Starcraft jack missing

[Brauma]

I bought a used Starcraft pop-up. Something must've happened to the original center leveling jack (Right behind the hitch). It was replaced with a bolt-on aftermarket unit that clamps around the frame by the previous owner. I didn't notice this until after we used it a couple of times.

It works OK but there is one big problem: it doesn't go low enough. If I'm in a spot where the front is high, I cant get the tongue end of the camper down far enough for the camper to be level.

So I want to go back to an original type. What are my options besides calling Starcraft? Any aftermarket options that would be more economical?

Thanks

[austinado16]

You can check out other tongue jacks at places like //www.northerntool.com or any RV sales/service place.  There are also some camper salvage yards back east and you can find them online.  On //www.popupportal.com there is a section dedicated to Starcraft parts and you'll probably get some good help there too.

[MomboTN]

I have not had this problem on my pop-up but have had to replace the front jack on a couple other trailers I own.  I go to tractor supply here in TN.  I think there are different sizes and mounting methods.  I just have mine welded to the frame.  Changing them out is not a big deal but picking up the right size is pretty important.  Good luck.

http://www.mytscstore.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DisplayCategory_10551_10001_131302_14339__14297|14337|14339

[mike4947]

You'll need the diameter of the hole in the A frame and the bolt circle with the number of bolt holes. ANother important consideration is the "drop" or the distance the jack will extend below the frame when fully raised.

[austinado16]

You'll need the diameter of the hole in the A frame and the bolt circle with the number of bolt holes. ANother important consideration is the "drop" or the distance the jack will extend below the frame when fully raised.

His might have come with that style of tongue jack (like mine has) where the entire jack slides up or down when you release a locking lever, and then once you lock the whole thing in place, you can crank it from there with the hand crank.  Neat set-up because it allows you to fully retract the jack and its wheel up inside the A-frame, so you aren't dragging them coming down driveway ramps.

[flyfisherman]

I bought a used Starcraft pop-up. Something must've happened to the original center leveling jack (Right behind the hitch). It was replaced with a bolt-on aftermarket unit that clamps around the frame by the previous owner. I didn't notice this until after we used it a couple of times.

It works OK but there is one big problem: it doesn't go low enough. If I'm in a spot where the front is high, I cant get the tongue end of the camper down far enough for the camper to be level.

So I want to go back to an original type. What are my options besides calling Starcraft? Any aftermarket options that would be more economical?

Thanks

Your best option is to call Starcraft tech services ... they would have the references at hand as to what type dolly jack was used on what model camper and if you own a Starcraft this is is a free service to you.

My '99 Starcraft uses a Shelby dolly wheel jack on the front ~

http://www.shelbyindustries.com/trailerjacks.html


Fly

[Brauma]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going through those links now.

Here are a couple of pics of what I have.

The first is the aftermarket jack that is clamped onto the frame. Again, it works as long as I'm on level ground. As it sits right now, the tongue end is too high. I need to go down a few more inches to be level but the jack is already fully down.




The next is a close-up of the original jack location. There is only two mounting holes. Maybe this was the problem.

[flyfisherman]

The two bolt holes would not be the problem ... the tongue weight just is not that much. On my '99 model Starcraft (as per the site I already posted for you), the model 5788 looks just like mine ... only mine is a model 5791 ... and what I like about it is it come with two options ~ (1) a wheel, (2) a "foot" ~ in other words, if in softer ground I can use the broard based platform rather than a wheel (of course, you can't move the thing after it's set-up!). I'd almost bet an OEM replacement jack would come with the bracket that would fit those exsisting bolt holes. My model 5791 Shelby jack is rated for 2,000 lbs.

Also, I'd almost bet the previous owner forgot to retract that orginal dolly wheel jack and drove off with it extended and destroyed it. A not all that too uncommon occurance with newbies and those of us who are a little absent minded! And, hence, the replacement jack.



Fly

[Brauma]

COOL!! So let me get this straight. I can get a 5788 from Shelby and just bolt it on with one U-bolt?

[austinado16]

Yep, that takes the same retractible jack as both of my campers take.  If you want a photo of mine, I'll post one, so you can see what you should have there.  I would definately attempt to get an original.....they're really nice!

[Brauma]

Yes, please post a pic if its not too much trouble. Thanks!

[austinado16]

This is the one on my 1983 Starcraft Starflyer 19, which is now just a flatbed trailer (it was rotted to the gills and a guy gave it to me).  But the same jack is used on my 1987 Starcraft Nova, but on the Nova it's a much more robust jack tube and wheel.  

That lever on the lower right moves counter clockwise to unlock the entire tube.  The tube can then be positioned where ever you want, and then you lock the lever.  Then you use the hand crank at the top to fine tune where the jack height is.  In the fully "up" mode, the wheel is up inside the A-frame.

If you don't get any help from the "Starcraft Parts" forum on the other site, call StarcraftRV directly and order a new one.  I'll bet they still have 'em.

[Brauma]

Thats perfect! Thanks. Now I know exactly what I'm looking for.