Forum Discussion

Cameramonkey's avatar
Cameramonkey
Explorer
Nov 16, 2022

Bracket to relocate jack

My truck got towed and they damaged the rear jack brackets. It got dragged up the flatbed and the bolts that hold the jacks got ripped out of the wood. I’d like to patch it up so I can take it off of the truck. Someone told me they used to sell relocation brackets that allow you to move the bolts lower down the frame and then attach the jack to this relocation bracket. This way you don’t have to repair the wood that was damaged, and just use a section of wood that isn’t damaged. Anyone know where I could get a pair of these or have an example of what they look like, so I can try and have some fabricated? Thanks!
Truck Campers
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Nov 16, 2022
    Jacks typically slide in the bracket. Yours may be welded on. There is probably room to attach the bracket lower. If not, then you could use a piece of angle that is long enough to go from the bottom of the frame to the top.

    I don't think it would be that big of problem if it isn't quite as strong. I know my heavy camper can be supported temporarily by 3 jacks. This happens when I'm lowering because there always seems to be back jack that lowers faster than the other.

    However, I think I'd expect the tow company to cover it.
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Nov 16, 2022
    If the bolts are just ripped out of the wood, and the wood is not actually broken, get yourself some hardwood dowel that's larger than the ripped out hole. Drill the holes out to the size of the dowel. Glue the dowel in with plain old wood glue. Then you can re-drill the holes and reinstall the original bracket in its original location.
  • covered_wagon's avatar
    covered_wagon
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2022
    mkirsch wrote:
    If the bolts are just ripped out of the wood, and the wood is not actually broken, get yourself some hardwood dowel that's larger than the ripped out hole. Drill the holes out to the size of the dowel. Glue the dowel in with plain old wood glue. Then you can re-drill the holes and reinstall the original bracket in its original location.


    I would use epoxy well slathered in each hole with a small applicator. If you apply the epoxy only to the dowel it will not get enough perhaps inside. Best to apply to both damaged hole and to the dowel.

    Regular wood glue will break down in moist conditions.

    Do you have access to the inside where the bolts go? I ask because there is even a better option to repair and make stronger than ever.

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