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mikefos's avatar
mikefos
Explorer
Jan 22, 2023

RV Gear Pro Shipping

Howdy, I need to replace my 11 year old Barker VIP 3500 electric tongue jack (18" throw). Has anyone purchased this jack or similar from RV Gear Pro in Vancouver Washington? That's a long way to Texas and these days lots of stuff is simply shipped in the manufacturers packaging only and gets beat up and/or damaged along the way. I was wondering how this company ships their merchandise, hearing from real customers.
Thanks,
Mike
  • mikefos wrote:
    Howdy, I need to replace my 11 year old Barker VIP 3500 electric tongue jack (18" throw). Has anyone purchased this jack or similar from RV Gear Pro in Vancouver Washington? That's a long way to Texas and these days lots of stuff is simply shipped in the manufacturers packaging only and gets beat up and/or damaged along the way. I was wondering how this company ships their merchandise, hearing from real customers.
    Thanks,
    Mike


    Hi Mike,

    I do not know that company, but I did buy 2 of the Barker 3500# ball screw jacks in the last few years. The last one in 2021 I bought from RV Parts Pro on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/134386269234

    Check the Barker PN to make sure has the stroke you want. I do not recall the travel distance out of my head. I think the ACME screw jacks have the ability for more strokes, an 18 and maybe a 24", but the ball screw one is their best jack/strongest that I have, I think it was only the 18", but check the part number.

    I had no issues with the shipping.

    And yes, I would buy another Barker in a heartbeat. They are still made here in the US and they are built well. If you have a problem, call them, they will help.

    Hope this helps,

    John
  • Hi all, OP here, I am replacing my 18” throw Barker VIP 3500 with the 24” throw VIP 3500. My current jack struggles to lift my truck nowadays and sometimes I get into positions where I have to use the bar lift assist wrench to get them on the the Equalizer L brackets. I am inquiring about packaging for shipment, as nowadays some businesses are simply sending only using the retail packaging that things come in without any additional packaging or reinforcement, and sometimes they get pretty beat up. I will call these folks today and check with them. I was interested in previous experiences with them. Thanks for your interest.
    Mike
  • Mike, what you’re asking sounds like something only busy body’s worry about. Besides it’s a heavy item. It may get scratched. Who cares. If you need a jack order one from whomever you want to.
    But you last post is confusing. You’re saying it has trouble lifting your truck to hook the bars, right?
    If you buy the same capacity jack it won’t be any stronger.
    Or do you just need more throw? Doesn’t make sense as you could put a block under the jack to get higher lift. No way more than 18” is needed.
    Just printing you to think about what you’re really after here. Nothing to do with shipping.
  • Mike,

    PPL in TX carries the Barker VIP 3500. https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/towing-hitches-jacks-chassis/jacks-levelers/tongue-jacks-electric-manual/electric-tongue-jacks/vip-barker-jack_94-0115

    Not sure what stroke that model has. The word description sounds incorrect. A 6 x 6 wood block could solve your stroke problem. If they have it in their warehouse, the shipping distance is less or you may be close enough to go pick it up. Not sure where in TX you are.

    That said, any Barker dealer out of stock may have them dropped shipped from Barker in MI.

    Call PPL, I have bought from them in the past and they are good to work with from my transactions.

    Hope this helps

    John
  • Grit dog wrote:
    Mike, what you’re asking sounds like something only busy body’s worry about. Besides it’s a heavy item. It may get scratched. Who cares. If you need a jack order one from whomever you want to.
    But you last post is confusing. You’re saying it has trouble lifting your truck to hook the bars, right?
    If you buy the same capacity jack it won’t be any stronger.
    Or do you just need more throw? Doesn’t make sense as you could put a block under the jack to get higher lift. No way more than 18” is needed.
    Just printing you to think about what you’re really after here. Nothing to do with shipping.


    I already use two stacks of 3 each of 2x12 lumber pieces under the jack foot. No more will fit underneath. I just need more throw, and the current jack motor is struggling. It is 11 years old and has performed faithfully. And yes, I am concerned about packaging and shipping these days. I've received even moderately heavy stuff lately that has been beaten and dropped to heck. A royal pain to return merchandise that is damaged and heavy.

    Mike
  • If thats what you want, order it. Worry about the problems IF they arise. Most likely, it will be fine. If you are really concerned, Call Barker and ask them how its packaged and that you have concerns. See what they say.

    Charles

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