Anybody use a Jack-E-Up Removable Jack

rharder

Has anybody used a Jack-E-Up removable jack adapter?  If I can lose the jack while traveling I could get a double hitch adapter and then use my bike rack attached to the truck.  Would love to hear any thoughts about whether the Jack-E-Up works or not.  

gspdx

I use it.  I like it and really appreciate being able to remove the jack when traveling.  A few things to note:

1. Because of the style of the hitch I found that this device wouldn't sit flush on my hitch/frame.  So I bought some longer bolts - high strength - and some steel spacers to lift the device up.
2. Due to lifting the device up it shortens the effective lift of the jack.  Haven't had any issues yet due to this but wouldn't be surprised if it causes an issue trying to level at some point or even trying to unhitch from my truck.
3. The plate of the jack "floats" inside the metal carrier and just locates on the 3 notches.  It is not a big deal but good to understand that when installed the jack isn't bolted to anything so if you try to roll the trailer around it will move a bit.  

jkjenn

I used it whenI had my Wrangler. I also had to use longer boots and spacers.

trimtab

Interesting..when  we get our 320-s next week, I am anticipating a problem. SUV top hinged rear door...won't open without getting something like this.. 

jkjenn

trimtab said:

Interesting..when  we get our 320-s next week, I am anticipating a problem. SUV top hinged rear door...won't open without getting something like this.. 

Not an issue with my top-hinged Grand Cherokee

targ

I'm a fan of the Ultimate Jack.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/111448#Comment_111448

gulfarea

Instead of longer bolts I removed this area around the Jack-E-Up. Art

gspdx

gulfarea said:

Instead of longer bolts I removed this area around the Jack-E-Up. Art

The problem for me was the bolts are the ones that secure the hitch to the trailer frame.  I don't have a platform that is in the way.  I could have tried to drill new holes in the Jack-E-Up but I don't believe that all the bolts are completely under the Jack-E-Up housing.  Didn't really look that closely but might be worth a quick inspection.

gande

We pull our 400 with a Ram 1500 pickup. There was interference with the standard mount jack when lowering the tailgate so to avoid damage I installed the jack-e-up. It’s pretty easy to use and has the added benefit of preventing damage to the caster or footplate when going over dips or going in and out of the driveway. 

rharder

Thank you everybody.  I'm still looking for the perfect solution to carry bikes.  If I had my druthers, I'd somehow have a bike rack that fits on the trailer allowing me to open the tailgate of the truck and the lid of the storage compartment.  And then it would be able to also install into the 2" hitch on the truck in case we want to take the bikes somewhere while camping.  This is giving me serious brain freeze.

Arwen

I purchased the Ultimate Jack from my local Tractor Supply store last year, mainly so that we could carry our bikes easily, without having to buy a second bike rack just for the T@B 320.  Another advantage is that we often want to transport the bikes to a bikepath for a day's ride, while leaving the camper at a campground.

Plus, our 320 is the Boondock model, and there were times where the stock jack did not extend enough to get the camper level, without adding several inches of blocking under the jack's wheel, which was a bit difficult. This has not been an issue with the Ultimate Jack, as it extends much further.  And I prefer the plate over the jack wheel, as it is more stable (doesn't move when jacking up). The stock jack's wheel does fit, if needed/wanted.

GrandmasKid

gspdx said:

I use it.  I like it and really appreciate being able to remove the jack when traveling.  A few things to note:

1. Because of the style of the hitch I found that this device wouldn't sit flush on my hitch/frame.  So I bought some longer bolts - high strength - and some steel spacers to lift the device up.
2. Due to lifting the device up it shortens the effective lift of the jack.  Haven't had any issues yet due to this but wouldn't be surprised if it causes an issue trying to level at some point or even trying to unhitch from my truck.
3. The plate of the jack "floats" inside the metal carrier and just locates on the 3 notches.  It is not a big deal but good to understand that when installed the jack isn't bolted to anything so if you try to roll the trailer around it will move a bit.  

  I want to install the Jack-E-Up on our new 2021 400 Boondock and I see that I'll need the longer bolts and spacers. May I get what size bolts I'll need? I'm not familiar with bolt sizes and don't want to disassemble the jack, take the bolts down to a hardware store in this time of COVID, and try to figure it out with someone who may not know anymore about it than I do. I think it would be much easier and safer to order the longer bolts and spacers on-line. Also what should I use for spacers? I appreciate any assistance you can offer.

rcarlson1957

Been using mine for a year with a travel valet jack that’s let’s me use my drill to raise and lower (or manually). Quick and easy. Tailgate no longer an issue now. 

[Deleted User]

I use the ultimate jack linked above. I bought the jack-e-up first but that's now sitting in a garage cabinet.  I like the ultimate jack best. 

PixandMsBee

Arwen said:

I purchased the Ultimate Jack from my local Tractor Supply store last year, mainly so that we could carry our bikes easily, without having to buy a second bike rack just for the T@B 320.  Another advantage is that we often want to transport the bikes to a bikepath for a day's ride, while leaving the camper at a campground.

Plus, our 320 is the Boondock model, and there were times where the stock jack did not extend enough to get the camper level, without adding several inches of blocking under the jack's wheel, which was a bit difficult. This has not been an issue with the Ultimate Jack, as it extends much further.  And I prefer the plate over the jack wheel, as it is more stable (doesn't move when jacking up). The stock jack's wheel does fit, if needed/wanted.

I see that you have removed the ultimate jack completely from the tongue, does it just pull straight up and out as long as there is not a foot, wheel etc attached to the bottom? This is the first photo I have been able to find of the Ultimate Jack completely removed.    Thanks!

donmontalvo

Just installed a Jack-E-Up on my T@B 320S. I'm almost able to open my Jeep tailgate all the way.
Next step is to relocate the spare.

californication

PixandMsBee said:

Arwen said:

[...]

I see that you have removed the ultimate jack completely from the tongue, does it just pull straight up and out as long as there is not a foot, wheel etc attached to the bottom? This is the first photo I have been able to find of the Ultimate Jack completely removed.    Thanks!

Hey @Pix@PixandMsBee

I recently installed the Ultimate Jack, so I can give you some context.

Yes, you can completely pull it out. With the installation process on my Tab'22 320S I had to enlarge the bottom opening a bit more. It was slightly too tight to go in. After that, no more issues with pulling it out or installing it back. You just pull the handle, and you're good to go.
Pros: it can go up/down easily so you don't need to work all the way down to release the wheel or foot. It's sturdy, so I can push it around (I have a tight parking space, so I need to move it by hand).

Cons: the only thing is aforementioned issue with drilling a bigger hole.

Overall, I can recommend this setup. If you want more photos, let me know, I can try and snap some.

AnOldUR

@rharder  Most of the bike mount for the rear hitch extend the hitch which is generally considered a bad thing. Some users will tell you it's fine and it can work, but the math doesn't lie.

edit to add that the Ultimate Jack has worked great for us also.

Not sure if your tow vehicle will accommodate it, but have you considered a front hitch and bike rack at that location?

donmontalvo

https://www.curtmfg.com/hitch-extender-guide