Well, I joined the “My jacks are FALLING club” in early October. Not just was the nose dropping when the coach was parked, but the front jacks also started dropping when fully retracted. Now, it was not safe to travel as I feared the jacks falling in transit.
This is what I came up with, and it works.
Parts needed:
2 band clamps (3 1/2”-3 13/16”) (Part #4564670 at Ace Hardware)
2 hex nuts (AHF 1/2” at Home Depot)
2 washers, large enough to slip over the through bolt (I believe they are 7/16”)
2 two foot chains (880 lbs working load)
2 padlocks
Installation:
1. Disassemble the band clamp to get it around the leg. Reassemble the band clamp. ***You may need to trim the foam to expose enough outer tube.
2. Put the second chain link between the band clamp and the outer tube. Tighten the band clamp. ***The band clamp will become distorted around the chain link.
3. Install washer, then nut on the through bolt. Tighten. ***This protects the threads on the through bolt. The washer gives the chain a guide.
4. Repeat with the other leg.
When getting ready to travel:
1. Retract landing gear.
2. I kept the through bolt of the landing gear (where the washer and nut were added) fairly close to where the chain drops down.
3. Wrap the chain under the though bolt and between the inner tube and the metal foot pad. Make sure you wrap it tight. This is so the chain will keep the inner tube from dropping.
4. Make two full wraps around the leg. Use a padlock to secure the chain. Be sure to go through the chain link closest to the band clamp and the link closest to that link after you have wrapped it twice. The goal is to create as much tension as you can.
When you are at your destination:
1. Retract the front jacks to take the tension off the chain and padlock.
2. Remove the lock and unwrap the chain.
So far, I have traveled 1100 miles with this modification, and it has been holding the jacks.
**Be prepared for the jacks to drop down a couple of inches until the chain is under full tension.
I tried a cable, but it snapped as it could not handle the load of the falling jacks.
I also picked up 2 (3 1/2”) exhaust clamps as backups.
I like the band clamp over the exhaust clamp as it gives me a wider grab. I was concerned the exhaust clamp might crimp the outer tube and cause friction of the inner tube.
Hope this helps and safe travels.
Thor Forums
