Posted 2009-09-30 7:46 PM (#111287) Subject: equalizer jack question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I have an equalizer jack on my trailer (one leg). I know it requires battery power to operate. I keep my trailer plugged in at home so the batteries are fully charged. If I take the trailer for a weekend (Fri-Sun)with no electric hookup and no generator and use the lights very little, will I have enough battery power to operate the jack to get the trailer back on the truck? I have 2 batteries. Am I wrong in thinking that the trailer batteries have to operate the jack? What I mean is, that just plugging the trailer into the truck will not operate the jack if the trailer batteries are down. (In other words, the truck batteries will not operate the jack if the trailer batteries are down.) Is that correct? I did not get an "owner's manual" for the jack, so I can't look it up. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2009-09-30 9:32 PM (#111289 - in reply to #111287) Subject: RE: equalizer jack question
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
As long as your power wire is hooked up and hot from truck you will be fine. It might be a little slow if the trailer batteries are real low.
I fixed mine by adding a extra power plug going from the battery on the truck to the rear on the truck with a female plug, then added a male end to the trailer with the same size cable going to the batteries. We used heavy gauge cable (#4) and plugs like they use for jumper cables on wreckers. Can be found at Northern Tool or most trailer shops that work on car type trailers with winch set ups on them can do this. I think they call it a loop charge. You do not have to do this, but if you are plaining on many trips I would do it.
Posted 2009-09-30 9:35 PM (#111290 - in reply to #111287) Subject: RE: equalizer jack question
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I'd say you have a good grasp of how it works. If the trailer batteries do get too low you can hook the pickup up with jumper cables and get enough juice to work the jack. I would invest in a good set of heavy cables just in case that happens and you should be set.
Posted 2009-09-30 9:40 PM (#111291 - in reply to #111287) Subject: RE: equalizer jack question
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Reading between the lines of your post... You're concerned that you'll be stuck with no way to raise the trailer back onto the truck if the trailer batties are run down. Likely, Plugging your trailer up to the truck through the trailer connector will not provide enough power to run the jack. (the wire is too small to carry the required current)
In my opinion...Plan "A": With two good batteries, you'll be fine. Here's the plan "B": To insure the operation of the jack after the week-end. You should have a set of jumper cables.
Then you could use the cables to connect the truck battery to the trailer batteries. (just like jump starting a car)
You'll be able to raise the trailer and charge the trailer batteries by running the truck engine. There will be then enough of a charge in the trailer batteries to lower the trailer and raise the foot to the travel position.
Posted 2009-09-30 9:56 PM (#111294 - in reply to #111287) Subject: RE: equalizer jack question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
Thank you all for the info. I have ordered a Honda 2000 companion generator but it will not be here for this weekend. I intend to eventually get another Honda 2000 and do the parallel thing to have enough power for the AC in the LQ. Could only afford one generator at a time! I am assuming that once I get the generator, I can simply plug the trailer into it and it will power the jack and charge the batteries as well. The new Honda 2000 companion actually has the 30 amp plug so no adapters needed. yay! I already have a set of heavy duty jumper cables so I guess if the batteries get too low this weekend, I can jump the trailer batteries with the truck enough to use the jack. Thanks again everyone!
Posted 2009-10-01 11:43 AM (#111306 - in reply to #111299) Subject: RE: equalizer jack question
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by BigT on 2009-10-01 5:02 AM
If you are camping alone, you will have to have looooooong cables to reach from the front of your truck to the connection of your jack.
I think ordinary cables will suffice. Reverse the truck toward the trailer and connect the jumper cables. The most power is drawn when lifting the trailer. Let the truck charge the batteries. Then, back the truck under the trailer and the remaining charge will lower the trailer onto the truck.
equalizer jack question
