Community Forums

fisher99 · 06-05-2021, 04:45 PM

After seeing a couple of posts in the "Mods" thread about the Super Brute jack I got pretty excited about it as a replacement for my stock Attwood jack (which is making alarming popping noises lately). However, I'm seeing an alarming number of negative reviews on Amazon.com for the Super Brute. Mostly concerns about electrical grounding problems, faulty up/down switches, and instances of bending of the jack leg or the collar where it mounts to the frame.

I am, however, seeing lots of good reviews on the Barker High Power 3500, which has the plus (for me) of being made in the USA.

Still researching. Would be interested in any comments from owners of these (or other) jacks.

Tuquala · 06-05-2021, 05:49 PM

We have used a Barker since trailer came home. Removed the "new" one on trailer and installed a Barker 3000 that I had kept from our old trailer. Aboot 2 yrs ago, replaced with new Barker 3500 24" lift. Gave the old one to neighbor and it is still working at approx 12 yrs old!! Can't say anything bad about Barker. If you do go with one, do look for the 24" model, really gets the tongue up where it needs to be at times!!!

fisher99 · 06-06-2021, 12:08 AM

Good to hear. And thanks for the tip about the 24" model. There are many times that I have wished my jack would go taller!

Vintage465 · 06-06-2021, 07:19 AM

Well then........I just installed the Husky Super Brute and hope that all stays OK. I have to say I didn't really look for different brands as much as I looked for the 5k lifting ability. Meaning I didn't consider any 3.5k jacks. Guess maybe I should have. After reading the reviews on the Barker and some of the comments by owners it really seems like the ticket. I like the thought of it being made in USA too, but the info on this one says the country of origin is China?..........could be wrong though....it is Amazon afterall! https://www.amazon.com/Barker-27452-...985390&sr=8-18

Cumminsfan · 06-06-2021, 11:29 AM

I put a Barker 3500 VIp on a TT 10 years ago. No issues for the 2.5 years that we had that TT. The switch on the Barker went out so I called Barker and they sent me one for free even though I was well past the warranty.
My TW on my 25RDS is 1350 lbs. The VIP 3500 on my 25RDS is plenty strong for that TW. Nice to see ORV using Barker and not a Lippert tongue jack.

fisher99 · 06-06-2021, 01:45 PM

Interesting. I'm currently looking at the VIP 3500 with the 24" stroke. This link to Barker's website shows Made in USA: https://www.barkermfg.com/vip-3500.html

fisher99 · 06-06-2021, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuquala

We have used a Barker since trailer came home. Removed the "new" one on trailer and installed a Barker 3000 that I had kept from our old trailer. Aboot 2 yrs ago, replaced with new Barker 3500 24" lift. Gave the old one to neighbor and it is still working at approx 12 yrs old!! Can't say anything bad about Barker. If you do go with one, do look for the 24" model, really gets the tongue up where it needs to be at times!!!

I've been looking for measurements but haven't found any. Does the 24" stroke version stick up taller or hang down lower than the 18" version? Or a little of both?

Tuquala · 06-06-2021, 10:29 PM

The 24" is taller when mounted, no different under the tonque. Actual measurement is for the stroke of the jack. There have been some changes since we first bought our 3000 many years ago. The jack head used to use limit switches for protection. Now the 3500 has a clutch so it will clatter when at top or bottom. Better ????. Haven't had any problems with the new 3500 and it is strong enough to really lift the tonque and tail of truck when hooking up. Much better with the 1700 lb Reese bars now!!!!

fisher99 · 06-07-2021, 10:06 AM

Thanks for that info. I didn't want it hanging down much further beneath the A-frame for obvious clearance reasons.

Barker's "Hi-Power 3500" uses a ball-screw design with limit switches instead of clutches and is supposed to be a quieter jack, but it is significantly more expensive than the VIP 3500 and you can't get the 24" stroke in that model. I'm still leaning towards the VIP3500.

By the way, it looks like you and I are almost neighbors (give or take 50 or so miles). With things opening up a bit, you, IdahoBob, and I should meet up for lunch and swap stories sometime this summer...

Tuquala · 06-09-2021, 11:37 AM

Yep, Bob is a Pascite, we're Kennywikians!! ASSuming that you are down in Herm or Pendleton area!! Would have to be a non-trailer get together since we aren't traveling anymore. Trlr is up on 10 acres near Kettle Falls we purchased last year so we don't have to fight for a site or a spot in the woods anymore!! Did camp a bunch in the Spring Creek area NW of La Grande. Nice area, but going mad some weekends!!

Fish (may I call you that!!!), pic shows Barker, and height of the 24" stroke model FYI.

IdahoBob · 06-09-2021, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher99

.

By the way, it looks like you and I are almost neighbors (give or take 50 or so miles). With things opening up a bit, you, IdahoBob, and I should meet up for lunch and swap stories sometime this summer...

I'm all for that!! I'm just an email or PM away! (

). 😊

Bob

fisher99 · 06-09-2021, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuquala

Yep, Bob is a Pascite, we're Kennywikians!! ASSuming that you are down in Herm or Pendleton area!! Would have to be a non-trailer get together since we aren't traveling anymore. Trlr is up on 10 acres near Kettle Falls we purchased last year so we don't have to fight for a site or a spot in the woods anymore!! Did camp a bunch in the Spring Creek area NW of La Grande. Nice area, but going mad some weekends!!

Fish (may I call you that!!!), pic shows Barker, and height of the 24" stroke model FYI.

Thanks for the pic. I've got the VIP 3500 with 24" stroke on order. And yeah, I was thinking lunch somewhere in Tri-Cities (I'm over in MF). Will definitely keep this in the works as both the weather and the Covid situation improve. Bob can drive his T-Bird and I'll ride my Harley over...

And call me Gary, although I'll answer to "Fish" too...

x

fisher99 · 06-13-2021, 04:02 PM

Installed the Barker VIP 3500 with 24" stroke today. Went smoothly except that the jack wouldn' drop into the bottom hole on the tongue. The hole measured 2 1/4 and so did the jack, but just wouldn't go. Had to get a grinding wheel and work the hole to get it to fit. Also wish they had provided a bit longer power cable, as I'm having to splice in a couple of feet to reach my batteries. But it works smoothly and boy does that 24" stroke raise the front of the trailer!

IdahoBob · 06-13-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisher99

Good to hear. And thanks for the tip about the 24" model. There are many times that I have wished my jack would go taller!

Friends,

I'm a mite surprised at this discussion. After 7 1/2 years of using our factory original Atwood jack, it has never let us down (except when commanded to lower the trailer). And it has done so hundreds of times.

Until I read this thread, I never gave the Atwood a second thought. Now I'm having trouble sleeping at night. Thanks guys!

Bob