"but the HJ tech said he didn't think it was necessary."
What makes this an uncomfortable answer: "He didn't think it was necessary."
That implies he's not certain ... "It won't break again" would be the certain answer, and impossible to say.
If I had HJ, I would make a connector (similar to the cable) and use it - better safe for about $5 than wishing later ...
I can remember looking at a HJ at a TC show once - the salesman showed us a pin-lever that allows the jack to release directly to the floor, "So, you don't have to spend the time lowering it" was his smiling statement. Correct, a time-saver ... unless it fails, like here, then you have a dangerous situation.
Don't know if HJ still has that, but doubt it because it won't take many dropping down at highway speeds to get the engineer's attention.
Good idea to share that experience - and talking to HJ is a better idea.
