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KSH
08-08-2015, 08:21 PM
I bought an electric tongue jack, and while removing my side winder jack I decided to cut off the handle and weld a bolt to it. My first weld, not pretty but it works! $2.50 bolt, and I'm going to return the $200 electric jack.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/7b6d76a4f8a239f66fa3390975e4e050.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/b852dc581e6fc83f887a31667a3df87a.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/08/b4ff90d7a886747fdb9e688751e386d1.jpg

chuckster57
08-08-2015, 09:06 PM
Have you actually raised the tongue using a portable drill?

If so, that's one creative fix.

KSH
08-08-2015, 11:38 PM
I did, worked great!

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slow
08-09-2015, 05:13 AM
I did something similar. You will find it convenient and much faster than a manual or electric tongue jack. Just be sure to slow down near the top and lower limits.

In my case I bought a top wind tongue jack and removed the handle and replaced it with a coupler nut with a 3/4" inch hex that I drilled out the threads to fit on the 1/2" diameter shaft. I also cross drilled the hex nut for the original handle mount bolt. I now use my drill for the tongue jack, Propride bar jacks and stabilizer jacks. Makes set up and take down quick.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=703&pictureid=3650

KSH
08-09-2015, 07:55 AM
I saw yours a while back, that's why I gave it a try on mine. slightly different with the same intention.

jimbari
08-09-2015, 02:47 PM
Very cool.
If you're concerned about the welding job, grab your grinder and dress it up.
I find my 4" cut off grinder to be my friend when MIG welding!
Enjoy.

KSH
08-09-2015, 05:06 PM
I like that it looks like my first attempt, if I get more practice I'll clean it up.

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jujustad
08-12-2015, 12:29 PM
I would love to do this for my husband as a surprise. I was thinking about a power jack but this makes more sense in our situation How powerful does the drill/driver need to be? I would like to be able to use this on the jack and the stabilizers. Our trailer is about 5500 pounds. Thanks!

slow
08-12-2015, 01:28 PM
I use a Milwaukee brushless with 725 in-lb of torque so not a problem. Not sure what the minimum requirement is but I suspect a brand name 18v would work.


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Steve S
08-12-2015, 08:37 PM
Just make sure that you charge your cordless batteries before you go :)

KSH
08-13-2015, 06:56 AM
I would love to do this for my husband as a surprise. I was thinking about a power jack but this makes more sense in our situation How powerful does the drill/driver need to be? I would like to be able to use this on the jack and the stabilizers. Our trailer is about 5500 pounds. Thanks!
I use an 18v Milwaukee cordless drill driver. Trailer is 6200lbs dry. No problems yet. Yes, make sure battery is charged. I use the same driver that I use for the scissor jacks.

cospilot
08-13-2015, 02:11 PM
umm so as i understand it you had a 200.00 jack that runs off the battery on the camper and or truck that already raises and lowers the tongue with the press of a button.

and instead you now have an old jack with a bolt welded on it that relies on a 200.00 battery powered drill who's battery could go dead leaving the only option to put a wrench on it and crank by hand manually?

Brilliant! :confused:

I get that your trying to save money, but it seems $200.00 is a small investment for that piece of hardware that in my opinion saves a lot of time and frustration.
but whatever floats your boat i guess..

KSH
08-15-2015, 01:10 PM
No,I had a regular jack, bought the $200 one, decided to modify my existing one, and returned the one I had just bought for $200. Already had the drill for the scissor lift, so the whole thing cost me less than $5

notanlines
08-16-2015, 04:10 AM
Yep, it helps to read all the posts carefully! Anyway, KSH, good job. AND, I'll also compliment you on your "glob weld." Most first timers wouldn't be able to send a picture of their product because it simply wouldn't hold together that long. :D

KSH
08-16-2015, 10:06 AM
Haha, that I figure that glob will hold together long after it breaks somewhere else

jujustad
08-17-2015, 09:19 AM
thanks for the info :)