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Old 02-18-2017, 11:18 PM   #1
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Tongue jack modification

We ordered our 21 with the standard manual tongue jack, thinking we didn't really need an electric jack (our Casita was easy to jack up manually). Now, we sometimes wish we had the electric one. Sigh... Now, I guess I could replace it with an electric and tap into 12v power somewhere, but what I'd REALLY like is a manual jack with a removable handle and a drive nut the same size as on the stabilizers so I can raise and lower it with my cordless drill. Has anybody made that modification to their manual jack? Or found a replacement manual jack like that?


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Old 02-18-2017, 11:37 PM   #2
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Yes, but not me, and the modification was not necessarily to the same jack you have:
Tongue Jack handle
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Old 02-18-2017, 11:54 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
Yes, but not me, and the modification was not necessarily to the same jack you have:
Tongue Jack handle
Hmm, interesting. Thanks. My 21 is currently in storage, but I'm picking it up Friday, so I'll have to take a closer look at the jack and see if I can make it work on that jack. If not, I'll check out jacks on etrailer.com.
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Old 02-19-2017, 12:38 AM   #4
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Has anybody made that modification to their manual jack? Or found a replacement manual jack like that?
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Yup, and I've done tons of mods that worked out well. That wasn't one of them.

I replaced the shaft with one that had the same size head as the stabilizers. It was horrible. I don't think the gearing is suitable for use with a cordless drill. First, it requires a lot of torque, not a problem but difficult to control. Secondly, the howl, even well greased, may me think the the cut of the gear just wasn't suitable.

So I'd say, either buy an electric one or use the manual one as is.

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Old 02-19-2017, 12:37 PM   #5
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I've just got the 17' Escape trailer but, that said, I've never found the manual jack even the slightest bit of a problem to wind up or down. An electric jack can easily be added later, perhaps even bought on sale. Why not try the manual jack first.
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Old 02-19-2017, 12:45 PM   #6
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I've just got the 17' Escape trailer but, that said, I've never found the manual jack even the slightest bit of a problem to wind up or down. An electric jack can easily be added later, perhaps even bought on sale. Why not try the manual jack first.
Yeah, been using the manual jack. It works ok, but you have to crank it what seems like a really long time to raise or lower a few inches. Maybe I'm just getting lazy...

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Old 02-19-2017, 02:01 PM   #7
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Manual jack - simple, reliable, inexpensive
Power jack - several moving parts and heavy, risk of power source or motor failure, higher cost
Physically unable to use manual jack - benefit power jack, otherwise, burn some calories and stick with the manual jack.
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Old 02-19-2017, 02:27 PM   #8
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Should also be mentioned that the electric jack, when operating, sounds much like nails on a chalk board, but so much louder.
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Old 02-19-2017, 02:38 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Ralph & Paulette View Post
Yeah, been using the manual jack. It works ok, but you have to crank it what seems like a really long time to raise or lower a few inches. Maybe I'm just getting lazy...

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Wish we had a power jack, too. It is one of those items that we are "going to get." Some time. Have been in a few situations where the manual was a lot of trouble no matter the temperature, and also could have used it in 100F. An RV place will install one if you want.

Are you placing some blocks to keep your cranking distance down? That can help but have to be careful not to put too many.
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Old 02-19-2017, 02:56 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gharper View Post
Manual jack - simple, reliable, inexpensive
Power jack - several moving parts and heavy, risk of power source or motor failure, higher cost
Physically unable to use manual jack - benefit power jack, otherwise, burn some calories and stick with the manual jack.
Well said our thoughts exactly . Pat
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Old 02-19-2017, 03:40 PM   #11
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Wish we had a power jack, too. It is one of those items that we are "going to get." Some time. Have been in a few situations where the manual was a lot of trouble no matter the temperature, and also could have used it in 100F. An RV place will install one if you want.

Are you placing some blocks to keep your cranking distance down? That can help but have to be careful not to put too many.
Yeah, we have started putting blocks under which has definitely helped. I guess I'll stop whining and consider it part of my exercise program. [emoji3]

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Old 02-19-2017, 04:49 PM   #12
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Yeah, we have started putting blocks under which has definitely helped. I guess I'll stop whining and consider it part of my exercise program. [emoji3]

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Alternate your arms, Ralph, so you don't over develop your dominant side.
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