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Something to worry about or not?

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Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

This maybe a mountain from a mole hill. I didn’t really pay much attention to it till DW brought it up and I started thinking about it more.
Regarding the front jacks for the 6 point level up system on our 2018 3901 MB, the front jacks have a pre-set angle from the factory. This I know is supposed to be for stability. The problem comes when extending and retracting the front. Since they are at an angle it puts a lot of side load on the jacks, so much so they will actually jump and walk. How much depends on site slope of course and how much they have to extended. I use 8 x 8 and 10 x 10 cedar blocks so they don’t have to be extended so far but I still get a lot of jumping and walking. About 3 months ago I replaced the front right due to a leak at the main seal. LCI shipped me a new jack and I installed it. It was easy and straight forward to replace and no leaks. I do think the right has more angle than the left and I thought about putting some washers on the top mount bolts to take out some angle. This would require not using the center bolts because of an imperfect mounting distance. The only way I can think to get some angle out is have spacers made.

So, am I worried for nothing? Did the previous jack seal fail because of this? Are your jacks at such a large angle that it makes the front jump or is it just mine?

 
Posted : August 12, 2018 9:01 AM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
Prominent Member
 

Wonder if that's something new? My '13 front jacks if angled are so slight I'll have to put a level on one of them to tell for sure.
Just FYI, after warranty you don't need to buy new jacks for a leaky seal, take the jack to your local hydraulic distributor & for about a $100 can completely rebuild them.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : August 12, 2018 2:04 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

Hmmmm. I have the same year and model. I can honestly say I have never noticed my fronts at any angle. I often extend them fully when hooking up or unloading. I always use auto level once the truck is off. I don’t use any block(s) but carry a couple for tire changes. I have never had any walking. I will be hooking up again tommorow as we are heading out. I will be happy to take a look and even throw my level on them. For what it’s worth I do use Snap Pads and we have never been in one place for more than 4 weeks.

 
Posted : August 12, 2018 11:57 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

Thanks for the replies. I have inspected the mounts and nothing looks bent. Only the brackets welded to the frame. Looks like I need to get this fixed before our next trip out.
Thanks again.

 
Posted : August 13, 2018 8:15 AM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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Topic starter
 

The big concerns that I see are the blocks you are using under the front jacks. The mfg dose not recommend anything more than a 2 inch board etc.
If you are off just a bit while hooking up and the trailer moves and comes off the blocks your going to do a lot of damage your truck.

 
Posted : August 13, 2018 9:25 AM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
Prominent Member
 

The big concerns that I see are the blocks you are using under the front jacks. The mfg dose not recommend anything more than a 2 inch board etc.
If you are off just a bit while hooking up and the trailer moves and comes off the blocks your going to do a lot of damage your truck.

Never heard not to use blocks?
I've used the Lynx Levelers on mine under all 6 jacks since day 1 & it's never moved more than a 1" & that's only if I've removed the chocks beforehand. With the chocks in place it doesn't move at all while hooking or unhooking.
By adding 2 to 4 of the levelers under each jack, more on the low side, reduces the stroke & makes the RW much more stable.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : August 13, 2018 11:16 AM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
Member
Topic starter
 

Oh yeah you weren't at the Lippert presitation at the 2016 rally. They adamantly said not to use blocking under their leveling system.I have seen more than one trailer setting 4 plus inches into the sides of a pickup box, tall blocks and no wheel chocks.

 
Posted : August 13, 2018 12:56 PM
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