Cover for electric tongue jack?

[Tennessee_Nomad]

I've seen a couple of mods that cover folks electric tongue jack With a plastic trash can or 5 gallon bucket. Should I be doing this? Mine has a plastic cover on the top of the jack like this here. I just bought it this winter and was wondering if this was something I should do.

Thanks...
-DH

[ArticFox_676]

Living in the south we cover us because of sun damage. Plastic dries and cracks. We even cover our sky lights and AC when in storage for a couple months.

[camperforlife]

facory wrote:
Be very careful when using a bag or cover that seals the jack inside.

This traps moisture and will get into the switches and light fixture. Electrical connections and switches do not like moisture and will deteriorate quickly. Best to leave it exposed so it can stay dry or dry out after a rain. These jacks are made to be exposed to the elements.

I have the cover sold by Ultra Fab that two previous posters provided links for and I have found that it does trap moisture. I am about too go back to my old bucket.

[facory]

Be very careful when using a bag or cover that seals the jack inside.

This traps moisture and will get into the switches and light fixture. Electrical connections and switches do not like moisture and will deteriorate quickly. Best to leave it exposed so it can stay dry or dry out after a rain. These jacks are made to be exposed to the elements.

[BossCamper]

Here's a link to something I copied.
jack cover

I like it because, while maybe the jack itself might be OK in the weather, it makes a great place to keep the umbilical end out of the weather, and a place to hang the safety cables.

And it will keep the jack and switches dry too. I figure it can't hurt!

[dadmomh]

Believe both of ours came with the type of cover linked to CW. If not, rather than go buy the fabric and grommets, hook up the machine, I'd just pay the $10 and be done with it. We did find that the cord will loosen if you don't double-knot it. We never take ours off since you can easily use the switch without removing.

[Spappy]

When I saw the bucket I thought it was a good idea because I want to hide the switches from my daughter. lol She likes to turn the light on and such. I've never thought of covering it for weather reasons. I guess I expected it to be waterproof. Definitely getting me a bucket tho. 🙂
Spap

[ScottG]

memgrove wrote:
We use a walmart bag then cover that with the cheapest scary rubber Halloween mask we can find at the goodwill. But we are goofy like that. After the first few trips I don't even have to remove the cover to run the switch.

Greatest idea yet!!!

[wmoses]

DW sewed a bag to cover the head of my tongue jack. Works well and adds another layer of protection from the elements.

[memgrove]

We use a walmart bag then cover that with the cheapest scary rubber Halloween mask we can find at the goodwill. But we are goofy like that. After the first few trips I don't even have to remove the cover to run the switch.

[Huntindog]

The Atwood doesn't have any penetrations in the top or roof of the jack. So there is no need to cover it.

The side mounted jacks have openings or penetrations in their tops for the switches, and hand crank. They rely on seals to keep the water out. The seals have a nasty habit of failing, and letting water into the motor housing.

This is such an issue that Barker made a lot of friends here on the forum by GIVING out FREE jack covers to anyone who asked for one.
I am pretty sure that they are no longer free, but those jacks really do need to be covered.

So the short answer is that since you have a Atwood, you don't need to cover it.

[clubhouse]

Same Jack on my TT for 3 years, never covered and no problems

[marcsbigfoot20b]

For $10 on sale now at camping world, it works great.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ultra-tongue-jack-cover/34822

[Pig-Smoker]

I made a cover out of a small plastic trash can. I even put three hooks inside if it. Two are for safety chains and brake away cable and one for electrical plug. Works very well and cheap to make.

[TexasATM]

I put a 5 gallon bucket over mine. Keeps it out of the sun and rain. I also always have a bucket while I am camping!

[downtheroad]

Here is another option. Ties tight, covers the entire jack post, completely water proof, holds up, and will even keep your jack smelling good...