Switching to Manual Jack

[az-streamer]

My Airstream is a 2014 25' FC.
As of this past week I have gone through 2 power jacks. The original one lasted 5 years. The Husky 5000 only 4 before clicking, grinding and finally quitting.
Had to remove the tank cover and use the crank - but it wasn't that difficult.
Thinking about replacing busted unit with a manual jack rated for 5000 lbs
Has anyone else gone old-school?
If yes, any recommendations?
I'm looking at the side wind units since the top wind would impact the tack cover.
Thanks for your input.

[CharlesinGA]

It looks like no one thought much of your idea to go to a hand crank tongue jack. How about a better electric jack. (Husky ain't much of a jack)

Barker low friction ball screw actuator, made in the USA.........
https://www.barkermfg.com/hi-power-3500.html

Or really getting kinda extreme..................
https://youtu.be/AGxb05x2k1I

Charles

[AldeanFan]

No reason you can’t switch to a manual jack, however I use my jack to lift up on the back of the truck to hook up my weight distributing hitch bars. The electric jack makes this much more enjoyable.

Do you know what is causing your electric jacks to fail? My airstream has the original 1977 jack still going strong.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by az-streamer

My Airstream is a 2014 25' FC.
As of this past week I have gone through 2 power jacks. The original one lasted 5 years. The Husky 5000 only 4 before clicking, grinding and finally quitting.
Had to remove the tank cover and use the crank - but it wasn't that difficult.
Thinking about replacing busted unit with a manual jack rated for 5000 lbs
Has anyone else gone old-school?
If yes, any recommendations?
I'm looking at the side wind units since the top wind would impact the tack cover.
Thanks for your input.

I don't think it's a bad idea. Seems like I saw a manual jack with the fitting on the side convenient for a cordless drill with a socket.
I have a Husky 5000 and to clear the tailgate I turned it sideways. Every so often the switch gets cranky and refuses to go one way. Believe me, you don't open a Husky 5000 and look inside. It's packed with circuit boards, and you can't even see the switch. Besides the remote acts the same so it's not the switch. (I could have low voltage at the battery)
I turned it so the switches were curbside, because the rubber cover on the brake would face forward. The crank is on top, but a 1/2" drive ratchet with an extension and a deep 7/16" socket gets me above the tank cover. I was amazed how easily it cranks.

I found two options for drill assist. Lippert and Trailer Valet. The Lippert says it has a 2000# capacity which makes that a non starter for me. The Trailer Valet says it has a 5000# capacity, BUT with a drill only 1250#. The Trailer Valet offers a new mounting plate that is predrilled for turning sideways.

[Bill M.]

I certainly would not want a manual jack.

Put me in the buy a better jack camp.

[AlbertF]

I have a manual jack on the 22FB. When the electric jack failed on our vintage 27’, I replaced it with a manual sidewinder. I actually preferred it.

However, both of those trailers have modest tongue weights at about 400 and 550 empty. Your later 25’ may require more physical effort.

When my body starts to wear out, I may switch to electric.