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Old 07-10-2015, 12:46 PM   #1
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Electric jack on 19

I just installed a Husky Brut 4500 electric tongue jack on our 19. The only problem was the LP tank cover. I cut the back first, but I should have cut the front first and a lot less off the back.

The Barker VIP 3500 with 24" stroke (model 31558) would have fit better but it cost more, did not include the manual crank, did not have roller bearings in the drive system, and did not have the drop down foot.
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Old 07-10-2015, 03:43 PM   #2
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I have the same problem with my electric jack. The propane cover in place means I can't open the storage box. I've considered cutting the cover much as you did, but have stalled the process so I could ponder it more. In the meantime, I'm using a naugahyde tank cover.

Part of my "pondering" has been wondering if I could somehow heat the tank cover sufficiently to just re-form it slightly; push in the offending bulge just enough to give me clearance. Haven't mustered the courage to break out the torch yet, though!
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Old 07-10-2015, 04:05 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by santacruzer View Post
I have the same problem with my electric jack. The propane cover in place means I can't open the storage box. I've considered cutting the cover much as you did, but have stalled the process so I could ponder it more. In the meantime, I'm using a naugahyde tank cover.

Part of my "pondering" has been wondering if I could somehow heat the tank cover sufficiently to just re-form it slightly; push in the offending bulge just enough to give me clearance. Haven't mustered the courage to break out the torch yet, though!
You might try a real heat gun (not a hair dryer) before you use a torch. I use one frequently when making my products with up to 3/16th inch thick ABS plastic, and I'm making 90 degree 2 inch radius bends. This one has variable heat and a 2 speed fan:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...VCFR96SCE0GBD7
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Old 07-10-2015, 04:24 PM   #4
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Good idea. Part of my hesitation is that I want whatever I do to look reasonably tidy and neat. I was thinking I should heat it from the inside, while applying the pressure to reduce the bulge from the outside.
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Old 07-10-2015, 05:41 PM   #5
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Electric jack on 19

Part of the reason we got the Atwood Premier. It fits perfectly, its quiet, has a ball bearing drive, a robofoot, manual override, bubble level, lights, and no cutting of the tank cover.
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Old 07-10-2015, 05:58 PM   #6
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I would absolutely not use a propane torch on it. Recent first hand experience indicated to me the risk of burning before softening is very probable.
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Old 07-10-2015, 06:38 PM   #7
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Part of the reason we got the Atwood Premier. It fits perfectly, its quiet, has a ball bearing drive, a robofoot, manual override, bubble level, lights, and no cutting of the tank cover.
I had to give our propane tank cover a little trim to get the storage box to open easily. No issues with that, just enhanced ventilation.
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Old 07-10-2015, 06:39 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by santacruzer View Post
Good idea. Part of my hesitation is that I want whatever I do to look reasonably tidy and neat. I was thinking I should heat it from the inside, while applying the pressure to reduce the bulge from the outside.
Use a board to press against the area you want to remold; the plastic has to be hot enough to soften and you will need to hold the plastic in place while it cools back down.
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Old 07-10-2015, 07:00 PM   #9
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Part of the reason we got the Atwood Premier. It fits perfectly, its quiet, has a ball bearing drive, a robofoot, manual override, bubble level, lights, and no cutting of the tank cover.
Not to mention taller...which looks like it clears the cover nicely, but also gives you higher lift of the tongue.
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Old 07-10-2015, 07:16 PM   #10
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I mounted a length of PVC pipe (I think about 10 inches long) to the center of the storage unit right under the lid and parallel to it to force the propane tank cover forward. That keeps the storage cover lid from contacting the propane cover.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:00 PM   #11
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I installed a different propane cover that now clears the electric jack on our 19, But my question is why worry about the tank covers, they are not needed, I would leave them off for vacation/travel and maybe put it back on when in storage.

This is a stock web image, I will take one of my set-up next time out
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:04 PM   #12
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...my question is why worry about the tank covers, they are not needed, ....

I think it's purely aesthetic Ian.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:08 PM   #13
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I think it's purely aesthetic Ian.
I agree, but you have to ask yourself if a cover that is heated, burned, cut-up , etc is aesthetic.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:34 PM   #14
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I agree, but you have to ask yourself if a cover that is heated, burned, cut-up , etc is aesthetic.

But...but....mine's intact.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:40 PM   #15
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Old 07-10-2015, 09:09 PM   #16
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I "reformed" my propane tank cover using heat. I put a small electric heater inside & used a heat shrink gun on the outside. Took about an 1/2 hour of heating to get it soft enough to form. I "adjusted the back side so the cover on the storage box would open.

I still have not come up with a good solution that lets me see the changeover indicator on the dual propane regulator. The motor & housing of the electric jack completely cover the front of the box.
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Old 07-10-2015, 09:47 PM   #17
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I "reformed" my propane tank cover using heat. I put a small electric heater inside & used a heat shrink gun on the outside. Took about an 1/2 hour of heating to get it soft enough to form. I "adjusted the back side so the cover on the storage box would open.

I still have not come up with a good solution that lets me see the changeover indicator on the dual propane regulator. The motor & housing of the electric jack completely cover the front of the box.
First time I used a mechanics mirror but now that I've been fooling around the all-thread holding the regulator is loose enough for me to turn it slightly.
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Old 07-10-2015, 10:31 PM   #18
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I agree, but you have to ask yourself if a cover that is heated, burned, cut-up , etc is aesthetic.
Well, to each their own. I'd rather have mine, despite being modified, still doing its' job of keeping moisture, road grime etc. off the tanks etc. To me, tanks sitting uncovered look sort of unfinished.

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Old 07-11-2015, 04:10 AM   #19
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That tank cover comes off easily and there are 2 ways of re-installing, one with the opening towards the front and in the pictures posted the opening is towards the rear. Perhaps if you reversed the cover you may not need to perform any modification because it is shaped differently front and rear.I also recommend a strap along the bottom to keep the cover in place while traveling, some have lost their cover.
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Old 07-11-2015, 09:16 AM   #20
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BTW the replacement cover I am using pictured in my earlier post #11 in this thread, it does not have the "bulges" in the center section which interfere with the front box lid. My front box opens without any interference, in fact there is actually about an inch of clearance between the box and the cover. Same with the electric jack, I just installed a Jack-E-Up so I can remove the jack so I can open the tailgate with the trailer connected. when rotating the jack to remove it it hits the new cover but will still turn for removal and reattachment.

Access to turn on the propane is a bit more limited as it uses 2 round 1/4 turn hatches, one for each tank and seeing the changeover valve is very difficult if not impossible with the cover on.
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