Swivel Tongue Jack Mod - Is it OK?

JeffroNC · July 2018

Folks,

I need to tow with my tailgate attached and down. We went to an RV dealer and I backed up to a T@B 400 and discovered that the tailgate would interfere with the tongue jack but clear the propane tub fine. They said they could fit a side mount swivel jack. Like this: http://https//www.amazon.com/dp/B000DCN8G8/ref=psdc_3147821011_t1_B000CQOIVO

My question is: Does anybody have experience with replacing the jack with a swivel model? Pros or cons?

TIA
Jeff

Verna · July 2018

@JeffroNC, I found with my Toyota Tacoma that if I gently let the tailgate down and moved the jack handle, that the tailgate would indeed go all of the way down. You might try again to see if you can do this. It‘s hard to explain.....

The second option is on is to use the mod by @Dalehelman and @Tabaz (I think he did it also), and remove the jack handle so you can use a cordless drill to raise and lower the jack. I love this option.

I am unable to open your Amazon link, so I’m not sure which jack you are referring to.

ScottG · July 2018

Check out this thread. Pop-T@B made his own but there is a commercial version as well.

JanandDave · August 2018

@ScottG. That would be our T@B now. Works great, though not necessary with the Subie. Does remove 17 lbs. of tongue weight if I’m fine tuning for a longer trip.

PamandJohnUpNorth2 · August 2018

Another option is the removable Jack Plate designed for the 320.

https://www.allproadventures.com/product-page/removable-jack-plate

The jack plate for the 320 fits the 400 with the addition of a couple of washers under the bottom plate.

The picture shows the jack plate mounted on my 400 - in place it is stable, it is easily removed.

Also, I recall seeing a Fulton jack mounted on the side rail of the tongue of a 400 but I didn't take a close look at how it was mounted. Typically the swing jacks are designed to be mounted on "box rails" rather than

"C Channel" so some ingenuity may have been put to use.

I think you have a couple of options to look at!

Dalehelman · August 2018

HappyCampers said:

Another option is the removable Jack Plate designed for the 320.

https://www.allproadventures.com/product-page/removable-jack-plate

The jack plate for the 320 fits the 400 with the addition of a couple of washers under the bottom plate.
The picture shows the jack plate mounted on my 400 - in place it is stable, it is easily removed.

Also, I recall seeing a Fulton jack mounted on the side rail of the tongue of a 400 but I didn't take a close look at how it was mounted. Typically the swing jacks are designed to be mounted on "box rails" rather than
"C Channel" so some ingenuity may have been put to use.

I think you have a couple of options to look at!

The above pictured product is by far the best removable tongue jack product. IMHO much better than the Jack E Up.

JeffroNC · March 2019

I asked about the swivel jack a wile back since I wanted to tow with my tailgate down. Now that I have my new Tab 400 sitting here, I found my answer. By removing the wedge, this jack can be completely removed once the trailer is hitched up.
https://www.etrailer.com/question-270614.html