dolly wheel crank hits the LP tank on my Starcraft

[edhawk]

I bought a 2005 Starcraft 2409 a few weeks ago and there is one thing that I would like advice on. The dolly wheel crank, near the front of the hitch, hits the single 20# LP tank when I try to crank it up or down.  I get about 270 degrees of rotation but that darn LP tank is right at the back part of the rotation.  This seems like a poor design.  Since I am new to PU camping, I don't know how much LP my family of four will use in a season. I can either try to move the tank back (will it interfere with the front pull out bed with clearance?) or consider installing twin tanks (which have the space in between tanks that may allow for the rotation of the dolly wheel crank) but I may have to relocate those back as well.  Help?

[flyfisherman]

Did you buy your Starcraft new or are you the second owner? My thinking, or should I say, I'm wondering, if that dolly wheel jack was orginal equipment. I certainly cannot imagine an old line company like Starcraft having anything leaving the factory that was so designed that it did'nt even work, or only partly worked as you describe.



Fly

[mike4947]

Seen several over the years where the crank was in knuckle busting proxcimity to the propane.

Duel tanks still give little clearance and in most cases have to be moved rearward.
Either single or duel tanks will clear the bunk ends and since the trailer is new and I assume under warranty have the dealer correct what was either a factory or dealer miss placement of the cylinder mounting.

[wavery]

The crank on my Coleman is on the side of the trailer tongue and far out of "Knuckle busting" distance. It swings up so that it is out of the way too. Those things are pretty cheap and easy to install as an accessory.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41004

Might want to check with the manufacturer, just to make sure it won't cause any warranty problems.

[edhawk]

Thanks to all that replied.  I sent a letter with pictures to Starcraft this morning and will wait to see what they advise.  I bought my PU from an out of state dealer, so if there is an opportunity to have it fixed under warranty, I will take it to my local RV shop.

[flyfisherman]

Ed - the reason I was asking the questions and a little puzzled is that there are three of us in our fishing/camping group who have Starcrafts, plus my neighbor has an '03 model 2408 Starcraft. The model years range from 1999 to 2003 and all of us have no such problems as you described. In fact, my neighbor's is the same manufactured jack as mine (Shelby) - although his appears to be a heavier-duty jack model. But the point is we miss the propane tanks comfortably. So it's puzzling to hear of a newer model with a problem like that; could they have changed jack suppliers?

Please let us know what you find out.


Fly

[mike4947]

Fly, it's not a "newer model problem" Seen in in PU's from the 70's to current. A lot depends on what the installer had for lunch. They make a template/dimensions for the installers but it seems that too much trouble for most...LOL
I've seen a varience of about 5 inches in the "installed" position for the tank(s).
One PU had the mounting so far back the dealer had to move it as it hit the front wall of the trailer and he couldn't get the tank on the trailer.

[edhawk]

I received a phone call from one of the technical service reps at Starcraft today.  He thinks they left the "transport" dolly crank on my PU.  Saying the transport drivers use a top-wind crank when they deliver the unit to the dealer, and the dealer is supposed to replace it with a side-wind crank before sale. Why would they use two different cranks, and make the dealer change it, I wonder?  Anyway, they are sending me a side-wind crank (cranks in a vertical plane as opposed to a horizontal plane) that is a direct bolt on replacement.  I should receive it an a couple of days.  Thanks for your advice to my posts.