Electric Tongue Jack Upgrade?

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

The ability to open a hatch or dropping a tailgate is a side benefit of Propride and Hensley hitches. They add a few inches clearance between the trailer and TV making this a non-issue.

Thanks, Al. I currently have an Anderson (pic in post #21). I think extending my current hitch is a no go. In the pic, my hatch barely contacts the propane cover when the hitch is in a dip. I'm hoping the Husky will clear.

[bbells]

I liked my power tongue jack. But now I just converted all my tongue jacks so I can use a drill.

[dsjohns71]

Originally Posted by Captain Insaino

Thanks,

The jack won't be here for a few days. How I end up protecting it will depend. When it's not hooked up to the TV, I can do something like you did. I'll need to see how much clearance I have with opening the hatch of the Tahoe when hooked up. I may end up with some type of thin weather proof cover or sock. I haven't researched covers yet

Amazon has a few nice black weatherproof covers. This one I have has a draw string and works perfect. I have used these for years and keeps the jack head like new..

[Fluffywhitedogs]

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but if you end up with a Barker, keep in mind that the foot is different...it bolts on from underneath and tends to come loose and get lost. So crank it on and check it regularly.

[Jayhawker]

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but if you end up with a Barker, keep in mind that the foot is different...it bolts on from underneath and tends to come loose and get lost. So crank it on and check it regularly.

LOCTITE Thread locker should fix that.

[Fluffywhitedogs]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

LOCTITE Thread locker should fix that.

Alas, it’s too late for me! 😢

[Chuck_S]

I may be interested in replacing my current jack which I've had my electric tongue jack since 2005. Disassembled and greased it twice in that time. Have no clue the brand but it was a factory reconditioned jack when I bought it. Used to have a working light. Still working.

I prefer to use an 8"x8"x8" block of wood under it in most places to keep the jack extension short which I believe is stronger side to side.

A child's beach or sandbox bucket inverted over the head protects the mechanism. These are usually found abandoned several places. Playful decorations don't embarrass the jack and the bucket keeps it dry.

-- Chuck

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

Attachment 270369
Amazon has a few nice black weatherproof covers. This one I have has a draw string and works perfect. I have used these for years and keeps the jack head like new..
Attachment 270370

Perfect, that’s probably what I will end up getting.

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but if you end up with a Barker, keep in mind that the foot is different...it bolts on from underneath and tends to come loose and get lost. So crank it on and check it regularly.

I ordered the Husky, but you bring up a really good point.

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

LOCTITE Thread locker should fix that.

Exactly!

[campkasten]

A suggestion for a tongue jack cover... every place I've looked the "official" covers for these things are expensive, so I went to Walmart and got a small plastic trashcan that fits perfectly. Cost: $6

The sun is slowly making the plastic brittle (see the duct tape) so I am planning to go buy a replacement.

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

I may be interested in replacing my current jack which I've had my electric tongue jack since 2005. Disassembled and greased it twice in that time. Have no clue the brand but it was a factory reconditioned jack when I bought it. Used to have a working light. Still working.

I prefer to use an 8"x8"x8" block of wood under it in most places to keep the jack extension short which I believe is stronger side to side.

A child's beach or sandbox bucket inverted over the head protects the mechanism. These are usually found abandoned several places. Playful decorations don't embarrass the jack and the bucket keeps it dry.

-- Chuck

I think you’re on point about keeping the Jack extension short. I will probably do something similar while it’s in my driveway.

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by Captain Insaino

Thanks, Al. I currently have an Anderson (pic in post #21). I think extending my current hitch is a no go. In the pic, my hatch barely contacts the propane cover when the hitch is in a dip. I'm hoping the Husky will clear.

I turned my husky side ways . had to drill 1 hole . tail gate opens no issues . As far as covers you can find them on amazon . have had one on mine since install 3 yrs ago and still holding strong.

[Captain Insaino]

Originally Posted by MR.M

I turned my husky side ways . had to drill 1 hole . tail gate opens no issues . As far as covers you can find them on amazon . have had one on mine since install 3 yrs ago and still holding strong.

Thank you,
I may have lucked out without drilling. Pic in post 28.
All of the basic covers look very similar. As long as it keeps the moisture off and stays put during travel, I'm not seeing any need to buy an expensive one. I'll probably throw a bucket over the top in the off season.

[Jayhawker]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

Attachment 270369
Amazon has a few nice black weatherproof covers. This one I have has a draw string and works perfect. I have used these for years and keeps the jack head like new..
Attachment 270370

Here is an alternative to the draw string cover. We had the same cover and being in the sun for a year or two the waterproof coating started peeling.
Drilled two small holes in the lip of the Rubbermaid and attached small bungee cords.

[Captain Insaino]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[dsjohns71]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker

Here is an alternative to the draw string cover. We had the same cover and being in the sun for a year or two the waterproof coating started peeling.

Drilled two small holes in the lip of the Rubbermaid and attached small bungee cords.

Interesting, mine has been on the jack for over 5 years now and holding up better than the propane tank cover. Funny thing I rarely use the light on the jack so I just push the extend/retract button with out moving the cover. I know lazy right.., lol but hey it works

[Dwilcox]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

Interesting, mine has been on the jack for over 5 years now and holding up better than the propane tank cover. Funny thing I rarely use the light on the jack so I just push the extend/retract button with out moving the cover. I know lazy right.., lol but hey it works

Funny. I do the same.[emoji106]

[hack522]

Originally Posted by dsjohns71

Interesting, mine has been on the jack for over 5 years now and holding up better than the propane tank cover. Funny thing I rarely use the light on the jack so I just push the extend/retract button with out moving the cover. I know lazy right.., lol but hey it works

Mine has a remote making me even lazier.[emoji1787][emoji23]

[Captain Insaino]

I am down for lazy.