Stabilizing jack as a jack
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11384
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Topic: Stabilizing jack as a jack
Posted By: NAP1947
Subject: Stabilizing jack as a jack
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 6:45pm
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We should have our 179 in a couple of weeks and I am still organizing. I already have a 3000 pound scissor jack I planned to use for tire/brake work/checks. I also have the jack savers for the rear stabilizers. My question is what is the capacity of the 179 stabilizer, I am trying to figure out if I really need a separate jack or if one of the stabilizers can do double duty and save the space and weight of separate jack. The side benefit would be I could use my Dewalt drill instead of a manual jack handle. Comments suggestions greatly appreciated. First trip soon.  ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 7:09pm
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Rule of thumb is that the stabilizers are just that and should not be used for jacking up the pod. We carrty a smaller floor jack for that purpose. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 7:26pm
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That is what I planned Leo, but looking at all the posts I could find about stabilizers say the trailer frame is the issue not the lift capacity of the jack. I just figured if the stabilizer had enough capacity to lift half the 179 weight it would mean a couple less things to store and cart around (jack and 2 piece crank). ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 7:29pm
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Never lift the Pod with the stabilizers. A cheap bottle jack will do fine.
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Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 7:51pm
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Maybe I am not making myself clear, my thought was not to raise the tire from the corner of the 179 but use one of the rear units which will be removable with the save-a-jacks, to mount under the axle using StephenH’s wooden block device. I have found replacement stabilizers with different ratings up to 4000 pounds but nowhere could I find the rating for the 179 units. ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 9:50pm
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I found that a bottle jack was too tall to fit under the pod if there was a flat tire. We use a small floor jack that came from Harbor Freight. As I recall, it is a 2.5 ton jack and cost about $65 on sale. We have used it multiple times for tires and maintenance. It is simple, easy, relatively light and compact. We store it under the bed in the original carton it came in. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 5:51am
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+2 to Vann, this has worked well for us since 2011. A good way to go. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 7:44am
| I also had the same question last year so I contacted Forest River and received a response that the stabilizer jacks could be used to level the trailer. There was much disagreement here and the overall consensus of opinion was that they should only be used to stabilize the trailer, not lift it. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 11:15am
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Based on how easily bendable they are, I would never use the stabilizers to support half the weight of the trailer. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 6:27am
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Thanks everyone, the consensus is pretty unanimous, I will use my existing 3000 pound scissor jack with the wood block, just my nature I resist carrying any more than I need and try to make things do double duty. Seemed like a natural but I do not want the pod to fall off a jack. ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 7:42am
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The stabilizers probably are weight rated to handle the load of the trailer, however the frame and connections points to the frame are not. My stabilizers are attached with 4 sheet metal screws on each stabilizer. I don't even use them to level on unlevel ground. Here at house I have a BAL leveler on the low side to bring trailer low side up. The only thing I use the stabilizers for is to keep trailer from moving on the axle and suspension. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: ChetC
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 8:02am
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I simply use the jack that is provided with the tow vehicle. ------------- Former 2017 rPod 180 owner Now in a 2019 Little Guy MAX Full timer who logs more than 35,000 miles per year. |
Posted By: SteveA
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 8:53am
| +1 with ChetC |
Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 4:12pm
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I Will check the Venza jack, good idea. ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |