Do you travel with mechanical jacks on or off?
#1
Posted 03 January 2015 - 01:48 AM
2015 FWC Hawk
M416 Expedition Trailer
Bayleaf Woof!
#2
Posted 03 January 2015 - 02:03 AM
Off - for the two reason's you note. They are a lot of weight to carry around all the time and definitely could be a hazard in even the simplest of off-road terrain - high spots, vegetation, etc.
#3
Posted 03 January 2015 - 02:04 AM
Take then off,
Positives:
1. Saves about 100 lbs when off
2. If someone bumps them in a parking lot, the leverage they have can rip out the corner of the camper. When I had my Hawk installed, I was advised to leave them in the place where I would store the camper as it usually exceeds $2000 to repair a mangled corner.
3. Provides attachment points for attaching a telescoping antenna mast
4. Provides attachment points front and back to hang an ABS plastic tube with fishing rods, poles for erecting tarps, antennas, and other lengthy objects I may want.
5. Makes it even harder for someone to transfer the camper to their truck. (Unlikely,, but I wanted 5 reasons.
Negatives:
1. Makes it impossible to remove camper from truck and leave it in campground to hold my spot while I explore. ??
2. Less likely to confuse camper with the Tardis or the Lunar Lander.
My $.02
Paul
#4
Posted 03 January 2015 - 04:42 AM
I use Makita battery powered impact driver and pull off the jacks every time. Original bolts got chewed, so I bought hardened nuts/bolts. I only left the jacks on one time, and found they blocked my mirrors. When off road, which is where we explore, they are at risk of being torn off and causing damage. I never would consider dismounting in the field, so we don't need them.
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
#5
Posted 03 January 2015 - 05:22 AM
I hit a jack offroad back when I had my big camper. It was fairly catastrophic. At least put them inside until you reach your destination.
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#6
Posted 03 January 2015 - 01:45 PM
Like others, off. Weight, I use the brackets to mount extra taillights when carrying bikes on the hitch rack, plus we bolt J hooks on the lowest holes that are handy for hanging packs, dog leashes, coats, etc. Also, with an 05 Tundra, the extended brackets block the side mirrors and at certain speeds/road conditions, one or two of the brackets would rattle loudly no matter how much we fiddled with them.
2005 Tundra 2013 Ocelot "Ridiculously comfortable"
2021 Tundra 2022 Cougar Shell Built Out "Even more ridiculously comfortable"
#7
Posted 03 January 2015 - 04:23 PM
Okay, taking them off is probably the best thing for most folk , but me, still on after all these years! Why? Let's see, I like to hang things on them , I like the extra weight on my F150 in the sand and on the freeway . Maybe the real reason me thinks, is I just know I'll find that "most perfect spot in the world" that I have been searching for all these years and want to leave the camper there-but I left those dang jacks home , so now I can't run to town to pick up more supplies and come back & hide from the world ! Maybe I'm just lazy !
Smoke
#8
Posted 03 January 2015 - 04:39 PM
It depends a lot on your rig too. Mines so dang stiff I never feel the need to have jacks stabilizing it. The jack brackets, those do get used for all kinds of stuff.
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#9
Posted 03 January 2015 - 05:17 PM
2015 FWC Hawk
M416 Expedition Trailer
Bayleaf Woof!
#10
Posted 03 January 2015 - 05:20 PM
For the rare occasion the camper comes off the truck, I use cable lifts. I don't have jack brackets on the camper.
jim
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