[Rhodes22-list] Trailer Jacks

[Steve Alm]

Thanks Alex, intriguing idea.  One concern:  I understand that you would
have to deploy the tongue jack to get some/most/all of the tension off so it
doesn't bind.  Then as you pull it out, do you crank the jack down as you
go?  If it does start to bind in the process, aren't you likely to pull the
whole trailer forward and away from the wheel chocks?  Then when it unbinds,
you have the trailer rolling back on the ramp, hitting the wheel chocks with
some momentum--kinda scary.  I suppose that could all be avoided if you were
doing this on level ground (perhaps that's the key) but the ramps I use
don't have much room for that.  When the extension is all the way out it
limits the maneuverability for cornering, backing, etc.  Please tell me
more.  I appreciate your help.  My procedure certainly is more time
consuming but I'm always trouble shooting and trying to eliminate any
variables.  However, I'd love it if you could convince me that this is fool
proof.

Slim

On 7/25/02 12:54 PM, "Alex Bell" <alexbell@coastalnet.com> wrote:

> Steve,
> 
> I have sucessfully pulled the tongue out while attached to the car.
> Actually you need to use the tongue jack while doing so to provide the
> correct angle and prevent binding and someone should be attending the
> jack as you pull the tow vehicle forward.
> 
> I added a stop bolt to the tongue end so it won't come out. This
> necessitated drilling new pin holes for the extended position. But you
> can pull the tongue out and when the stopper bolts hit the traler frame
> member, you can drop the pins in the new holes. Lots easier.
> 
> Alex
> Steve Alm wrote:
>> 
>> Rummy.
>> 
>> Yes, jacks on both sides.  When they're up, they swing to the side just like
>> the tongue jack.  They work great!  In addition to stabilizing the trailer
>> when on the hard, they also help when I'm launching/hauling out.  I get the
>> trailer ready on the ramp, chock the tires and deploy all three jacks.  Then
>> I disconnect the vehicle and extend the tongue extension. Then I reconnect,
>> remove chocks, unjack and I'm ready.  I've tried to pull out the tongue ext.
>> without disconnecting--that is, pulling the pins and driving the car
>> forward.  This was nearly a disaster.  My new procedure above takes a little
>> more time but it's safe and controlled.
>> 
>> The rear jacks are exactly the same as the tongue jack.  They're just
>> bolted/clamped on to the trailer.  You could just pick up a pair of tongue
>> jacks and put 'em on.  I would think this would be an easy modification to
>> any trailer and I highly recommend doing it.
>> 
>> Slim
>> 
>> 
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