Weight Distribution bar - using a pipe ... ?

I'll use the power jack to lift at bit, but I see no need to strain the jack any more than necessary. We read hear often about power tongue failures, I wonder how much abuse they can take.

racer4 wrote:
OP,

This might be what you are looking for:
Snap-Up Handle for Reese Weight Distribution Lift Brackets

Not to pic nits, but isn't that exactly what I posted above?? Sometimes I wonder why I bother posting anything. Sigh... :(

Bumpyroad wrote:
As usual, I don't get the big picture here. I have a light tongue weight and a manual crank jack. I can flip the fittings easily with the pipe in about 1 second. x 2 that is 2 seconds. instead of this I should crank for 5 minutes? does not compute.

bumpy

Yep you're missing the picture entirely I think ... your tongue jack is SERIOUSLY BROKE IMO if you have to crank on it 5 min to get enough tension off to not use a pipe. Of course you could go the electric route like many of us have found is the best overall solution.

Larry

opnspaces wrote:
You can probably get a piece of black gas pipe at the local home improvement store.

Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

That's how I do it. You could even use a long screwdriver. I bought my old EZ lift used off a buddy for $100 and the pipe was missing. I cut one out of a piece of steel rod, which you could probably pick up at Lowes, Ace, or Home Depot.

OP,

This might be what you are looking for:
Snap-Up Handle for Reese Weight Distribution Lift Brackets

As usual, I don't get the big picture here. I have a light tongue weight and a manual crank jack. I can flip the fittings easily with the pipe in about 1 second. x 2 that is 2 seconds. instead of this I should crank for 5 minutes? does not compute.

bumpy

opnspaces wrote:
You can probably get a piece of black gas pipe at the local home improvement store.

Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

We rarely use the pipe. Use the jack to lift up the latched ball and truck. Power jack rules!

I also just use the tongue jack, but keep the pipe in case I am attacked while hooking up. You never know when its coming these days.

opnspaces wrote:
You can probably get a piece of black gas pipe at the local home improvement store.

Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

un huh.... lift the back of the trailer....really? Ok, ok. I know you really meant back of truck...just messin' with ya.

OP...if you don't have an electric tongue jack....get one. This one item was absolutely the best addition I ever made to my trailer...well...maybe not including the Hensley.

Ron

Lots of opinions, short answer, get a replacement pipe, you can order one, buy one locally or find an alternative pipe that works fine.

It has to be big enough to slip over the stub sticking out, strong enough that it won't bend, long enough to give you some leverage, and finally short enough that it will go on the stub and not hit the ground...

I use my tongue jack to ease the effort but don't jack high enough to be able to use my fingers.. I have also seen a custom pipe that was longer and had a slight bend about 6" from one end. I asked about it and the owner said he needed longer pipe to ease the effort but it hit the ground so he modified it so it does not hit the ground, but still gives him all the leverage he needed...

Happy hunting.