Turning the jack?

[Bugkiller007]

I have a new Globetrotter and just like my previous trailer (grand design), my tailgate can’t come all the way down without hitting the jack control head. Has anyone else succeeded in turning the jack sideways?

[Ray Eklund]

I have a 2019 27 FBQ... your jack control head may look just like mine.

Different 'control head' than the 2006 and 2014 that I loosened a bolt and rotated the head, easily to make room for the tail gate to drop..

Yours may be like my 2019 27FBQ. I see no way to rotate it, unlike older Airstreams (2019 and older at least).

Currently use an extended shank (Equalizer 2 1/2") that has a 11.5 inch shank. One hole for the pin. I can make sharp turns and clear my F350 tail gate easily. The big danger for some is on a sharp turn the tail light of the tow vehicle may put in dent into the Rock Guard and into the curved aluminum skin.

If you want to make sure... before buying at the dealer... tow your Airstream there, insert the shank... drop the tail gate. It did not affect my towing at all.

Dealer Hitch is first photo with a 2012 Tundra that was set with the shorter shank, Equalizer that used Bars.

Second and Third Photos are where the tail light and rock guard made contact towing with a Tundra.

Fourth Photo is my current Hitch with the F350 4x4 towing a 2019 27FBQ. I use a metal shim to snug up the slop into the F350 Sleeve. The 'shank pin is about 5 inches from the end. That does work for me.

I would look at what shank lengths you can use for clearance on tight turns. A longer shank did not affect my towing nor stability. Today I tow with a F350 4x4 Diesel with the long shank and no sway control. Tows... perfectly.

I would talk with your Dealer. Maybe they will swap your short shank hitch for a longer one. It is obvious your tail gate also would not drop, as you have discovered. They should have known better.

[Forester2]

Rotated jack 90° on my '24 Flying Cloud no problem.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Interesting...is the newer 25ft shorter than the older 25ft?

Bob🇺🇸

[Ray Eklund]

My dimensions.

5.5 inches front to back
4.75 inches wide
11 inches top to bottom (controls are under the light colored top plastic and separate black)

No wonder when anyone seeks help... there are all kinds of responses.

[JEB]

Originally Posted by Bugkiller007

I have a new Globetrotter and just like my previous trailer (grand design), my tailgate can’t come all the way down without hitting the jack control head. Has anyone else succeeded in turning the jack sideways?

No problem on my ‘21 Globetrotter. Just loosen 3 hex screws and rotate it. You’ll want to be hitched up when you do it so the jack foot is off the ground. Rotating the head raises or lowers the jack depending on which way you rotate it. Slap a piece of Velcro (fuzzy side) on the side of the jack head to avoid scratching the tank cover.

[Bugkiller007]

I have located the hex screws on the head and it seems a simple matter of loosening them up and slowly turning the head. Thanks all for the replies!

[Mollysdad]

I did a thread on mine.
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...ys-196460.html

Your jacks will all into one of three categories.
1. Loosen set screws on head, twist.
2. Drill new holes in round mounting flange. (Mine)
3. Can't be done. Buy new jack, or install longer shank.

[JEB]

Originally Posted by Bugkiller007

I have located the hex screws on the head and it seems a simple matter of loosening them up and slowly turning the head. Thanks all for the replies!

It is that simple. All ‘21+ Globetrotters use a Barker VIP 3500 tongue jack. Just remember to take the weight off the jack before trying to rotate the head.

There is a video in this thread if you want additional guidance. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...bt-252322.html

[nelsonh]

Originally Posted by Bugkiller007

I have located the hex screws on the head and it seems a simple matter of loosening them up and slowly turning the head. Thanks all for the replies!

Yep I was able to loosen the 3 set screws and turn it 90° without any drama. It ended being fairly snug against the LP tank cover (my jack head has a vinyl cover on it which takes up some space) but it's no issue getting the tank cover off when needed.