Tongue jack problems

[scappoose]

Just purchased a 2000 Coleman Sedona.  We took it home at set it up in the driveway for the weekend to clean it out and get familiar with it before taking it camping next weekend.

So tonight, we folded it down to take to storage for the week.  Everything worked great and we took it to storage.  When we got there and were lowering the Tongue Jack (I think that is what they are called) it did not want to lower.  The more we cranked the more it seemed to strip or just come loose.  Needless to say, we had to take the jack from the Expedition and use it to get the trailer off the hitch.

I was hoping someone had some advice on whether or not this is something I can quickly fix or do I need to buy a whole new Tongue Jack unit?

This forum has been a tremendous help in the last week or two since we started our PU experience.  I thank you all in advance for your replies and assistance.

[AustinBoston]

Just purchased a 2000 Coleman Sedona...
So tonight, we folded it down to take to storage for the week.  Everything worked great and we took it to storage.  When we got there and were lowering the Tongue Jack (I think that is what they are called) it did not want to lower.  The more we cranked the more it seemed to strip or just come loose.  Needless to say, we had to take the jack from the Expedition and use it to get the trailer off the hitch.

The tongue jack will not go down (or up) if the wheel is allowed to go around, so if the wheel was spinning as you turned the crank, that's why nothing happened.

If the screw mechanism inside the jack is stripped, the only option you have is to replace the jack.  We had to do that.  The replacement jack cost somewhere less than $50, and was easy once I figured out how to get the retaining spring off.

Austin

[Mockpo]

I just had the same thing happen on the 99 Mesa.  Upon inspection, there is a nut inside that was stripped.  I started to check out sites to replace it and found them for under $50 but contacted BAL to see if/where I could get replacement parts.  I thought it may be cheaper.  They took VERY good care of me and were VERY helpful in aquiring a replacement.  I suggest calling them  800-347-2232.  I was so happy with them that I went right out and bought the BAL Leveler and emailed them so they'd know my satisfaction with their customer support.
When you get a new one, you may need to only replace part of the unit that was stripped, otherwise you'll need a special pair of pliers to remove the unit from the frame.
Good Luck

[scappoose]

I just had the same thing happen on the 99 Mesa.  Upon inspection, there is a nut inside that was stripped.  I started to check out sites to replace it and found them for under $50 but contacted BAL to see if/where I could get replacement parts.  I thought it may be cheaper.  They took VERY good care of me and were VERY helpful in aquiring a replacement.  I suggest calling them  800-347-2232.  I was so happy with them that I went right out and bought the BAL Leveler and emailed them so they'd know my satisfaction with their customer support.
When you get a new one, you may need to only replace part of the unit that was stripped, otherwise you'll need a special pair of pliers to remove the unit from the frame.
Good Luck

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Mockpo-

This forum is awesome!!  Thank you very much for the suggestion and 800 number.

After calling our local dealer in Portland (who said a replacment tongue jack is $90 plus labor) we called the 800 number.  The lady we talked with was great and said they have had problems with these jacks.  She said that she was considering this a warranty issue and was going to send us a whole replacement jack today free of charge!!  I could not believe it but am extremely happy.

Thank you again for all the advice!