chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on May 27, 2024 10:20:08 GMT -8
Hi All,
Considering adding drop down stabilizing jack stands to my 1960 Mobile Scout. Currently I use the old screw type stands. Any suggestions for 1] type, 2] brand, 3] attachment points on the trailer frame, 4] pros & cons of attached jack stands.
Many thanks... Mike
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Post by vikx on May 27, 2024 11:08:00 GMT -8
I don't use the attachable jacks. IMO, a little much for a vintage trailer; heavy, awkward and ugly.
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chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on May 27, 2024 11:46:50 GMT -8
I don't use the attachable jacks. IMO, a little much for a vintage trailer; heavy, awkward and ugly. I agree. I've been looking for ways to streamline my trailer life... maybe this is not one of those ways
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on May 27, 2024 17:12:53 GMT -8
I don't use the attachable jacks. IMO, a little much for a vintage trailer; heavy, awkward and ugly. I agree. I've been looking for ways to streamline my trailer life... maybe this is not one of those ways Here's another viewpoint for your consideration. Very few things are available on a Vintage Trailer that will "Streamline your Trailer Life" more than installing "Bolted-On" stabilizers. I build about one vintage trailer each year and every trailer gets the bolted-on screw type stabilizers installed. There are different styles, different makes, and different weight ratings to accommodate the different sized trailers. TYPES/BRANDS, BAL makes some nice single arm stabilizers. They call them "T" type, and "C" type. They are good for the larger sized trailers and come in different lift heights. The most common are the scissor type stabilizers. I have used these from several different companies and have come to the conclusion that the best value (price versus quality) is from Harbor Freight Tools. They are about $35 each. The HF looks just like the ones I bought from Rockxxxx? but the HF metal is twice as thick and both brands have 5000# ratings. OPERATION, I use a Milwaukee Fuel M18 screw gun with a 3/4" (19mm) socket. We use the same battery gun for the three trailers we camp with, and the battery capacity is more than enough on one battery. You will really appreciate them when you get to your camp site and it's wet or muddy and you do not need to crawl under the trailer to make sure you have your "old style" jacks and boards properly placed. You don't even need to kneel down, just bend over and place the screw gun with the socket on the extended bolt and hit the trigger, no lining up anything. Here's one of the advantages of attending the Vintage Trailer Rally's. You can actually view hundreds of different trailers and speak with the owners firsthand. They are happy to share their views and sources for parts and what they would not do again. John Palmer
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newin62
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by newin62 on May 28, 2024 3:16:27 GMT -8
Hi Mike,
An important thing to consider with a small vintage trailer is the weight, especially if you are using the original suspension and already added extra weight with other improvements. 4 scissor jacks weigh around 50 lbs and a set of 4 stacking aluminum jack stands weigh around 6 lbs.
Peter
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on May 29, 2024 18:05:00 GMT -8
I agree with John on this one. I snagged scissor jacks from a couple of Chevy S-10's, mounted them upside down and tucked them up into the frame as John mentioned. The auto factor jacks have a rounded ball like jacking point to them that is supposed to engage in a hole in the frame. With these inverted, I still use the old style aluminum jack stand but have removed the "screw & nut" so that the "ball" of the jack seats in the hole of the stand. Very stable.
Hey, poor people have poor ways, but it works quick & easy for me. Once I back into a spot, I'm unhooked and stabilized in less than 5 minutes.
As always, just my opinion, didn't say it was a good one... Whitney
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chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on Jun 13, 2024 15:53:07 GMT -8
I agree. I've been looking for ways to streamline my trailer life... maybe this is not one of those ways Here's another viewpoint for your consideration. Very few things are available on a Vintage Trailer that will "Streamline your Trailer Life" more than installing "Bolted-On" stabilizers. I build about one vintage trailer each year and every trailer gets the bolted-on screw type stabilizers installed. There are different styles, different makes, and different weight ratings to accommodate the different sized trailers. HEAVY? They are attached to the trailer.............. John Palmer Thank you for this John!
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Jun 29, 2024 2:49:03 GMT -8
And another vote for attached jacks. You won't forget to bring them camping Er, if you do, you have bigger problems.
I also second the junkyard jacks idea. If you have a Pick A Part in your area, browse the trunks and see the different jacks that are available. You can probably find a couple matching pairs for 20 bucks.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jun 29, 2024 8:12:48 GMT -8
Hi Mike, An important thing to consider with a small vintage trailer is the weight, especially if you are using the original suspension and already added extra weight with other improvements. 4 scissor jacks weigh around 50 lbs and a set of 4 stacking aluminum jack stands weigh around 6 lbs. Peter Peter, I fully agree with the weight issue, and the importance of proper weight distribution on a small single axle trailer. In fact, it would be my belief that every (at least most) "restored/rebuilt" Vintage Trailers are "overweight" by the time we finish adding all our touches during the rebuild. The original manufacturer barely spec'd the minimum original equipment. We spend lots of time and energy adding to the amenities, but little is discussed here about the important topic of trailer suspensions. After 60-70 years of use they also deserve some maintenance, and upgrades. It's just another chapter in the process of rebuilding trailers. Thank you for the reminder, John Palmer
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