Swing jack. Help, I'm over-thinking this.

Slip7
Slip7 Member Posts: 32
edited September 2017 in Modifications & Upgrades
The former owners of our Outback installed a 3000lb electric jack because of the husband's heart condition. It's slowwwww to raise and lower and I can't get open my Wrangler tailgate. 

Electric Jacks only use a foot plate because a wheel cuts their weight capacity in half. I originally wanted to just slap a wheel on it because my main focus is my wife being able to turn the trailer for optimum camp site views and to close the distance when trying to hitch up when she's solo. I think either the larger the diameter wheel the better or dual wheels are the best for ease of movement by one person. 

To meet both of these goals I want to get rid of the electric jack and go with a swivel jack with a wheel. I'm positive the tongue weight isn't over 500lbs so weight rating isn't the issue. My research on the forums suggests that some swing jacks don't extend high enough to get over the receiver on the TV and some don't have brackets wide enough to fit around the A frame's side.

They vary widely in price from $45 to over $100. Why? How is one jack so much better than the other? Is it the gearing or something? Less cranks of the handle for travel? Is there a way I can put my cordless impact drill on some of these to speed things up like I do for the stabilizers? I'm going cross-eyed on something that I thought would be a quick purchase.

Can someone slap me with a reality check please?

Comments

  • Homebodyatheart
    Homebodyatheart Member Posts: 2,516
    @Slip7, I'm clueless about all but the last question regarding replacing the crank. Yes. @Dalehelman has done this, and probably can answer your other questions as well. I think they are still traveling from last weekend's rally, but he does check in here often. As for your wife turning the T@b when solo, I've done it a number of times. I usually camp with others, but if not what is helpful is to ask a zombie or two to help as they want to see the unit anyway, and this is a nice feature! Happy camping!
    2017 T@B 320 Max S silver and cherry red, L@dybug ("Bug" aka my esc@pe pod), TV 2015 Toyota Highlander aka Big Red
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    The slow electric jacks usually are because they think they are lifting something humongous and have hefty gearing (3000# for a T@B, geesh!). You can get an electric where you can turn it so your tailgate opens all the way. 

    I looked at swing up jacks (etrailer) and couldn't find one with the appropriate length that didn't interfere with stuff already on the tongue. Measure, measure, measure!!

    Can you ask the original owners if they kept the original jack by chance? If not, NuCamp may be able to sell you the 3-bolt jack they normally use - you can take off the wheel while traveling and put it back on.

    Let us know what you do!!!
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Here is a couple of  Solutions to address your problems. By removing the 3 pins at the base of the jack it can be quickly removed. The jack base can be purchased through the Nu Camp store. 
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    @Dalehelman where did u get the thread less bolt?
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420
    I'll jump in for Dale here. It's a standard bolt from Home Depot. Get the stainless steel version (about $6.00). Cut off the threads and drill a hole for the metal pin. You'll need a titanium drill bit to get through the stainless ( it's very hard). Bolt head fits a 3/4" socket. This is one of my favorite mods!
    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    I'll do it. My engine builder has a milling machine I can use...
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Stainless is really not necessary. The original crank is not. IMHO
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Hummer
    Hummer Member Posts: 2
    Will tongue jack removal kit work on 2017 Little Guy Outback with stainless steel cargo rack immediately located behind jack. Is there room to get pns in?
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Hummer said:
    Will tongue jack removal kit work on 2017 Little Guy Outback with stainless steel cargo rack immediately located behind jack. Is there room to get pns in?
    Yes
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Hummer
    Hummer Member Posts: 2
    Cool, Thanks for the info

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