Posted 2008-02-16 8:44 PM (#77007) Subject: There must be an easier way...
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Monroe, WA
to jack up this trailer. [I tried to post earlier and lost it, hope this is not a repeat!] I recently bought a 2000 Sundowner GN. To unhitch I have to lower the jack to get to the handle for the lower part of the jack. That handle is against the spare tire. I then need to use a hammer to help pull and turn that handle as the tire is still in the way and I can't get a straight pull. I then have to raise it again to put it on the correct hole. Then jack up the trailer. Have to reverse it all to hitch back up. Is there a secret? But then I am not good at some of these things, I can't even get an emoticon - here is a try 5
Posted 2008-02-17 5:22 AM (#77018 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Not sure I quite understand what you're saying. Sounds like your spare tire was mounted there as an afterthought. Is the any way to turn the lower part of the jack around 180 degrees?
Posted 2008-02-17 7:21 AM (#77021 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Veteran
Posts: 195 Location: Atlanta, GA
Sounds like you need an electric jack. It would be the best solution to your problem and from the sound of you frustration the best money you'll spend on your trailer. Equalizer is the best bet.
Posted 2008-02-17 7:39 AM (#77022 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Hey, I can't make the emoticons work either so don't feel bad. :D
I think your jack is all rusted up. You shouldn't need to use tools on the plunger pin. The drop leg tube should also telescope freely in and out of the main tube, and the plunger pin should be loose enough to operate by hand. Both should be spring loaded and move freely. Get some emery cloth and grease and go to town on the thing.
I've never seen a trailer where the foot has to be cranked all the way up until the plunger pin is against the spare. Once the drop leg is retracted, just raise the jack up until the foot has the same clearance as the rest of the trailer.
Posted 2008-02-17 8:27 AM (#77029 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
First remove the spare tire and see how your jack operates. As stated before you might have a rust problem, if so, follow the instructions that were given.
If the jack operates normally after removing the tire, then you have tire interference, and the tire was mounted wrong. If you could post a picture of your jack and tire, we might be able to give you some suggestions for a solution.
It is hard due to the angle and using my left hand, not that it needs grease. I don't have $1500 for an electric jack at this time but would love to have one. Was hoping I was missing information on an easier way to use what is there.
Posted 2008-02-17 3:14 PM (#77069 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Either relocate the spare tire (throw it in the pickup bed, mount it on the side of the trailer, mount it in the dressing room, etc.) Or raise it up about 6", use the same hold down bolt, just bolt it in a lower hole on the rim and bolt or weld a 6" block onto the spare tire saddle. (the piece of aluminum channel that the tire rests on). That should raise it up enough to be able to pull the pin with out raising the jack up and down several time. Looks like that spring loaded pin would have been mounted in the front because of the spare and battery box.
These companys just build them, they don't have to use them!!
You may have to saw off some of the shaft that runs through the top of the jack so the tire can be raised. Hard to tell from the picture.
Posted 2008-02-17 4:01 PM (#77077 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Georgia
Dont wind the jack up all the way! Just make sure it is not low enough to hang on anything...I leave mine about 6 inches lower than my trailer floor and have never had any trouble....I travel a lot with it so feel safe about that...Hope it helps!
Posted 2008-02-17 4:29 PM (#77079 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
That is similar to mine. Next time you pull the pin clean and grease it. My spare was mounted in front of the jack and I didn't like it so I moved it to the side of the trailer in front of the fender.
Posted 2008-02-17 4:50 PM (#77083 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Question: anybody know how these jack legs work inside there? I wonder if the leg can be removed and put back in so the plunger pin is in front like Retendo suggests.
Posted 2008-02-17 6:32 PM (#77098 - in reply to #77053) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Slidinspots on 2008-02-17 11:07 AM
I have posted a picture in albums under "Patti's 2000 Sundowner", hopefully this is the link: http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?... It is hard due to the angle and using my left hand, not that it needs grease. I don't have $1500 for an electric jack at this time but would love to have one. Was hoping I was missing information on an easier way to use what is there.
hi ... SS .. I would suggest you get a 4x4 block of wood to put between the spare tire carrier and the tire. Then use a lower hole of the spare tire hub for the securing nut. The idea is to raise the complete spare tire up by 4 inches to get some clearance for the locking pin handle.
Posted 2008-02-17 6:43 PM (#77101 - in reply to #77098) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Monroe, WA
Hey you guys are great! I knew someone would think a way to do this. I am going to try raising the tire with the 4x4 and see if that helps. If it does, I will look into having the brace raised. Thanks!
Posted 2008-02-19 12:52 AM (#77228 - in reply to #77007) Subject: RE: There must be an easier way...
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
After seeing the picture, I agree with everyone who has said mount your spare tire higher. Your setup is almost exactly like mine, except my spare tire is already mounted higher. If you want to take a look at mine in person, let me know (as you probably already know, I also live in Monroe)
Also second whoever suggested the electric jack. I won't ever go back to a hand crank - especially on a LQ trailer.
There must be an easier way...
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