Tailgate clearance/tongue jack

[thefulminator]

Just a heads up for all of you with the Lippert jack. I had one that came standard on my 2013 Outback 250RS. A few years ago the up/down switch started to fail. After doing some research I found that the switches on the Lippert, at least at that time, were not waterproof and were known for going bad. Living in Western Washington State, water would be a continual problem.

I found the replacement switch but at around $70 I was hesitant to purchase it knowing that I would have the same problem again in a few years. The tailgate on my 2009 Silverado 1500 also would strike the Lippert when I tried to open it. I ended up replacing the entire jack with a Husky Brute 4500 from Amazon. Yes it was more expensive than the new switch but I dreaded the thought of having the switch go out and having to hand crank the trailer to hook up somewhere. The switches on the Husky are waterproof and the screw uses ball bearings, not just grease like the Lippert.

The Husky is much more powerful than the Lippert. It doesn't seem to have to work hard at all to lift the loaded truck and trailer combination when hooking up. My tailgate now clears the Husky which is an added benefit. I have never regretted purchasing the Husky.

[Customer1]

Thanks all for your input, I turned the LCI jack head yesterday and it was a piece of cake.

By clipping a couple cable ties I had enough slack in the wires to lift the head free of the post. I tapped threads in the holes that were already existing and put everything together using the original bolts but with the head turned to the side. I gained 3.5 inches with the mod.

I didn't notice anyone above mention this but the bolts had blue threadlocker on the threads. When installing the bolts with the head in the new position, I put a generous amount of blue Loctite on the bolts to insure they don't loosen.

[WNY Bullet]

Originally Posted by Customer1

Thanks all for your input, I turned the LCI jack head yesterday and it was a piece of cake.

By clipping a couple cable ties I had enough slack in the wires to lift the head free of the post. I tapped threads in the holes that were already existing and put everything together using the original bolts but with the head turned to the side. I gained 3.5 inches with the mod.

I didn't notice anyone above mention this but the bolts had blue threadlocker on the threads. When installing the bolts with the head in the new position, I put a generous amount of blue Loctite on the bolts to insure they don't loosen.

I did the same, just forgot to add that to the steps. That is almost a given for most bolts and nuts on the trailer.

[DJ&JA]

A great big thank you for all the free and valuable information given here. Never would have thought that I would be able to open the tail gate when hooked up. What a surprise and simple to do too. I took the two horizontal bolts out after relieving the trailer weight and swiveled the tongue jack 90* and there were the two new holes!


Tomorrow I'll get a tap and then be all set for a new convenience while being hitched up.



Great info and just wanted to let you all know that there are probably a lot of lurkers here like myself who profit handsomely from all the info.


Just thought you'd like to know.


Sure hope Dorian doesn't destroy Edisto Beach State Park in SC cause that's our next trip in less than 30 days from now!

[WNY Bullet]

I'm glad to hear... Sometimes the simplest mods give us the biggest returns.

To use our tailgates......Priceless!

[WNY Bullet]

Just an FYI to anyone looking to do this mod, the newer Lippert Jacks do not have the additional holes. So in order to turn the head sideways, you will need to drill new holes and then tap them.

I just had to replace my jack and just found this out...

[JJnLilly]

Was just about to rotate my jack when I found an extended one on-line. Added 2+ inches was more than enough to lower my tailgate. Recall I had and extended on when we towed with a Tahoe with barn doors. Cost me $45 but worth it.

[WNY Bullet]

Originally Posted by JJnLilly

Was just about to rotate my jack when I found an extended one on-line. Added 2+ inches was more than enough to lower my tailgate. Recall I had and extended on when we towed with a Tahoe with barn doors. Cost me $45 but worth it.

Extended what... Hitch?

[Derboreno]

Originally Posted by WNY Bullet

Just an FYI to anyone looking to do this mod, the newer Lippert Jacks do not have the additional holes. So in order to turn the head sideways, you will need to drill new holes and then tap them.

I just had to replace my jack and just found this out...

That’s what I discovered when I pulled my jack head, only two holes. I then pulled the jack tube from the triangle, measured excessively, and drilled and tapped a new rear bolt hole, the one by the propane tanks. I reassembled everything and then marked the front bolt hole, removed the jack head again, drilled and tapped the front hole and did final assembly with blue loctite. The location of the new bolt holes is critical with no room for error.