Electronic tongue jack

[Irishcamper]

I'm kicking around getting an electronic tounge jack installed on our 195SR. I know from talking to other people that they are great to have, and so much better than cranking. Can anybody on here give me any advice on them, and if they are worth there price. I am looking at an Atwood that has a light on it and a manual crank spot with a 3500lb weight capacity for about $295. They have a smaller one for about $249 that would work but I like the light feature. Just curious what everybody thinks. Thanks.

Dave
Northumberland, PA
2007 195SR

[Sunline Fan]

Hi Dave,

I personally vote for the Atwood 3500. For having a slide coach, I think the heavy duty equipment is important. I see your dry tongue weight is probably in the 720 range, possibly more due to it being a prototype. Add water and gear to that and you'll easily be in the 1000 range, and then picking up the back of your vehicle, you could max out a smaller jack depending on how much smaller. Certainly a 1500 is too small, you may be able to get away with a 2500 assuming the Sport Trac continues to be your tow vehicle. I'd also go Atwood regardless, as the more off brands have had problems. Most of the time these can be exchanged under warranty, but it requires taking it off and taking it in, or making an appointment to take the trailer in.

I personally never really use the light feature, I guess I'd turn on the utility light on the coach before I'd use the jack light. The switch for the Atwood light is in a very easy location though.

Keep in mind you could always transfer a 3500 to a new unit if necessary.

Either way, I would make sure to ask the dealer for the old jack back. Keep it tucked away somewhere and if you sell the trailer, you could always stick it back on with little trouble and then sell the jack outright. Or you could sell the original jack, that's what the dealer would do.

BTW, these jacks are pretty simple to install, if you are up to it. I've not had the opportunity to install one out of the box, so the hardest part may be getting a wire end for the jack wire. I've just transferred before and it takes no more than like ten minutes. Or you could just take the battery cut-off switch off the frame and wire it into that. It is self grounding, so you only need one wire.

Jon

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

Hi Dave,

I personally vote for the Atwood 3500.

I second that vote. It will be bigger then you need on this your present camper but it can be moved to a larger camper in the future. And being heavier then needed means is is not working as hard.

I do use the light to hook up at night and it helps.

Good luck

[kanyonkitty]

Kitty don't crank !!!!! I have had a "barker electric jack on so many different Sunlines, I have lost count. Same jack, just kept transferring it from Sunline to Sunline (not sure how many it's been on). All I had to do was connect the "Hot" wire to the positive post on my battery and it was powered.

Once you go power, you'll never go back, AND that power jack comes in REAL handy when hitchin/hooking up you W.D bars.

Barker VIP Power Electric Tongue Jack 3500lb. - $183.99

We have this one (no not to use on the 5th wheel), and my old original one from many moons ago, and they are really the cats meow.

We have also dealt with Adventure RV many times and have had great service from them. In fact we just received my prodigy P3 BC and a few other things from them a few days ago.

Kitty

[MACK C-85]

I personally never really use the light feature, I guess I'd turn on the utility light on the coach before I'd use the jack light. The switch for the Atwood light is in a very easy location though.

As someone who does a lot of weekend warrior camping, usually arriving in the dark due to having to leave after work on Friday, I don't think I could live without the light feature. The trailer front utility light is partially blocked by the LP gas covers and the jack itself for lighting the hitch. The jack light gives plenty of light, right where you need it.

BTW, This is one time that bigger is better, the heavier jack won't have to work as hard lifting the load.

Mack

[sunnyseagull]

you wont regret going with power jack, i just put on a bull dog 4000lb lifting and a 5 year warranty, got on ebay new! 265.00 free shipping , they come in black or white they have a light and built in level I am very happy with it . Dan

[Gene]

The electric jack was the best mod I did, well worth the money, but it took me an hour to put it on. I forgot I needed a lug for the end of the wire so it took 45 minutes to go to Walmart and back.

One warning, when going up or down, let the motor stop before reversing direction or you will blow the inline fuse. Also, don't forget to carry several spares!

Gene

[markbrit]

Extra fuses are a good idea, also most have a manual crank to use in a pinch.

Barker MFG is tops in my book. Their customer service is second to none. I had problems with gears stripping and they send me a refurbished unit and let me keep my old one for parts.

[HappyCampers]

I had an Atwood 3500 on Several different trailers. I bought it to replace a broken one on our Airstream, then when I sold the AS I put a new hand crank jack on that and transfered the Atwood to the '01 T-295SR. Hand cranking stinks...one you go power you will never go back. They are well worth the $$$. Just my $.02.

[Hematite]

I also recommend the Atwood 3500, it is the unit that Sunline put on when it was ordered from the factory. The light is very usefull. I have been spoiled since I never had a hand crank unit on this Sunline. I prefer to keep it that way!