Forum Discussion

jwicker's avatar
jwicker
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013

Electric jack - unrealistic expectations or bad unit?

Only had the 23' Skamper TT for a few weeks, but figured out right quick that I wasn't going to manually crank that tongue jack.
(Especially when raising the truck and trailer for weight dist. bars)

Ordered a Barker VIP 3500 from PPL.
I was able to get it installed yesterday.

To say the least, I'm a little disappointed.
It doesn't seem to raise the thing as much as my manual one - guess I'll find some taller lumber to carry for the jack to rest on.

Also - it makes a weird noise like something is rubbing.
It was quite slow with only the camper deep cycle, but plugging the 7 way into the truck helped some.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Should I call the company next time I'm at the camper to have them troubleshoot over the phone?

Anything I can try?

thanks
  • Doug33's avatar
    Doug33
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    maybe the lower part of your jack needs to be adjusted. There is usually a pin on the pad section that can be adjusted so it isnn't too high or too low.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2013
    Can't tell if you have an issue with your Barker, but all powered tongue jacks make a bit of noise when performing their duties. I have noticed a significant drop in lifting/lowering speed when our battery is depleted as compared to being plugged in. We haven't experienced any issues with our Barker over the last 6 years, but I've heard they have a good reputation for excellent customer service, give them a call if your issues persist.
  • CincyGus's avatar
    CincyGus
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2013
    Might also check to make sure the grounding wire has a good patch of bare metal and is tight. A poor ground might be causing it to not draw the proper juice. I also have a 18" and use a couple 2x12's at home under it or sometimes a few lynx lever blocks if it's on a site that is sloped forward. Bought mine used for a great price or I would have gotten the longer throw version myself. Great jack so far (2 years).
  • md2lgyk's avatar
    md2lgyk
    Explorer II
    Jul 29, 2013
    Rather than replacing the battery you "think" may be bad, take it somewhere and have it tested. It's usually free. That's what I did when my tongue jack stopped working. Unfortunately, the battery is fine and fully charged, so that means my cheap jack has quit on me.
  • jwicker's avatar
    jwicker
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    I put the included "extra large foot pad" on it (bolts to the bottom of the shaft).

    I might pull that back off and go back to using this:


  • jwicker's avatar
    jwicker
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    It is the 18" model.
    I might try to record it on my phone this weekend and post it on Photobucket.
    I thought about replacing the battery as I can't find the date on it.
    So far, no power issues IN the trailer, but we have had shore power except on the walkthru when we bought it.
  • docnascar's avatar
    docnascar
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    jwicker wrote:


    It doesn't seem to raise the thing as much as my manual one - guess I'll find some taller lumber to carry for the jack to rest on.



    You could add a flip jack.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    If plugging it in to the TV helped, I would suggest you may have a low voltage issue with the trailer. Weak Battery?

    With the travel height of the jack,(how high it will lift) can be determined from the manual or the web site for Barker. Ours is 18 inches. (Not a Barker)

    The "rubbing" sound may be normal or not. You probably can't tell unless you have had an electric jack before. Have someone who has an electric jack, preferably, a Barker, take a listen.

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