Electric jack - how do I select one?

[orggardn]

I've searched and read several entries regarding pro's and con's of multiple brands. I've noticed each has their share of success and horror stories. I'll sort through that.

In reading them, I've discovered there were some decision points I was unaware of, well.... had not considered.

If you could, make me smarter to go shop for one. I'm good to go do the research, once I understand "what" I'm looking for.

• power - since we never dry camp, I rarely keep a charged battery on the rig. will they all power up with the 7 pin connector?
• lifting the tow vehicle to hook up WD bars - is this considered "normal use" for one? & do I need to add some amount to the capacity for this?
• "throw length" - how does one calculate this? with or without a timber/board underneath (would really like to eliminate that)
• emergency crank - in the event of a failure / power loss. Really surprised that they all don't come with one
• tongue weight capacity - manufacturer's list weight? or some factor higher than that?
• what have I missed?

[Nosedive]

I bought a Barker VIP 3500 which I love and had not let me down, but after seeing the Bulldog ones, I wish I would have gone that route. I like the fact that the foot is telescoping which will give you added stroke to the jack.

[DiskDoctr]

hilandfrog wrote:
Funny the break away thing is such a big deal... Seems our 1977, 16' road ranger "diddums" does not nor does it appear to have ever had one.

We do have 2 really thick chains ???

Repo

Rule of thumb: If your trailer has electric brakes due to size, weight, or mfr installed, you must have a breakaway cable and charged trailer battery to activate them in case of a break away.

Now, you don't have to have a camping style battery. One of these should be acceptable in the $30-$60 range.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Breakaway_Kit.aspx

They belong on your non-camper trailers over (2500lbs?) here in PA. I'm not sure if that is the weight regulation for brakes or not. IIRC, that is the 'needs to be inspected' weight...

[westend]

hilandfrog wrote:
Funny the break away thing is such a big deal... Seems our 1977, 16' road ranger "diddums" does not nor does it appear to have ever had one.

We do have 2 really thick chains ???

Repo

Hey Repo,
How is your Diddums? I bet you're getting her ready for ski season out there.

I think you're going to find out what some on the Forum think about not having a break-away system, lol. Probably best to check out your State laws on it, the fines can be big and, in this State, you could be leaving your rig on the side of the road with a red tag on it.
FWIW, I used a small SLA battery that is independent of the trailer system. If my trailer batteries die, the breakaway function will still work.

[hilandfrog]

Funny the break away thing is such a big deal... Seems our 1977, 16' road ranger "diddums" does not nor does it appear to have ever had one.

We do have 2 really thick chains ???

Repo

[orggardn]

Thanks for the heads up on the breakaway switch. For some reason, I had it in my head that it drew power from the 7 pin harness. Thinking that through, in the event of a breakaway.... duh! :S

I'll remedy that before the next outing.

I will also look over several options on ebay / Amazon and pick something. Thinking I'm getting tired of the cranking.

[EldIr]

I got the Atwood 80718 for $173 from Amazon w/free shipping. I see it's out of stock now. They have one 2500lb 80761 left at $159. The Atwood was a bit more than the cheap jacks, but cheaper than the Barker and Brute Power (Husky). And it's made in the USA.

[fla-gypsy]

Get a 3500# Jack of your choice, they all do the exact same thing. If it raises and lowers your trailer then it's a good jack.

[eb145]

get one with lots of power so you don't wear it out lifting up the truck to put the weight distribution bars on.

And I recommend you get a long extension version - every once in a while you end up on a bit of a hill and you have to jack up the front pretty high to level things out.

I bought the Barker 3500 with 24" stroke about 1 year ago and it works great.

I don't know if the jack will work from just your trailer 7-pin connector without a charged battery on the trailer tongue connected to it. And I plan to never find out as I always travel with a charged battery for many reasons (including it is required by law as others have stated already).

Ed

[thewhitehat]

Yeah, get a battery in there, also, don't think so hard. Just pick a jack, install it and be happy with it. They all pretty much work the same. . . there's up.....then there's down. I have a Barker VIP 3500 with 24" stroke. Installed pretty easy. Has manual crank and light.

[TucsonJim]

Extremely dangerous, and illegal to tow without a functioning battery on your TT. You're break-away brakes will not function in a catastrophic separation.

[APT]

Barker seems to have the best reputation. But I'm happy with my refurbished Ultra Fab for $100. 3000+ pounds for TW plus rear of TV.

[LeBout]

I purchased one this spring and did a lot of research on this website and elsewhere on the Internet. Finally decided on a Barker VIP (Black) 3500. Bought it through Mantelli Trailer Sales via their eBay store. it was an absolute breeze to install and I'm extremely satisfied with how it has worked. Obviously your mileage may vary but I believe that Barker is one of the brand names with which you can't go wrong.

[gates59]

Very first thing you said about no battery onboard. You do know it is illegal to tow your tt without the battery hooked up. The breakaway switch and brakes do not work without one.