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rutzbeck's avatar
rutzbeck
Explorer
Mar 06, 2022

Happijac motors

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.