Forum Discussion

Vic_R's avatar
Vic_R
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015

Electric Jack upgrade - as easy as it looks?

So I found a close-out camper that is close enough to what I'd order that it might work for the right price, but its missing the crucial electric jacks. Its not pre-wired either. Looking at the kits online, they don't look that challenging to install. Pretty sure they are Happi-jac's and the kit (plus wiring) looks to be in the $850 range.

Has anyone done one recently and any comments appreciated?
Truck Campers
  • Boatycall's avatar
    Boatycall
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    I'm in the process of changing over from CrappiJacks to Reico Titan. I have a pretty heavy Eagle Cap dual slide camper, no clue why Eagle Cap chose these jacks. It's been my biggest complaint with the camper... They are under tremendous strain, and frequently engage the safety clutch.

    The Reico's are rated at 600lbs more per corner, had them on my last AF... Should have swapped them when I had the chance-at one point I had both campers in my yard.

    Anyway... I already have relocated and completely rewired the controller. That's another complaint I have with EC - WHY did you guys put the controller in the water access hatch that's INSIDE the bed when the camper's on the truck? You can't change a jack fuse when it's on the truck. And they blew several times...

    Today all I have to do is swap the jacks themselves and I'm done. I'm taking lots of pics, I'll post when done.
  • Vic_R's avatar
    Vic_R
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2015
    yeah - running the wires sees to be the biggest challenge. Good idea on the conduit - I'll probably go that route if I do it. Thx
  • shellbackcva59's avatar
    shellbackcva59
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2015
    I've converted 2 truck campers to electric jacks using the Reico titan kit. The first camper I fished the wiring through the interior. PIA. The second camper I ran the jack wires through conduit under the wings of the camper, then into the bed step area where my water tank and converter was. I did fish the on/off switch panel wire back to the door area so it was easy access.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2015
    deltabravo wrote:
    Complexity probably depends on the make and model of Camper.

    I know that on my AF811, it would be pretty much impossible to add electric jack wiring after the camper was built.

    Anything is possible. The ability to conceal wiring is the only challenge. If someone absolutely had to go surface mount, they make some nice, small wiremold.
  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    Feb 26, 2015
    Complexity probably depends on the make and model of Camper.

    I know that on my AF811, it would be pretty much impossible to add electric jack wiring after the camper was built.
  • WVbassmistress's avatar
    WVbassmistress
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2015
    My husband did ours a couple years ago. Got the Reico Titan motor kit. Camper was not pre-wired. I don't believe it was a big deal, but he is an electrician and quite the handy man. YouTube is his go-to source. PM me if you need more and I'll put him in touch with you
    Good luck.

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