FC Stabilizer Jack Checkup

[jkinglet]

As we prepared to leave the campground last week went to crank up the right front stabilizer jack on our 2009 20'FC. Routine? No luck. Not good on a cold morning. Crawled under and discovered that the nut (3/8-24 with nylon insert) on the end of the crank shaft had simply come unscrewed and luckily fell on the ground along with the washer directly under the strut (my wife spotted the washer). Upon examination the cotter safety pin that fits through the hole at the end of the shaft had rusted and broke off allowing the nut to vibrate off the shaft (nylon insert was toast). Had my wife turn the stabilizer jack shaft as I guided it back into position, returned the nut and washer to the proper place and off we went. Upon our return I crawled under to check the other jacks and noticed the other cotter pins were still in place but rusting out as well. I replaced the nut and cotter pin on the right front with a stainless steel nut and stainless steel cotter pin. Bought enough nuts and cotter pins and next week plan to replace the existing with the new ones. Also noticed that all four wingnuts that hold the stabilizer foot in place were loose and rusting as well. Plan to replace all with stainless wing nuts. Might be worth crawling under to take a look!

[SteveH]

I had the same thing happen on our curb side rear stabilizer. I reinstalled the nut with red Locktite, and a new cotter pin, and have had no more problems.

The nuts try to unscrew from the shaft when you are retracting the stabilizer, and lubricating the moving parts helps reduce that tendency.

[jkinglet]

Originally Posted by SteveH

I had the same thing happen on our curb side rear stabilizer. I reinstalled the nut with red Locktite, and a new cotter pin, and have had no more problems.

The nuts try to unscrew from the shaft when you are retracting the stabilizer, and lubricating the moving parts helps reduce that tendency.

Good suggestion about lubricating those parts. Just added that to the project. Those wing nuts look like something off a cheap toy. Nice to crawl around under there every so often. Jeff

[jkinglet]

Originally Posted by SteveH

I had the same thing happen on our curb side rear stabilizer. I reinstalled the nut with red Locktite, and a new cotter pin, and have had no more problems.

The nuts try to unscrew from the shaft when you are retracting the stabilizer, and lubricating the moving parts helps reduce that tendency.

Steve, looks like you've owned a few (just 2 for us). Spotted a 1980 25' International in BC with Solar and well equipped. Pictures (especially exterior) look good. Is 12K way out of line?

[barts]

I've had the same problems; a good cotter pin is essential here. I recommend a dry motorcycle or bicycle (wax) chain lube for this sort of application.... and re-apply at least yearly.

- Bart

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by jkinglet

Steve, looks like you've owned a few (just 2 for us). Spotted a 1980 25' International in BC with Solar and well equipped. Pictures (especially exterior) look good. Is 12K way out of line?

As with everything used, it depends on condition. If the condition is good, I would think 12K is OK. I've been burned a couple of times on used Airstreams, and interestingly, both times by dealers.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by barts

I've had the same problems; a good cotter pin is essential here. I recommend a dry motorcycle or bicycle (wax) chain lube for this sort of application.... and re-apply at least yearly.

- Bart

Got curious....I've never noticed a cotter pin anywhere on the shaft.
Are the newer AS's different, or am I looking at the rong end?

Just occurred...could the pin be a fail safe, to prevent using stabs for leveling?......probably not, just cheeper.

Bob

[Retail6]

We too had the same thing happen two weeks ago while out camping. The nut stayed in place so I was able to get underneath it and rethread the rod thru. Didn't remember seeing a cotter pin at the end. This morning I pulled out the document for the jacks and in the illustration there was only a nut. Wondering now if I should re-examine it under the trailer and see if there is a hole for a pin. Put that on the list. I like having a list of things to check based upon what is found here in the forum.

Off subject question. I am not a fan of Paypal (worked with them professionally and have an concern with that model and their practices) anyway - Can I become a contributing member by using another form of payment other then PP?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Retail6

..........snip

Off subject question. I am not a fan of Paypal (worked with them professionally and have an concern with that model and their practices) anyway - Can I become a contributing member by using another form of payment other then PP?

6,

Continue with the application, it will give you the option of paying with your credit card, I do it at every re-up.

Bob

[Retail6]

Worked, Thanks!