Bent stabilizing jack

[Klbrown53]

I am now wondering just how common this problem is. The guy parked next to me said it happened to him. When I took it by the dealership the service manager said he had seen it 2 other times and I just read the post from bobmart5705 saying it had happened to him. I did put a little pressure on my jacks trying to prevent the shaking inside but did not feel that I put that much pressure on them.

[OldCoot]

I think it is more common than what is known, a lot of folks put blocks under them so they don't extend very much, but IMO, I want them as vertical as possible to reduce the stress on the legs where the strap braces connect.

[Klbrown53]

Good point old coot. Vertical probably would be better. I have been thinking about a set of plastic blocks anyway and that would allow a little more vertical set up. They are also lighter than my 4x4 blocks that I made.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

IMO...think most users must be setting up the rear stabs beyond just touching the ground and actually lifting the rear of the camper which I can see putting stress on these light stab jacks, thus causing the bend from these pics I see...again only my observation as I have not witness this problem with my current rig or past camper that had this jack design.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Cajun Po-Boy

IMO...think most users must be setting up the rear stabs beyond just touching the ground and actually lifting the rear of the camper which I can see putting stress on these light stab jacks, thus causing the bend from these pics I see...again only my observation as I have not witness this problem with my current rig or past camper that had this jack design.

You have to lift the camper a little to know they are in contact with the ground, otherwise they do nothing.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

You have to lift the camper a little to know they are in contact with the ground, otherwise they do nothing.

You are right and I do the same...just my observation at campgrounds, seems like some folks set them up like they are trying to change a flat tire...think the sweet spot for these jacks are critical to keep from bending like a wet noodle?!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Cajun Po-Boy

You are right and I do the same...just my observation at campgrounds, seems like some folks set them up like they are trying to change a flat tire...think the sweet spot for these jacks are critical to keep from bending like a wet noodle?!

After reinforcing the legs and replacing the strap braces, I don't worry about bending them.

[Platokidd]

Just wondering..is it possible to put enough pressure on the jacks to bend the frame?
I have / had this kind of power jack like op on 2 units. I really dont think they do all the great of a job compared to the old bal-jack. (http://simage1.sportsmansguide.com/a.../157611_ts.jpg)
I think someday I might switch back to them. But here again is it possible to bend the frame?

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

Just wondering..is it possible to put enough pressure on the jacks to bend the frame?
I have / had this kind of power jack like op on 2 units. I really dont think they do all the great of a job compared to the old bal-jack. (http://simage1.sportsmansguide.com/a.../157611_ts.jpg)
I think someday I might switch back to them. But here again is it possible to bend the frame?

I don't think you can bend the frame upwards from the jacks, but you sure could/can if you put a load on it downwards from add on racks, etc. The walls/flooring stiffen the framework in any upwards pressure. Kind of like a monocoque/unibody design (strictly in the upwards direction).

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I don't think you can bend the frame upwards from the jacks, but you sure could/can if you put a load on it downwards from add on racks, etc. The walls/flooring stiffen the framework in any upwards pressure. Kind of like a monocoque/unibody design (strictly in the upwards direction).

So then a bike rake on the bumper is not a good idea? dw2b wants us to take the bikes. (2 of them) Already have a tire and grill mount on the rear stock from mfg..

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

So then a bike rake on the bumper is not a good idea? dw2b wants us to take the bikes. (2 of them) Already have a tire and grill mount on the rear stock from mfg..

Consult the mfg, but I would refrain from adding anything to the rear bumper that was NOT factory approved. Too many horror stories posted on this forum of the bumper tube tearing off and falling on the highway.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

So then a bike rake on the bumper is not a good idea? dw2b wants us to take the bikes. (2 of them) Already have a tire and grill mount on the rear stock from mfg..

Not the bumper. As Coot said- many horror stories (happened to a close friend of mine (I know how that sounds )). But, a hitch mounted to the frame with reinforcements made- that seems to be able to be done safely.

[HONDAMAN174]

After reinforcing the legs and replacing the strap braces, I don't worry about bending them.

OC- can you post your handi work? Would like to see what others have done before I go and put some angle iron to it

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

After reinforcing the legs and replacing the strap braces, I don't worry about bending them.

OC- can you post your handi work? Would like to see what others have done before I go and put some angle iron to it

Here is a reinforced leg, I also made 3/4" pipe braces to replace the straps. Split a 26" or 27" pc of 2-1/4" x 0.150 wall square tubing, notched the ends for a taper and welded them to the bottom of the legs.

You could do the same with steel angle to make a "U" shaped channel.

[Blaster 84]

When we purchased our RV the main channel of the stabilizer was buckled. The person that replaced it said it's not uncommon. The instructions read to only hold the button for two seconds after the pads make contact

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Blaster 84

When we purchased our RV the main channel of the stabilizer was buckled. The person that replaced it said it's not uncommon. The instructions read to only hold the button for two seconds after the pads make contact

On my rear one, I welded 2 pcs of 2"x2"x1/8" angle to the top channel and I don't put an excessive amount of pressure on them. I might raise the rear 1/4"-1/2" due to the ends of the channel are very flimsy. The one in front of the axle is tied to the 2"x4" tubing at the ends and can't bend, which allows me to just about lift the tires off the ground before it trips the 20A auto reset breaker.

[rattleNsmoke]

Hey Coot, those look nice and stout now. It's hard to believe the cheap crap the factory or Lippert will use just to cut costs. I've seen stronger u-channel on garden carts. Great pics btw, thanks for sharing.