Looking to add a power jack

[jjm901]

I am looking to add a power jack. a few questions regarding them:
1) from what I can tell the Lippert jacks are not good, Barker VIP is highly recommended from other forum posts. What about the other jack manufacturers, any to stay away from?
2) Seems like there are two sizes 2" and 2 1/4" is there a simple way to know which sizing I need?
3) the equation seems to be 3x the toungue weight as far as the power of the motor of the jack. Are their any negatives to getting too large of one?
4) anyone have any battery issues after adding the power jack?
5) any other recommendations or lessons of the road concerning power jacks?

[jim44646]

I have the Barker 3500, Love it. Unbeatable Customer Service
Measure old one for size. Buy the largest you can afford because you can always switch it to larger TT if you trade up. As far as battery issues I haven't had any. but then as soon as you plug into shore power converter will keep battery up. I've seen bad reviews on Odyssey Jacks

[bamasurveyor]

I also have a Barker jack, 3000# VIP. After a year out of warranty my power switch went out. I called their Customer Service line explained my problem,and by the time I hung up the phone ,I had a new power switch on the way for $12.00, along with 2 new Limit switches "just to be safe" at no charge. I received them 2 days later. Couldn't ask for better service from a company.

[Danielflading]

We use the Husky and like it, works good, quiet, and no problems

Amazon.com: Husky 87247 4500 lbs. Brute Power Jack: Automotive

[rkswyo]

The electric tounge jack it an upgrade I wouldn't be without. I bought a refurb on ebay. From day one the motor didn't sound quite right compared to others I have had. It lasted about a year and quit on me. Personally I won't buy another refurb and will buy the best one I can afford.

[jjm901]

Originally Posted by rkswyo

I bought a refurb on ebay. From day one the motor didn't sound quite right compared to others I have had. It lasted about a year and quit on me.

Thanks for relaying an "unsuccessful" refurb purchase. I was worried about refurb but thought about going that way seeing how many people had success. What brand was your refurb?

[rkswyo]

It was an Ultra Fab. I am sure some people have had good luck with the refurbs. Like I said the one I got didn't sound right and was a little slow from the start. In hindsight I probably should have returned itit from the start. If I am ever in the market again I will probably buy new. Once you have had an electric you will wonder how you got buy without it. Definatley a must have in my opinion.

[bikendan]

i've had great service with my UF refurb unit.
have had it for 4 years now, with no problems. model 3500 unit with adjustable foot. cost me about $120 w/free shipping.

[Triguy]

My answers are in blue...

Originally Posted by jjm901

I am looking to add a power jack. a few questions regarding them:
1) from what I can tell the Lippert jacks are not good, Barker VIP is highly recommended from other forum posts. What about the other jack manufacturers, any to stay away from? I can't say anything about the others. My original that came with the trailer was an LCI (black). It was replaced under warranty when it shredded its gears. I opted for a Barker 3500. Faster and quieter.
2) Seems like there are two sizes 2" and 2 1/4" is there a simple way to know which sizing I need? Measure the diameter of the hole in your trailer.
3) the equation seems to be 3x the toungue weight as far as the power of the motor of the jack. Are their any negatives to getting too large of one? No negatives if it fits (except for additional cost, of course)
4) anyone have any battery issues after adding the power jack? None. Its just another 12V motor. Power jacks should come with a manual crank if your battery dies in the middle of a trip.
5) any other recommendations or lessons of the road concerning power jacks? Don't raise it too high

[WJC]

Ultra Fab refurbished, had it for two years works great, can't go wrong for the price! Would buy another!