LCI power tongue jack issue

rrohrer · 07-08-2013, 04:59 AM

My trailer and others I'm sure came with a LCI power tongue jack. The thing sounded kinda iffy from day one, but worked nonetheless. Until now. Motor ran, but did not move the shaft- and the manual override didn't help. It just manually turns the same motor. Luckily I wasn't camping and could lift the tongue with a hydraulic jack and put the thing on blocks. I removed the jack- took it apart and found the coupler link totally fractured in pieces. In researching found it is a 2000 lb capacity jack. My trailer weighs around 5-6000 lbs depending on load. granted that is not the tongue weight, but when lifting the trailer I'm guessing the force involved comes close. Anyways finding replacement part near impossible since they changed the jack design(they were problematic?). Please have a back up plan in case your jack would fail and consider replacing jack if you have one like mine. I am now looking at 3500 lb capacity jacks. First trying to speak with dealer to see if recall on these. Anyone else have issues? I consider same brand as it would install easy(in the same spot) but are these all junk? or was mine not the right capacity for this trailer? anyone else have troubles?

Essness · 07-08-2013, 05:22 AM

I had the LCI on a previous trIler. When it went bad I replaced it with a Atwood. They both sounded as if they were struggling with the load despite being rated properly for the load. I now have a Husky unit,
http://www.huskytow.com/product_cate...e-power-jacks/

This one has an entirely different sound and feel, (much more solid and less screaming). I'm also happier to see that they sell replacement parts.

I didnt even try to replace any parts on the LCI unit as I felt it was not a quality piece. The Atwood I purchased as a replacement based on price.

Javi · 07-08-2013, 05:27 AM

My personal choice is a Barker VIP 3500

rrohrer · 07-08-2013, 05:49 AM

thanks for the advice. looking at both husky and barker units. Is the three hole bolt install standard- ie will it fit right where the lci cam off? with same type of wire configuration. Easy to install??

Essness · 07-08-2013, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrohrer

thanks for the advice. looking at both husky and barker units. Is the three hole bolt install standard- ie will it fit right where the lci cam off? with same type of wire configuration. Easy to install??

Yes on both counts.

rrohrer · 07-08-2013, 08:30 AM

spoke with my dealer. they do not sell parts to repair/replace the broke coupler. I am going to buy and put on a new one. looks to be pretty easy. found a husky brute on ebay for under 150. it is a 3000 pound with 2inch pole. Does that sound good for a triler weighing maybe 6000 lbs loaded? there are also 4500lb ones. My previous one was rated at 2000lbs so I'm thinking the 3000 should be better/enough

Javi · 07-08-2013, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrohrer

spoke with my dealer. they do not sell parts to repair/replace the broke coupler. I am going to buy and put on a new one. looks to be pretty easy. found a husky brute on ebay for under 150. it is a 3000 pound with 2inch pole. Does that sound good for a triler weighing maybe 6000 lbs loaded? there are also 4500lb ones. My previous one was rated at 2000lbs so I'm thinking the 3000 should be better/enough

Since you have your old one off, measure the hole and get the appropriate size. It may be larger than two inch.

I use a 3500 on my 7200 lb trailer and it easily picks up the trailer and back end of my truck when I'm attaching the weight bars.

richf28 · 07-09-2013, 02:05 AM

I first had an Ultra Fab on our unit. Three times the sheer pin broke. Replaced it with the LCI (Sromberg Carlson) unit. Within a month it quit working. I couldn't get it warranted from Amazon, Stromberg Carlson, or LCI. They all said it was up to the manufacturer. Found out the manufacturer was overseas. Took it apart it was full of water. Suppose to be water proof. Took the motor to a local rebuild shop and they repaired it for $40.00. I sealed it all with silicone and keep it covered. This weekend it again left me hanging. Looks to me that maybe the switch quit working. Was told a new switch is over $60.00. I thinking of buying a manual hand crank. Sick of the junk that is sold for Rv's.

rrohrer · 07-17-2013, 06:34 AM

Husky brute it is. Installed easy and works good. Does feel and sound heavier duty to me. 3000lb with 2 1/4 pole.

Essness · 07-17-2013, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrohrer

Husky brute it is. Installed easy and works good. Does feel and sound heavier duty to me. 3000lb with 2 1/4 pole.

Kewl, I really like mine.

fla-gypsy · 07-17-2013, 12:11 PM

I have an UltraFab 3500 for the last 6 years. Replaced the switch 1 time (after 4 years) which the maker gave me free. If you are looking for low cost consider one of the UltraFab 3502 refurbished units available on ebay for about $100 with the factory warranty. UF is a stand up company that will take care of you long after the warranty runs out.

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