Tongue Jack Help/Recommendations

[Godspeed999]

This is actually for my 72yr. old father.

2010 RAM 1500 4th Gen 5.7 Hemi

Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDS - Freedom Express - Coachmen RV specs

Equalizer WDH

The factory jack burned out after 1 season and was replaced with an Atwood jack which seemed a lot more powerful. But after 2 seasons, it too has burned out. I think the trouble is a result of trying to place the WDH bars on the 'mounts' by utilizing the jack to lift the coupled truck and trailer high enough to get the bars on. He is using the lever tool, but it's just downright impossible with the amount of sag to do it without the aid of the jack.

Is this wrong?

Looking at other jacks, his RV dealer is talking to him about a Husky or a Bulldog.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Godspeed999]

Well l learned something interesting today. Apparently all of the Atwood jacks use the same motor, or at least the Standard, Deluxe and Heavy Duty do. The difference between the Standard and Deluxe, both rated for 2500# is simply the addition of a light on the Deluxe. The Heavy Duty, rated for 3500#, just has a different mechanism in the shaft (ball & screw). I expected it to be a higher capacity motor as well. Nope.

The motor is being replaced under warranty. Also discussing with the RV dealer about upgrading to a 4500# Husky jack.

[Bonefish]

I have an Atwood and I have to put 3-1 oil down the shaft and grease the gears seasonally. I have only poped a fuse once.

[dadmomh]

If you have not checked e-bay, suggest you do so and likely save a bunch of $. We bought an Ultra Fab 3500 for our HTT several years ago for just at $100. It was a factory refurb, but never had a minutes trouble with it. Just bought another 3500 for our new TT for about $120. This one is brand new and looks exactly like the Ultra Fab but can't remember the brand of this one. They have some others with higher capacity and they're a quick and easy job to install.

Always carry extra fuses....experience teaches.

[Godspeed999]

bob213 wrote:
Bulldog has a 5 year warranty and is actually made by Fulton (Cenquint). With a 4000lb cap. it should lift tongue and TV rearend to install bars without a problem. Starting 6th year on mine without a problem. Try Mantelli's on the net before buying one from the dealer.

Whoa! Thanks. They're in the $700 range in Canada. Appear to me little over $200 from Mantelli's online. Unbelievable.

[bob213]

Bulldog has a 5 year warranty and is actually made by Fulton (Cenquint). With a 4000lb cap. it should lift tongue and TV rearend to install bars without a problem. Starting 6th year on mine without a problem. Try Mantelli's on the net before buying one from the dealer.

[Bill___Kate]

These jacks draw a lot of current - especially when starting, reversing direction, or reaching the end of their travel range. You can minimize fuse blowing by making sure your battery is well charged, making sure the connections to both the batter and the trailer frame are clean and tight, and using a "slow blow" type fuse or circuit breaker. Most installations are direct wired to the battery with an in line fuse - several different types of fuses are commonly used. If you have a doubt whether your fuse is "slow blow" or not, look the number up online, or take it to your automotive parts store to have them cross reference it .....

[wannavolunteerF]

the jack on my last TT would blow a fuse if you raised or lowered it to limit and didn't get your finger off the button super quick. never sure why it did this, but after having to crank by hand, when I didn't have a fuse, I made sure to keep several fuses of the right size.

[boosTT]

I do the same thing and I have blown a fuse on my barker 3500 vip. When you start to hear the jack struggle, stop lifting it.

2011 Ram 1500. 19' TT.

[Godspeed999]

Thanks for all of the responses.

Seems like he's doing things correctly. Now just need to upgrade to a higher capacity jack.

Simple fix. Thanks again.

[APT]

The method is correct, using the tongue jack to raise the tongue and rear of the TV enough to snap up the WD bars even by hand sometimes. I am pleased with my refurbished Ultrafab 3502 for under $100 shipped.

[Peg_Leg]

I used a Barker 3500 on a 31' TT for 15 yr. I always latched up bare handed with the jack. I think I replaced the motor once in the time I had it. Best accessory for a TT ever invented.

I had to file out the hole to make it fit.

[fla-gypsy]

Get a 3500 lb jack or higher. Brand is really not that important as long as it is a major brand. There are some that will argue that but it just goes up and down and as long as it does it when you need it too it is perfect.

[old_guy]

one thing to watch out for is when raising and lowering, always stop before reversing direction. this will either burn up the jack or blow a fuse.

[Godspeed999]

My best guess would be that he has the Atwood Deluxe, rated for 2500#. Their literature specifically states that when using the jack with WDH bars, the 3500# HD unit should be used.

One of the local RV dealers here appears to carry Atwood, Bulldog (whom happen to have a 4000# unit) and Barker.

http://outdoortravelrv.rvcatalogue.ca/catalog/5156017119abf0f96901fae2.4bb3a15b-4230-43bb-87c2-6753c...

I've given him the information and suggested he give them a call tomorrow to discuss.

Thanks again.