Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Industry Towables - Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels > DRV Luxury Suites
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 11-08-2019, 06:07 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
rynosback's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
Lightbulb Falling landing jack transit fix

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.


__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
rynosback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 06:13 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
ducksface's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2018 24.1 AXISSIXxSIX
State: Arizona
Posts: 6,762
THOR #13932
That was a perfect write up of great value. Thanks for taking the time to educate everyone.
So many come here and say a total of 'I finally fixed my jacks' thinking that simple post has some value.

Yours was perfectly presented and could be used as a sticky of 'THIS is how you make a fixit post' .
__________________
ducksface is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 07:25 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
rynosback's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
Quote:
Originally Posted by ducksface View Post
That was a perfect write up of great value. Thanks for taking the time to educate everyone.
So many come here and say a total of 'I finally fixed my jacks' thinking that simple post has some value.

Yours was perfectly presented and could be used as a sticky of 'THIS is how you make a fixit post' .
Thanks, it is all about contributing to the forum and helping other members.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
rynosback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 03:30 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,837
THOR #1661
Looks good Ryan!

Hope to hear soon your repairs are done and working well!!!
__________________
Cummins12V98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 07:33 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
rynosback's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cummins12V98 View Post
Looks good Ryan!

Hope to hear soon your repairs are done and working well!!!
Me too.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
rynosback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 09:20 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38RSSA
State: Wisconsin
Posts: 341
THOR #3221
Ryan, any idea when your trailer will get fixed? What a PITA!!! Been there, done that!

Dan
__________________
dapperdan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2019, 10:22 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
rynosback's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
Quote:
Originally Posted by dapperdan View Post
Ryan, any idea when your trailer will get fixed? What a PITA!!! Been there, done that!

Dan
In the process right now. Pulling the jacks tomorrow morning.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
rynosback is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
falling, fix, front, jacks, landing gear

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 02:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2