Community Forums

rednielsen · 03-10-2013, 06:55 PM

I have a manual jack that has a triangle shaped coupler where the bolts go thru and attach to the frame. I want to replace with the Barker VIP 3000 Electric, but it has a round coupler where the bolts go thru. Do I need to stick with a triangle shape or can I convert to the round?

What I have: http://www.prowlercargo.com/images/atwood.jpg
What I want: http://bit.ly/Y3mNuh

Thanks for your answers in advance...

TXiceman · 03-10-2013, 07:49 PM

All you need to be concerned about is the bolt holes lining up. Make sure the larger jacks tube will fit through the hole in the tongue.

Ken

Ray,IN · 03-11-2013, 03:09 PM

When you remove the old jack (or just look underneath) you'll find a round hole for the tube. New bolt holes may be drilled, if the existing holes overlap the new pattern, they may be welded full and ground smooth, then drill new holes.

Cumminsfan · 03-11-2013, 04:06 PM

Plug N play. I have a Barker VIP 3500, same jack basicly. The holes will be the same. Just make sure you have a good ground connection with the jack. Use the star washers as they will grind into the paint and make contact between the jack and the tongue. Theres only one wire from the jack going to the + on the battery. Have had my Barker for 2+ seasons and its the best thing I've done for my TT.

Texastbird · 03-12-2013, 03:45 PM

Just be sure to measure your outer tube and get the Barker with the same size. It should be either 2" or 2 1/4" Some of the electric jacks have a 2" outer tube but will fit both types. I just installed a cheapie off EBay and it took about 45 minutes to run the wires back to the battery and put the new one in the mount. Didn't want to spend the bucks for a Barker, but I hear they are the best.

rednielsen · 03-12-2013, 05:37 PM

Thanks to all for the answers.

So I measured my manual jack and the outer tube (above the base of the tongue) is 2 1/4 inches even though it's just a 2000lb manual jack. The Barker 3500 is the only one that comes as a 2 1/4" outer tube. Seems like overkill. Can I get the 3000 with the 2" tube or is that going to cause issues?

Thanks again...

Texastbird · 03-13-2013, 01:57 AM

That's the same size manual jack I replaced. The elongated holes of the 3000 series should line up with the mounting holes on your frame. Unless you have some huge trailer, I wouldn't worry about the diameter of the tube too much.

rednielsen · 03-13-2013, 10:07 AM

Thanks Texastbird... I have a 19' Skyline that weighs 4000lbs. I'm off to order! Thanks to all that took a few minutes to answer and help out!

wingnut60 · 03-15-2013, 09:12 AM

Overkill is always better than underkill...get the biggest jack you can find, you will appreciate it years later.
Joe

Texastbird · 06-10-2014, 12:08 PM

Older thread, but as an update, I had some trouble with the cheapie EBay jack and just got through installing the Barker VIP3500 jack. Wow, I can say this is one nice piece of equipment. I wish I had opted for this from the day I bought the TT.

raytwntrvlr · 06-12-2014, 05:21 AM

Been thinking about an electric jack myself and wonder.... what happens when the battery goes dead?? Is there a backup plan?

compatico · 06-12-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raytwntrvlr

Been thinking about an electric jack myself and wonder.... what happens when the battery goes dead?? Is there a backup plan?

Yes, I believe all electric jacks let you crank up/down with an included handle in the event of power or motor failure. The TT we finally pick will either have it standard or I'll get one put in. No way I'm cranking that up/down unless I have to!

DanFromGC · 06-15-2014, 09:41 AM

Yes, you can hand crank the power jack in the event the battery is dead. I keep my hand crank inside the storage with the tools. I actually had to use it this year because the battery was in my garage over the winter to keep it from freezing and cracking. I was visiting my parents (where we store the trailer) and thought the shore power would work the jack. But with no battery at all I had to hand crank. But, that's a rare situation since even a dead battery will start charging with shore power or your TV hooked up.