Forum Discussion

69gp's avatar
69gp
Explorer
Apr 06, 2014

Electric Tongue Jack

Ok I have a class A but have a different question to ask here. In the winter time I plow snow at several different locations traveling about 300 miles with a 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 with a utility body mounted on it. I use chains as I am at remote locations and do not want to get stuck. I drive to the sites jack the back of the truck up put the chains on and do my plowing about 30 minutes at each site. When leaving I can take the chains off without the jack drive to the next site and repeat the procedure to put the chains on.

Just wonder if I mount 1-4000 Lb jack in each rear utility compartment if that would be enough to lift the tires off the ground to make it easier to mount the chains. Truck weighs about 9800 lbs.

thanks

steve
  • danager's avatar
    danager
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2014
    You are effectively lifting the truck by the bolts that attach the bed to the chassis. By doing this at the end of the bed, you are using a large lever. If you are going to go ahead with this, I would look for a way to attach that to the chassis.
  • 69gp's avatar
    69gp
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2014
    danager wrote:
    You are effectively lifting the truck by the bolts that attach the bed to the chassis. By doing this at the end of the bed, you are using a large lever. If you are going to go ahead with this, I would look for a way to attach that to the chassis.


    I can install the jacks into the rear compartments on the utility body. This way here they are hidden from view. I can modify the interior of the compartment with steel to be able to fortify the base of the jack. The bed is a Morrison that has 4" steel cross braces welded directly to the frame.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Apr 06, 2014
    I'd just buy those moveable chain thingys that some school busses, etc. have. just flip them in when necessary.
    bumpy
  • 69gp's avatar
    69gp
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2014
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    I'd just buy those moveable chain thingys that some school busses, etc. have. just flip them in when necessary.
    bumpy


    I think those are air operated.
  • Earl_E's avatar
    Earl_E
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2014
    My concern would be if the jacks will lift it high enough. I don't think my electric jack has near enough travel to lift the wheels, on the springs, off the ground.
  • bguy's avatar
    bguy
    Explorer
    Apr 07, 2014
    Can't you lay the chains out and drive onto then?
    I've never used a set if that's a dumb question, but if you can drive off I would think you'd be able to drive on?
  • oilslick's avatar
    oilslick
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2014
    I've used chains for many years, if they are cut to fit they can be installed without having to move the vehicle or spin the wheel. I lay the chain over the tire evenly so that the coupling is at the bottom, hook the back, pull into shape then stretch the front and lock, good to go with a couple of rubber bungees if you want to keep them taught.
    When initially fitting if a cross over chain will fall under the tire just move it slightly to the next link.

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