So one of my motors went out on my Happijac. After being told that it would work with the old motors I got two. One for the replacement and one to have on hand. It works well. It is quieter than the other jacks and I think it faster than the older ones. I was just finishing up putting the camper on the truck when I looked up and realized that I would not be able to flip in the dually bracket because of the height of the motor. The things you forget to ask or course they don't make the other ones any more so I will use it. I will move the back motors to the front and use the new ones on the back. That being said any ideas for making the motor work with my lower overhang. It needs about 4 inches more clearance between the top of the motor and the camper overhang. If I drop the jack down it will be more of a hazard. Driving with the jack open on the driver's side I do a lot but on the passenger side makes for a lot more blind spots.

Your plan sounds like a reasonable attempt.Now we know what one of the reasons for the original design may have been.Sorry I have no better idea.

4" interference isn't exactly in the "just slam it closed range". Also, should you need to replace the jacks themselves, you will find they are about 3" longer at the bottom, so now you would really be dragging them if moved down. Most of the retailers warn that the new motors are taller and may not clear the overhang. They also warn that the new motors do not have an overload clutch, that function having been moved inside the electronics of the new controller - so be careful at the ends of travel.

I do have the newer jacks. I replaced them with the 4800 last year. That might be part of the problem. I like how the new jack and motor works but not being able to flip in the jack on the passenger side will be a problem when it goes. For right now I will put the new ones in the rear.

The newer jacks are longer on the bottom, not the top so didn't reduce your overhang clearance - but would get that much closer to the ground if you lower them.

Can you confirm that you are using one of the new upright motors with the old controller? I need to replace two motors and don't want to replace all four for the same reasons. The front ones won't fit. I am hoping I can use new motors with the old controller and just be careful when nearing the end of the jacks travel.

Happijac motors | Good Sam Community

joerg68
Nomad III
Mar 07, 2022
Your plan sounds like a reasonable attempt.
Now we know what one of the reasons for the original design may have been.
Sorry I have no better idea.
HMS_Beagle
Explorer
Mar 07, 2022
4" interference isn't exactly in the "just slam it closed range". Also, should you need to replace the jacks themselves, you will find they are about 3" longer at the bottom, so now you would really be dragging them if moved down.

Most of the retailers warn that the new motors are taller and may not clear the overhang. They also warn that the new motors do not have an overload clutch, that function having been moved inside the electronics of the new controller - so be careful at the ends of travel.
rutzbeck
Explorer
Mar 07, 2022
I do have the newer jacks. I replaced them with the 4800 last year. That might be part of the problem. I like how the new jack and motor works but not being able to flip in the jack on the passenger side will be a problem when it goes. For right now I will put the new ones in the rear.
HMS_Beagle
Explorer
Mar 07, 2022
The newer jacks are longer on the bottom, not the top so didn't reduce your overhang clearance - but would get that much closer to the ground if you lower them.
makito
Explorer
Feb 11, 2023
Can you confirm that you are using one of the new upright motors with the old controller? I need to replace two motors and don't want to replace all four for the same reasons. The front ones won't fit. I am hoping I can use new motors with the old controller and just be careful when nearing the end of the jacks travel.
bigfootgrey
Explorer
Feb 12, 2023
I spoke with Happijac recently about the same scenario. I was first told they were going to bring the old style back. Then I was told they weren’t and I needed all new jacks, motors and controller if one old style motor failed. I told them about the clearance issue for the front swing out brackets and they really didn’t seem to care.Lots of campers out there with clearance issues. Great customer service! I have one motor that’s hanging in there for now.
makito
Explorer
Feb 12, 2023
I am going to give this a try Wednesday. I am buying two new style motors and will put those on my rear jacks. I will keep my two good condition old style motors on my front jacks and use my existing old style controller. Fingers crossed everything works as it should.
bigfootgrey
Explorer
Feb 12, 2023
Please keep us posted on your results! Hope it works !
StirCrazy
Moderator
Feb 13, 2023
I may not be understanding but why do you need 4" clearance above the motor to the overhang? wouldn't 1" clearance be more than enough?

Steve
3_tons
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2023
Why reintroduce the older style a quite capable motor when the alternative is to make life difficult and sell new jacks?? As with mostly non-existent tech-support, leaving customers stranded (for fast bucks $$) is ubiquitous cultural SOP by most OEM manufacturers…

3 tons