DRW Swing out bracket extensions? .

[TCBob]

Pros and Cons on adding extension beyond basic swing out?

Seems like at least once a season I have to buff out rear fenders from loading/unloading the T/C. Have been thinking about a simple plate, piece of steel to move out. Seems like only real limitation is keeping from blocking rear cab door
Has anyone actually done this???

[mkirsch]

TCBob wrote:
Thanks for all the input guys. Got some pics this weekend, will have to figure out how to post. Sure seems like simple plate of 3/8" steel, couple inches wide would solve my issues, and give me a little maneuvering room!

Unless you weld the plates on to the swing-out brackets, you will need a lot more than that. If you're bolting them together there's overlap to consider. You want the plate to overlap the swing-out and the mounting bracket by at least as much as they do now. You'd be looking at about a 4" wide piece of steel for this.

[campn4walleye]

The dealer didn't install swing outs when we bought our TC. We had about 3/4" on each side. Poor DH struggled not to scratch our new dually. Best thing we ever did was to purchase the Happi jac swing outs. He no longer worries and can back under quickly and efficiently.

[TCBob]

Thanks for all the input guys. Got some pics this weekend, will have to figure out how to post. Sure seems like simple plate of 3/8" steel, couple inches wide would solve my issues, and give me a little maneuvering room!

[Reddog1]

HMS Beagle wrote:
... I used 2x2x1/8 wall tubing to space them out, but worried about the additional stress on the camper attachment, already stressed a bit by the swingout offset. So I welded 1" tubing across top and bottom, to take the torque introduced by the offset. ...

I can't visualize where you welded the 1" tubing across the top.

I think the way they mounted the jack brackets on my 1988 Bigfoot is as strong as it gets. I see nothing that concerns me with added stress.

[Bedlam]

My Arctic Fox with swing out brackets leaves plenty of room for my 8' wide flat bed. I think those of you that are having clearance trouble have narrower TC's. Aluminum U-channel between the jack and swing out bracket has been a popular method in the past to gain additional clearance. You may have to clock your jack motors so they do not interfere with the rear of your cab or doors when the jacks are swung in.

[HMS_Beagle]

I had to add them to my F350 for the Bigfoot 9.6. Even with the swingout brackets, there was about minus 1" clearance between the fenders and jacks. It simply did not fit. I used 2x2x1/8 wall tubing to space them out, but worried about the additional stress on the camper attachment, already stressed a bit by the swingout offset. So I welded 1" tubing across top and bottom, to take the torque introduced by the offset. I don't think I have picture of it but I will look. It worked perfectly for 12 years. My new 10.4 Bigfoot has the camper attachment mounted further out, so with dually swing outs, the jacks clear by about 1" each side, plenty of clearance.

[Reddog1]

I am in the process of extending my swingouts now. I have one finished and bolted on. My Bigfoot has the jack mounts anout 2-3 inches inside from the outside of the TC. I am extending the jacks out 4 inches. I used 2"x4"x1/8" wall rectangular tubing. If I remember, today I can take photos if you are interested.

I do not like it tight because sometimes I have to go under the TC at a slight angle, then align.

Wayne

[mkirsch]

TCBob wrote:
Pros and Cons on adding extension beyond basic swing out?

Seems like at least once a season I have to buff out rear fenders from loading/unloading the T/C. Have been thinking about a simple plate, piece of steel to move out. Seems like only real limitation is keeping from blocking rear cab door
Has anyone actually done this???

I'm familiar with limited clearance. The feet on my jacks rub the tires as I'm backing in.

What's nice about being tight is that if you get between the jacks, you're home free, perfectly centered.

My first recommendation is to back up more carefully. If you see it headed for the fender, STOP, pull ahead, and readjust. Don't just keep backing until you hear that sickening scrape.

You only have 3/4" of clearance on each side at the wheel wells, so if you have that much or more on the outside, you've got plenty of clearance.

I adjust the mirrors to point right at the fenders so I'll know if I'm going to hit.