Piece of %$#@ tongue jack!!

BlakeB · 06-10-2012, 01:24 PM

Just got back from camping for the weekend and went to put my trailer at the storage place and SURPRISE!!!! The notoriously crappy Lippert tongue jack failed. Wont go up or down and just clicks.

Im not going to even try and do anything with it but replace it. Questions is.... I was thinking about ebaying a new one but need to get this trailer unhooked from my truck before Tuesday. Whats the easiest way if any of you have had to do this?

I doubt I can get one shipped from ebay in two days so im thinking if I can get it unhooked i'll replace it when it comes in. If not the only one the local dealer here has is $350. I can get the same one on ebay for $150 less.

Capsfloyd · 06-10-2012, 01:27 PM

Floor jack ?

hokiecampers · 06-10-2012, 01:43 PM

Had the same problem last year and used a bottle jack and some 4x4 wood blocks. I took a few minutes to get unhooked. A floor jack would be easier. Good luck.

rkswyo · 06-10-2012, 02:06 PM

This is one reason I always carry a bottle jack in the storage area along with some wood blocks. I too have had the electric tongue jack fail me at an inopportune time.

**Herk7769** · 06-10-2012, 02:10 PM

Could your battery be too low? Try hooking up the pigtail to your truck and see if you can throw a charge on your battery.

Triguy · 06-10-2012, 02:11 PM

Have you tried the manual operation for the LCI?

BTW - I replaced our LCI with a Barker. Have also heard good things about the Husky.

BlakeB · 06-10-2012, 08:41 PM

I thought about trying to track down a tall enough floor jack. I did try the following:

1. Had the truck hooked up to the trailer for extra power.. And had it plugged into power all weekend. It's cranking, but just clicking. Occassionally it moves a little bit but not enough to lift the trailer off the ball.

2. I did try the manual operation... I could tell it's doing the same clicking that the electric is doing (obviously stripping gears).

I did, with blocks, get the trailer high enough to have my neighbor stand on the bumper of my truck so I could free my truck. Now I just got to get a new jack.

Anyone have a jack that they just love? And best that I go with 3500lbs or up? The trailer is 5400lbs dry and 7500 max. Also know that I usually lift that back of the truck a few inches when hitching to get the trunnion bars on. Im sure thats what "did in" the POS Lippert.

BlakeB · 06-10-2012, 08:45 PM

Fortunately this crap ***** tongue jack failed me at a better time than it could have. I didnt get stranded at a campsite (w/out a jack), AND I can still get the truck back under it so I can unbolt the jack.

After reading posts on this site, I was absolutely sure this was going to happen, and the DW and I have been talking about replacing it before it did go...too late. Oh well, kinda glad it happened before we go on our long trip..

**Terier** · 06-10-2012, 09:09 PM

I trouble with my original electric jack that started when I attempted to drop the tt off at the storage place after the PDI. It blew fuses one after another including another 3 with the service tech while he tried to unhitch.

Dealership had it wired for a 30amp fuse only to find out from the manufactor that it was designed for a relay instead. Guess someone didn't read the directions.

Dealer replaced and upgraded electric jack and there's been zero problem in the 20 months since.

Sorry that you are going through this - it's not much fun.

Namchief · 06-11-2012, 12:01 AM

Still waiting for someone to suggest a power jack for his uses... 7700 max trailer weight and uses the jack to ease the installation of WD hitch bars by raising it while hooked to the TV. Hitch weight max at 1000

**Terier** · 06-11-2012, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namchief

Still waiting for someone to suggest a power jack for his uses... 7700 max trailer weight and uses the jack to ease the installation of WD hitch bars by raising it while hooked to the TV. Hitch weight max at 1000

Triguy mentioned two brands in post #6- Barker and Husky.

cstover · 06-11-2012, 05:05 AM

A 3500 lb jack should work fine. Tongue weight is a 1000. 3500 gives a 3.5 to 1 ratio. If it doesn't sound good enough, get a 4500 lb one. But IMO 3500 would be fine.

Triguy · 06-11-2012, 06:37 AM

Barker 3500vip

Jestercyco · 06-11-2012, 07:36 AM

I bought a Husky 4500# jack for $177.00 part number 87247 on line through Amazon.com, with free shipping. Works great on TH 1400# hitch weight and a V nose ( real heavy front end).
Jester

hokiecampers · 06-11-2012, 07:46 AM

When my LCI failed, the dealer replaced it with an Atwood 3500#. I had this same brand of jack on two previous campers over the past 15 years and had no problems.

BlakeB · 06-11-2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jestercyco

I bought a Husky 4500# jack for $177.00 part number 87247 on line through Amazon.com, with free shipping. Works great on TH 1400# hitch weight and a V nose ( real heavy front end).
Jester

This was the one I was looking at. Looks like a good deal. The Barker is nice but it's quite a bit more expensive. If these two are comparable then I think i'll go with the Husky.

Thanks for everyones input! much appreciated.

Anyone know what that LCI was rated at anyway?

punkaccountant · 06-11-2012, 08:42 AM

Is there any difference between the brands? I mean, do they basically all work the same way, mechanically, or is there a type that seems to be better than the others?

jsilvius · 06-11-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlakeB

This was the one I was looking at. Looks like a good deal. The Barker is nice but it's quite a bit more expensive. If these two are comparable then I think i'll go with the Husky.

Thanks for everyones input! much appreciated.

Anyone know what that LCI was rated at anyway?

I'm thinking of getting that same jack for my 2006 831FKSS, let us know if you pick it up and how it works and I'm looking for a review or two from real world users.

Thanks
James

Sockman · 06-11-2012, 09:51 AM

I like my Barker.

Triguy · 06-11-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkaccountant

Is there any difference between the brands? I mean, do they basically all work the same way, mechanically, or is there a type that seems to be better than the others?

There really aren't any secrets to building an electric jack but some seem much more durable than others. I recommend you generally stay away from the really cheap no-name brands. Those often report that they strip their gears.

Good brands that I see mentioned are Barker, Husky, Atwood, Ultra Fab. I really like my Barker that I upgraded to when replacing the stock LCI (Not no-name but known to fail prematurely).

Other thoughts: Measure the diameter of the hole and match to the jack. These also have different choices in length - such as 18" or 24" - Some people want longer, especially if their truck is tall, but the greater height might cause issues (hybrid bed lowering). Some jacks have bigger head units so it needs to fit your situation - tailgate operation on pickups and SUVs could be impacted, etc.

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