Shaving weight --- Leave the jacks behind?
#1
Posted 09 September 2012 - 02:54 PM
GVWR 7700 Loaded camper weight 7600
Rear Axel Rating 3900 Loaded camper weight 4000
Currently, I have Reico Titan hydraulic jacks on all four corners. I am thinking about getting the freestanding tripod style cable jacks that lift the camper from either side.
The Reicos weigh 30 pounds apiece. Removing all four would save 120 pounds (about 10% of my campers total weight!!)
Has anybody done this? Is it worth doing, or, more hassle than its worth?
#2
Posted 09 September 2012 - 03:02 PM
Like most others, I removed my jacks and then re-attach them when I want to dismount the camper. But I have the camper on the truck 99% of the time, so I rarely have to put the jacks on.
FWC Hawk (2005) on a Ford F250 Supercab, 6.8L V10 gas (2000)
#3
Posted 09 September 2012 - 03:32 PM
My tip is to use a cordless impact driver to make the install/removal go quick.
I did chew up the original bolts, but now have grade 8's, which hold up better.
2021 RAM 3500 Crew 4x4, 6.4 hemi/8 speed trans with 4.10 gears, Timber Grove bags, Falken Wildpeak 35" tires.
OEV Aluma 6.75 flatbed, Bundutec Odyssey camper on order for 2024
For this year we're still using our 2008 FWC Hawk with victron DC-DC charger, 130w solar, MPPT controler
with 2000w inverter and external 120v output and 12v solar input with 100w portable solar. http://lighthawkphoto.com
#4
Posted 09 September 2012 - 03:36 PM
#5
Posted 09 September 2012 - 05:07 PM
Smoke:lol:
#6
Posted 09 September 2012 - 05:09 PM
2006 Tacoma, '66 AS Caravel, 2002 Eagle
#7
Posted 09 September 2012 - 06:02 PM
Remove the jacks when traveling and put them back on to remove the camper. It is no biggie. I have used the free standing jacks on a camper and gladly remove and reinstall the corner jacks rather than go back to free standing. You can have exciting moments with the free standing jacks if the wind catches the camper when you are loading/unloading. The corner jacks are far more stable when you lift or lower the camper.
I agree completely.
I used the free standing rental variety for years and they are spooky. The addition of any kind of incline, or if you have a lift kit and over size tires will add to the pucker factor.
2012 FWC Hawk
#8
Posted 09 September 2012 - 11:22 PM
Thanks again.
#9
Posted 10 September 2012 - 02:17 PM
For the jacks I remove, I welded the bolt into the plate so it only takes one wrench to get them on/off. I only use two bolts per jack and then only put them on finger tight - so they come right off. Takes about 2 extra minutes to take them off after it is loaded.
#10
Posted 10 September 2012 - 11:15 PM
The air ratchet worked great. In the future, I'll only use the nuts and bolts and snug them up just enough to do the job...
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