Truck camper jacks

Perfect Drift · 04-16-2002, 08:19 PM

On my 8 ft. truck camper, I have 2 pipe/A-frame/winch type jacks. I'm looking for your experience with them and your opinions on the 4 corner type. The winch type I have work OK and are in good shape but I have to haul them in the camper if I want to unload the camper at a campsite. I have seen so many older campers with the corners rotted out from these jacks. Your advice, please.

TundraIII · 04-17-2002, 06:40 AM

Hey Kaus, I have a 8 1/2 foot cab over camper with corner jacks. This camper is an Open Road brand and was manufactured in September 1969. There is no sign of rotting
corners on my camper. It's in great shape. The jacks that it came with are 2 drop jacks for the rear and 2 crank jacks for the front. As you crank up the front jacks the camper lifts off the truck and you simply pull the pin on the drop jacks in the rear and reinsert the pin when the jack foot makes contact with the ground. They worked great but once the camper is off you cant really drop the camper to the ground. I have a very slanted driveway and needed to drop the rear of the camper nearly to the ground in order to level it. So I just recently replaced these jacks for a new set. I am going to advertise the old ones on ebay pretty soon (reserve price: $75.00) need to get a digital picture first tho. You might go on ebay and look around you can find a real good deal on hydrolic jacks and crank jacks (used and new) there. I bought my brand new in the box heavy duty set on ebay for 275 bucks which saved me 275 bucks! You'll pay 250+ dollars a pair
for hydrolic or crank jacks at an RV supply store which doesnt include corner brackets.

P.S. The drop jacks that I took off have spring loaded pins so they wont fall out on the road and let the jack drop.

[ 04-17-2002, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: TundraIII ]

s naramroe · 04-17-2002, 08:06 AM

kaus, i had the winch type of jacks you describe. over the years i had some learning lessons that convinced me to go to the hydrolic corner jacks. first and most important they are safer after that easier and convient. i have had no problems with them tearing out the corner of the shack. my only great fear is that i don't get them secured in the up position and the leg will drop down while on the road and catch the shoulder as you leave the highway as i have seen happen in a few cases.

Perfect Drift · 04-17-2002, 10:43 AM

Good replies guys!
Which is more trouble free, hydraulic or the crank type?

TundraIII · 04-17-2002, 12:03 PM

I think the crank style jack is easier maintenance and it seems faster to me. I've heard of people having to replace the heads on their hydrolic jacks, leaks etc. My new ones have a drill bit adapter so that you can use your power drill to extend and retract the jacks in no time at all. Its designed to speed up the process, you still have to attach the crank once the jack foot hits the ground. My original crank jacks appear to be sealed and they are 32 yrs old and still work great. I'm not sure but I wouldnt think a hydrolic jack would typically last that long without some sort of maintenance (i.e. cracked seals, etc.). I've heard lots of bad stories about the expensive electric ones. If they fail, you cant load or unload your camper till you figure out the problem.

MPT · 04-17-2002, 07:50 PM

I love my electric Atwoods! :grin: