory was that the head isn't engaging correctly with the jack post, and it slips, but I haven't pulled the head off to check that theory. It doesn't explain why it only happens going down, though.

Can't wait to hear what Barker says...

HowieE · 08-18-2015, 06:39 AM

I think the mystery of the jack is in the post not the head. There is a locking mechanize with some form of rollers in the post. I have had a couple fail. Then tend to make noise at first and eventually will just Auto Lower.

dznf0g · 08-18-2015, 06:42 AM

The only time I have experienced any noises is if the top cover is loose....at all. Since 2 gears have their shaft bushings in the top cover, a lot of force is applied to the cover, especially during lifting the back of the TV for spring bar removal. This also causes "apple coring" of the fiber gear.

From time to time, I have found loose or missing screws. Tighten/replace and all is good.

Skater · 08-18-2015, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

The only time I have experienced any noises is if the top cover is loose....at all. Since 2 gears have their shaft bushings in the top cover, a lot of force is applied to the cover, especially during lifting the back of the TV for spring bar removal. This also causes "apple coring" of the fiber gear.

From time to time, I have found loose or missing screws. Tighten/replace and all is good.

Interesting. I'll double check mine, but since I had it apart looking for problems, I'm pretty sure this isn't the issue. Also, when I checked the fiber gear, it appeared to be fine, no wear at all (I had to replace it and the jack post a couple years ago), and mine's been doing this thing for quite some time now.

HowieE - when you say "auto lower" do you mean the front of the trailer starts sinking under the weight of the tongue?

crispyboy · 08-18-2015, 07:05 AM

I would also make sure there is some grease on the gear and the bushing in the cover of the jack. I have also allowed gear oil to seep down the post from inside the jack head and has seemed to help some of the noise.

KJRitchie · 08-18-2015, 07:44 AM

Looks like Airstream has shifted from Barker to Atwood for jacks looking at the last few 2016's Colonial showing on their list. I looked up Atwood it is appears to be the Premier 4000lb unit. Hooks up the same way as the Barker with a single hot wire and the base providing ground.

Ultra-Fab states on their website their Ultra 4000 has more cycles before failure than other brands of electric tongue jacks. Looking at their document their cycle rate before failure is 10 times higher than the closest competitor. I downloaded their PDF catalog and in it they show the AT 4000 had very low cycle numbers before failure. However there are mixed reviews on the internet.

Kelvin

**GCinSC2** · 08-18-2015, 09:35 AM

Good luck of course. When my jack failed I bought a Husky 4500# IIRC. It uses a ball screw for extending. Installed it and have had zero issues. If it needs manual override it's all external you don't remove the head. Only drawback I had to reconfigure the flag holder.

AWCHIEF · 08-18-2015, 10:39 AM

Thankfully they are easy to swap out. Three bolts and one wire. All easy to get too.

Skater · 08-19-2015, 12:25 PM

Any word from Barker on what the issue might be?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

If it needs manual override it's all external you don't remove the head.

That's my biggest complaint about the Super Jack.

KJRitchie · 08-19-2015, 12:39 PM

Kinda wish I had gotten another brand now. I will probably have to send it back and the shipping if I remember was about $26 and I don't have the box anymore. The one I replaced never made this racket. Sometimes it sounds like the head is about to explode as I lower the trailer.

Kelvin

AWCHIEF · 08-26-2015, 01:48 PM

I finally go off my duff and gave Barker a call. Told Bob in service my issue. He asked that I send the jack back for updating on internals, switches and cover. Sounds like a new jack to me, but he would not actually say that. Seems this complaint is not rare for this model jack. He gave me an RO and asked that I box and return it via UPS, they would refund my cost via company check. Boxed and delivered to UPS. Hopefully new hitch will work as advertised.

cwf · 08-26-2015, 04:52 PM

Mine makes "creaking" sound.. Lube helped a lot! Still noisy...

AWCHIEF · 08-26-2015, 05:57 PM

Bob as much as told me that they are getting an excessive number of complaints and reported problems with this model. He was very quick to ask me to send it back instead of trying anything myself. They have redesigned the gearing and micro switches to improve performance. That is why I think I will actually be getting a new jack back. They do seem to have a responsive customer service department. Give them a call and let them know. He said I should get my jack back before next Friday. Hope so, it is cooling off and I want to get out on the lake.

KJRitchie · 08-31-2015, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the update. I threw my box away thinking it was OK. Where did you find a box the right shape? Will they send you back one of the old style Superjacks. They fit sideways but the light faces foreward. The newer ones I think would interfere with my propane tank cover. Not sure why they fit on the newer AS and not mine unless AS move the tanks back a tliitle. My Superjacks has only about a 1/4" clearance from the tank cover.

Can you post a photo when you get it?

Kelvin

AWCHIEF · 09-01-2015, 06:28 AM

I cut a larger box down to fit. My jack is only 8 months old and is the new style externally. It fits fine with the light facing the correct way. As you say there is about 1/4 inch clearance. Pretty sure I will be getting a new jack back. No reason that they would send me an old style. I should be getting it back by the end of the week or early next week. Missing some great camping weather, need to get in the woods.

KJRitchie · 09-01-2015, 07:54 AM

After you get yours and if you post a photo I may contact Barker. This would be the 2nd one in a year since I purchased my replacement. First replacement I had to send back for a different noise. You'd think tongue jacks by now would be bullet proof. I'm wondering if 3500lbs is enough. The 1000lbs on the tongue and then having to crank that weight up plus the weight of a truck just to get the Equalizer bars on may be stressing this jack.

Kelvin