Forum Discussion

Scott_P's avatar
Scott_P
Explorer
Sep 22, 2016

New tongue jack

The tongue jack on our Dutchmen 18b has decided to stop working. The gears might be stripped/worn/chipped as it just will spin occasionally. It happened as I was hooking up to my truck to take it to the BBQ cook off I am doing this weekend. I was able to unhook there, but it acted up again. So, I need another one.

It is a side crank model. This is my first RV, so it's my first experience with this issue. I assume this is a standard part that is relatively universal? Any recommendations? I wouldn't mind an electric one, but it might not be worth it.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2016
    When I had a TT, my electric tongue jack stripped its' gears after 3 years.. Pulling it apart I was shocked to see the gears were plastic. Having access to a machine shop, I duplicated the threads (acme) with a drill and tap kit and used brass stock.

    Lasted for 8 years after that....then I sold the TT. I might figure the new brass gear will outlast the trailer ! LOL!
  • mike-s's avatar
    mike-s
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2016
    Scott P wrote:
    wouldn't rotate in either direction.
    You have a private message.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 23, 2016
    Have you considered tryin gto replace the gears? If possible it would sure be a lot cheaper. I would call the company.
  • Scott_P's avatar
    Scott_P
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2016
    humblerb wrote:
    Love our electric, but much longer trailer than you have.
    Before you buy a new jack, check one thing.
    I actually had a sheer pin break while I was working on my set up.
    I didn't want to drag the cord out, so I was jacking manually.
    Might not be your problem. But a sheer pin is a lot less than a new jack.
    Good luck.


    I pulled the rubber plug off the top and I could see the vertical gear being worn and not fully engaging with the horizontal gear. It also got stuck at one point and wouldn't rotate in either direction.
  • hawkeye-08's avatar
    hawkeye-08
    Explorer III
    Sep 22, 2016
    We out this one on, happy with it. There are less expensive ones. Our trailer is 10k loaded, with about 1500lbs on tongue so I wanted a good one.

    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L251DZS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Amazon Atwood electric jack with robofoot
  • nineoaks2004's avatar
    nineoaks2004
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2016
    The first thing I did when I got mine home was to remove the manual jack and install electric jack that I purchased from Harbor Freight before unhooking it for the first time. The jacks are pretty much universal and most dealers carry them and they are inexpensive, usually 3 bolts removes and installs them, I leave mine hooked up to the truck to replace them.
  • humblerb's avatar
    humblerb
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2016
    Love our electric, but much longer trailer than you have.
    Before you buy a new jack, check one thing.
    I actually had a sheer pin break while I was working on my set up.
    I didn't want to drag the cord out, so I was jacking manually.
    Might not be your problem. But a sheer pin is a lot less than a new jack.
    Good luck.

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