Stabilizing jacks

J Mac · 08-08-2014, 04:50 PM

I wish the hex nuts used to raise and/or lower the stabilizing jacks were longer so I could raise and lower jacks without getting on my knees. How can they be extended?

tractors1 · 08-08-2014, 05:00 PM

I think the easier option would be to weld a deep socket onto the wrench. Only have to do that once!

KarenH · 08-08-2014, 05:08 PM

Not sure if this is a solution for you, but this is what I use to raise and lower the stabilizers on my 15. No more kneeling for me...

**rbryan4** · 08-08-2014, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenH

Not sure if this is a solution for you, but this is what I use to raise and lower the stabilizers on my 15. No more kneeling for me...

YES!!! Never miss a chance to use a power tool.

J Mac · 08-08-2014, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenH

Not sure if this is a solution for you, but this is what I use to raise and lower the stabilizers on my 15. No more kneeling for me...

I already have a power drill that I use. Its just that the hex head, on the Jack, is so close to the underbelly of the trailer and so far in that I have to kneel to see the hex head in order to adjust it. How can I extend the hex head to make it more accessible?

Cypherian · 08-09-2014, 07:18 AM

Hey ,

I know a bit older school but it works fast and I just have to bend not kneel.

Craftsman 9-44161 18-Inch Speeder Wrench with 1/2-Inch Drive - Speed Wrench - Amazon.com

Jubal · 08-09-2014, 08:54 AM

Is the speed wrench used with an extension ? Not much different than the tool provided by ETI.

J Mac · 08-09-2014, 09:07 AM

My issue is that I have to kneel down to see the hex head adjuster in order use the wrench. If I could somehow extend the adjuster...

KarenH · 08-09-2014, 09:08 AM

I either don't understand the problem or don't understand the tool terminology (undoubtedly both). The picture I posted was of my DeWalt power drill with a 9.5" thingy (extension bar?) and a 3/4" thingy (socket?). Longer extensions were available but the 9.5" was long enough to reach the thingy (hex head?) on my 15 so all I had to do was bend over to see and fit it on the jack. Total cost was less than six bucks...excluding the power drill, of course.

I guess this is not the solution, however, as J Mac can't see the hex head in it's current position on his Escape without kneeling.

Edited: Both the 15 and 17 are narrower than the larger Escapes; thus, the hex head could be proportionately farther away from the edge of the trailer.

KirkB · 08-09-2014, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Mac

My issue is that I have to kneel down to see the hex head adjuster in order use the wrench. If I could somehow extend the adjuster...

J Mac, ever been to AirCare? Get one of the mirrors on a handle they use to look at your exhaust while standing up.

J Mac · 08-09-2014, 10:17 AM

Thank you all for your ideas but I think what I'm looking for is similar to a Screw driver bit extension that attaches to the hex head , bringing the hex head closer to the outside edge of the trailer body. Bringing it into view as it were.

padlin · 08-09-2014, 10:22 AM

If you really want it done, stop by a machine or welding shop. Welding on a length of rod or bar with the right sized nut welded to the end would do it.

Jubal · 08-09-2014, 10:39 AM

Extending out the jack drive without support will make is vulnerable to damage. The extension could become the new "stinger".

Cypherian · 08-09-2014, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jubal

Is the speed wrench used with an extension ? Not much different than the tool provided by ETI.

Yes I have a six inch extension on it , it is a little faster then the supplied one once you get the hang of spinning the handle by just rotating the top piece. It works till contact then use both hands takes another turn to turn and a half and done.

Cypher

Brian B-P · 08-09-2014, 02:45 PM

I would consider pinning a socket to the jack, pinning an extension into that socket, and supporting the end of the extension (which would be visible at the edge of the trailer) with a bracket... but I would probably never get around to building that, and would just kneel down each time to get the socket on.

My current trailer has the jacks mounted further outboard so this isn't a problem, but Escape follows the normal practice of having the jack end mounted at the frame, which leaves it significantly inboard from the side of the body.

JohnB · 08-09-2014, 04:23 PM

I have a kneeling pad that I use so I am not kneeling in the gravel etc. It is the type sold in garden supply departments, about 6" x 12". Also end up finding other uses for the pad as well, like kneeling when getting into the external side storage door. So far have no need for an extension but that day will probably come.

Brian B-P suggestion of an extension socket with bracket would work if there is a place to mount the bracket? Looks like it would have to be into the fiberglass or build some metal extensions to mount on the side of the jack assembly and extend outwards to support end of socket extension??

ChuckS · 08-09-2014, 05:31 PM

Ask ETI to install power stabilizer jacks like OliverTrailers, problem solved.

J Mac · 08-09-2014, 05:36 PM

ChuckS,
Asking someone to raise or lower the jacks for me would also solve the problem. I'm looking for a solution and I think I'll pin and bracket an extension.

hotfishtacos · 08-09-2014, 05:48 PM

[QUOTE=J Mac;62184]ChuckS,
Asking someone to raise or lower the jacks for me would also solve the problem. I'm looking for a solution and I think I'll pin and bracket an extension.[/QUOTE

In my battery powered drill I use a 3/8" drive bit in the chuck and use two 12" extensions with a 3/4" socket on the end and never need to kneel to run the stabilizers up or down.

J Mac · 08-09-2014, 06:06 PM

H F T my problem is I can't see the jack until I kneel. I have the drills, I have the bit, I have the knee pad... I just can't find the hex screw while standing.

You may also like: