Forum Discussion

PMiller228's avatar
PMiller228
Explorer
Aug 03, 2017

Bent 6 Point Level Jack

Got home from our 5th time to use our new RV, and while backing it in our driveway I hit up against the edge of the driveway and bent the rear level system jack in toward the tire a bit. Grrrrr! Tried to use a come along tool which helped a little, but it's still not straight. I tried to level the RV and it worked, but the jack is still at a bit of an angle. Any ideas on how to straighten it out? Someone said to apply a torch and use a come along to straighten it. I saw a new jack on e-trailer for around $413. Expensive mistake!
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    Your safest bet is just to "Bite the Bullet" and have it replaced. Been there, Done that. You can cause more problems down the road by not replacing it. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    I've wondered about how often that happens after seeing how low those jacks hang down behind the rear tires. Some are even several feet behind the tires.
  • Fulltimer50's avatar
    Fulltimer50
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    The jacks on my rig are set at a 5* angle by design. Unless yours is bent more than that, I would not worry about it.
  • djousma's avatar
    djousma
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2017
    Fulltimer50 wrote:
    The jacks on my rig are set at a 5* angle by design. Unless yours is bent more than that, I would not worry about it.


    Mine are two, but outwards, for stability I presume. I expect that the OP's is bent forwards from backing into something. OP also doesn't say what part is bent. Since it was most likely fully retracted, the piston probably isn't bent. Could you possibly just loosen the bolts that attach it to the frame, and just see if it moved vs actually got bent?
  • PMiller228's avatar
    PMiller228
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    djousma wrote:
    Fulltimer50 wrote:
    The jacks on my rig are set at a 5* angle by design. Unless yours is bent more than that, I would not worry about it.


    Mine are two, but outwards, for stability I presume. I expect that the OP's is bent forwards from backing into something. OP also doesn't say what part is bent. Since it was most likely fully retracted, the piston probably isn't bent. Could you possibly just loosen the bolts that attach it to the frame, and just see if it moved vs actually got bent?


    Yes, it is bent forward toward the rear tire from backing into the edge of our driveway. Piston comes out just fine. The black tube is welded to the bracket with two plates and it's the plates that bent. I'll probably just replace it myself. It's a $434 part.
  • PMiller228's avatar
    PMiller228
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    tinner12002 wrote:
    I've wondered about how often that happens after seeing how low those jacks hang down behind the rear tires. Some are even several feet behind the tires.


    They do hang down pretty far. At least I know now to keep a better eye on them.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Aug 04, 2017
    If you're prepared to replace it anyway, then why not try pulling harder on it first. More than likely it will straighten if you pull hard enough...if it breaks, either weld it back on straight or replace it.

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