Landing gear sleeve bent 3 degrees

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I use a couple treated 6x6s 10" long. I do this because we are most often parked on grass or dirt and to keep the legs from extending too much....

I, too, prefer blocks of some sort to reduce the jack's extension, here's one DIY crafted alternative

[Ron in BC]

Well those are pretty robust.

Seems like I'm not the only one that doesn't like to run the jack slowly and more than necessary. I made an extension tube for my tongue jack so that I only usually have to run it for a few inches.

Ron

[wamomof3]

Update with pictures. The landing gear sleeve is tilted back 3 degrees. When I opened the front compartment next to the propane tanks, I discovered that the fiberglass under the bracket supporting the landing jack is dented a small amount. The jack itself and the bolts appear fine. Should we fix the deflection? If so, what would you suggest to bring the landing jack level again.

[Ron in BC]

While I don't regard the situation as serious and in need of immediate action I would do a remedial repair.

The wood core is likely crushed a bit on one side. There are many ways to handle this.

The simplest would be to cut a piece of 3/4" plywood a couple of inches larger than than the base plate. You could just let the bolts clamp it in position or, better, use some epoxy between it and the existing f.g.

It likely will be level and restore the jack to perpendicularity.

Ron

[wamomof3]

Thanks, so the piece of plywood would have holes drilled for the bolts to go through?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

While I don't regard the situation as serious and in need of immediate action I would do a remedial repair.

The wood core is likely crushed a bit on one side. There are many ways to handle this.

The simplest would be to cut a piece of 3/4" plywood a couple of inches larger than than the base plate. You could just let the bolts clamp it in position or, better, use some epoxy between it and the existing f.g.

It likely will be level and restore the jack to perpendicularity.

Ron

Perhaps even easier if upon removal of the jack it's revealed the fiberglassed subfloor is irregularly 'crushed' in the footprint of the jack causing it to stand at an angle ....

Mix a bit of structural epoxy (e.g JB Weld @ auto parts store or WalMart), place it in the depressed area, strike flush with the surrounding subfloor using a wide putty knife or even a piece of cardboard. Ensure the holes are all clear (you can roll a tube of paper and insert in each hole (bolts and jack) to keep the epoxy from sagging into them while curing, cut flush after it cures). Let the epoxy cure, then reinstall the jack at its original level and plumb position relative to the subfloor.

Nothing to fabricate, no change to the height of the jack footplate.

Just for your consideration, Have Fun!

[wamomof3]

Thanks

[Ron in BC]

Yes, the bolts would go through the plywood.

Alan's way is fine also as long as the crushed fibers don't extend out to the side.

Ron

[wamomof3]

Just got off phone with escape. Jamie in support spoke with Patrick who said to no fix is needed. There is enough support under the plate and they would not recommend any repair. Thanks for all your help. We have learned a good lesson.

[CharlesinGA]

I would do what Alan suggested to get the jack vertical again. Would bug the daylights out of me to see it crooked.

Charles

[Centex]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

.... Would bug the daylights out of me to see it crooked.

Lol, me too, even knowing it's 'OK'.

But like occer ....

Originally Posted by occer

I have CDO. It's like OCD but the letters are arranged alphabetically, like they should be.

Yep, we're Having Fun!

[wamomof3]

Thanks for all the help. We will live with the current situation while in AZ and try the structural epoxy when back home in April. I really appreciate your quick and thoughtful responses on this forum. You are always kind and helpful.

[Centex]

wamomof3 - Sharing your experience with things in the cubby activating the jack switch is a good cautionary tale for all of we 5.0 owners - so Thank You for sharing that!

.

Happy Travels!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Centex

I, too, prefer blocks of some sort to reduce the jack's extension

Those look great. Good job.

They would be limited in many places where you have to drop the front of trailer due to slope, but would work most place quite well.

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Seems like I'm not the only one that doesn't like to run the jack slowly and more than necessary. I made an extension tube for my tongue jack so that I only usually have to run it for a few inches.


Ron

The dump trailer I just sold had one of those. It was a great thing to use. Mind you this 4.500 lb empty trailer did not have an electric jack so this was a good thing.