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08-12-2014, 09:39 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1983 34' Limited
Brenham
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 6
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Power jack destroyed - 1983 Limited
What are some of our options for replacing the electric jack on our Limited.
We do not specifically need electric. The tongue has utilities mounted on the underside of the frame that makes jacking it with any other jack a bit difficult. I have used farm equipment that uses hand crank jacks that mount to the frame, fold up 90 degrees when not in use. I had thoughts of
mounting two, one on each side of the tongue. I think this would provide more stability than a single jack near the hitch. Care would have to be taken to operate the two jacks in a way that does not lift one side significantly more that the other, causing undue stress on the frame, and the jack. Has this been done before? Is it workable?? pz
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08-12-2014, 10:05 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,226
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Why reinvent the wheel. Replace it with another electric jack or a manual jack rated for 1000 lbs. I just installed a manual jack on my Tradewind for $40.
Dan
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08-12-2014, 11:22 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1978 25' Tradewind
Metro Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,524
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zamelia
<snip>
We do not specifically need electric. <snip>
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I'm thinking you'll decide an electric jack is an awesome idea about the tenth time you crank that 1200 lb (more or less) tongue up and down.
__________________
"Between what matters and what seems to matter, how should the world we know judge wisely?" - E.C. Bentley, Trent's Last Case
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08-13-2014, 02:43 AM
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#4
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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New electric jacks aren't THAT expensive. You will spend a fair bit of time coming up with an alternative system.
FWIW there was an power jack for sale in the Classifieds the other day.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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08-13-2014, 05:02 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
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Manual jacks are readily available, easy to use, and almost never need repaired. Top crank or side crank. Should bolt right on. No electricity needed. Jim
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08-13-2014, 05:06 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1995 30' Excella
Bowie
, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,345
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I used to be a proponent of electric jacks, but now I'd seriously consider going manual if ours ever dies.
Even if the tongue is really heavy, you aren't lifting the entire weight and you have a mechanical advantage. The times I've had to crank ours (a '95 30', with a third battery and a large inverter under the front couch), I've had no problem at all. It's quiet, reliable, and doesn't rely on the battery. Try your manual crank on your trailer and see how hard it is.
The one thing is that you'd have a top of the line trailer with a manual crank jack...it might just look odd. But if that's the worst problem...
__________________
1995 Airstream Classic 30' Excella 1000
2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab with Cummins 6.7L Diesel
Sold but not forgotten: 1991 Airstream B190
Sold: 2006 F-250 6.0L Powerstroke Supercab
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08-13-2014, 05:22 AM
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#7
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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For those recommending 1000 pound capacity jacks, remember the jack has to also partly raise the rear of the tow vehicle, plus it has to statically support the trailer and everyone/everything in it.
The jack on the trailer has a 3000-3500 pound capacity, don't go lower than that, either manual or electric.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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