cordless drill - stabilizers

[jmichaelr]

I am a rank newbie. On our first foray a week ago, I saw a fellow Airstreamer using a cordless drill to lower his stabilizers. I have an 18 volt cordless, but cannot figure out how to attach a 3/4" socket to my drill. I can't find anything at Lowe's that seems to do it. Can anyone advise me?

[pilgrim]

I ordered mine through the place I store my AS. They had them in their supplier catalog as I imagine most trailer supply stores do. Mine cost $9.95 and fits a regular
drill. I've purchased several and pass on to friends that see me use it. I don't know how wide spread they are but they sure beat hand cranking. Good luck with your search and with your 'streamin.

[TinLoaf]

Here's the part I use at Amazon.com. I'm sure you can find it cheaper at a hardware store and avoid shipping.

Amazon.com: Makita 785517-A 3/8" Socket Adapter: Home Improvement

[memgrove2000]

I use the same thing as Tinloaf, Mine came with a "Gator grip" That I got as a gift. I have seen them at the big box stores, and Harbor Freight.

[wkerfoot]

I use a cordless drill for the stabilizers on our Safari. Just make sure that you slow down when lowering and raising the stabilizers, otherwise the drill will stop suddenly and you can break your wrist.

Bill

[COUNTRYSONG]

You can get this 3/8" adapter at just about any tool supply.. Sears, Lowes, Home Depot etc. Just attach a 3/4" socket and you're in business...

[Airhog1]

Ouch Bill!!!

[Mikethefixit]

U can buy those adapters at Harbor Freight they come 3 in a package . I have 3 different ones I think they are 1/4 /3/8 /1/2 drive, all fit the quick adapter 1/4 in. hex that I have on my cordless. I actually use a speed wrench, it looks like a brace that U use for wood bits.I can turn down my stabilizer almost as fast as the drill. I even have a hand operated tongue jack thanks to the previous owner.

[mello mike]

You don't have to buy an adaptor.

I bought a 3/4" socket with the hexigonal shaft at a local RV store. Works great!!! I echo what was said earlier about turning it off before you get to the end. The 18v cordless drills are powerful, especially the one's with the Lithium batteries.

[whitelight]

We also use a standard 3/4" deep hex socket for raising & lowering the BAL jacks on our 75 Argosy. Works really well on our 24V chordless drill.

Husband discovered this as we use this size socket & drill combo to adjust the WD bars on our Hensley hitch - this works much better than the hex wrench (knuckle buster) supplied by Hensley!

[TxToaster]

I use a battery operated Skil Ratchet wrench, I purchased at Lowes. A side benefit is that once it extends the stabilizers and comes to a stop, I can use the wrench manually to snug the stabliizers. I bought the 1/4 to 3/8 adapter at Harbor Freight. Works well.

[Distantdrummer]

All this begs another question.
Maybe it deserves its own thread, but I hope not.
Has anyone rigged up and used a drill on the tongue jack for raising & lowering? Obviously I am referring to a manual jack or maybe the power jacks have an easy to access manual option? Do they? All my Airstreams have been manual only. And cranking them is not really a chore, but I am just curious. I do know that the tool would have to be improvised or machined to mate with the jack head screw. It is not a simple socket nub like on the stabilizers.

[Mexray]

Here's what I use...they have a bit more 'torque' than most cordless drills...

Goodyear 24 VOLT CORDLESS IMPACT WRENCH SET : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories

Works great for the stabilizers, and is really handy if you get a flat and need to remove/install a wheel on the AS or the TV...it would also work great if the tongue jack motor failed...

I paid about $60 at Pep Boys last year on a special promotion...

I use this cordless impact wrench for all sorts of stuff, a real handy tool...really great when trying to 'persuade' an old bolt on the frame, exhaust, etc...

I always try to put it's battery on the charger to top it off before I leave on a trip...