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Old 01-29-2018, 10:00 AM   #1
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Default Power Tongue - Barker or Bulldog?

After a few days of hooking and unhooking during my hitch install and adjustments, we have decided that an electric tongue jack is the next addition to our 214WSD. I've been doing a lot of searching and reading and I think I've narrowed it down to two finalists, but before I pull the trigger I figured I'd see what you all think.

Here are my top two:

Barker #30828 (3500#)

Bulldog #500188 (also 3500#)

Reviews for both seem to be pretty good, both list full one-year warranty and Barker says limited 5-year, but is about $42 more.

Thoughts/comments?

Thanks.
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Old 01-29-2018, 12:16 PM   #2
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Barker, Atwood, Bulldog, Ultra .... all seem to be about equal. Therefore, the main consideration would be to purchase one that is more than capable of lifting the weight.
JMO.
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Old 01-29-2018, 01:42 PM   #3
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Default elec tongue jacks

Hi Daz,
I saw your post also on the rvnet forum.

As an FYI regarding tongue weight, I can tell you I have the little brother to your camper. I have a 189FDS and the tongue weighs 580 to 600 in actual loaded configuration.

I don't have any experience with electric jacks though, as all four of my trailers have manual crank.

geo
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Old 01-29-2018, 03:58 PM   #4
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Yup, thanks eagle - I'm looking at 3500 and bigger even though I'm sure I'll never be lifting anywhere near that weight. Better to have something more than capable not have to work too hard than have something marginal have to work at its limit.

Thanks Geo - I know mine is a bit higher than I noted in that post, just trying to avoid dealing with a couple of posters there. I really don't have a lot of extra weight in the rig and what we do have is pretty much evenly distributed so I think we're keeping pretty close to the 12-13% mark.

Anyway, I think I've crossed the Bulldog off the list and have replaced it with the Husky HB4500 Brute. Reviews on both look good and they're only about $25 apart. Heading out west in six days so I'll make my decision around then and order so as to have it delivered soon after we get home.
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Old 01-29-2018, 05:00 PM   #5
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Just a note FYI

My 2012 XT276 came from the factory with an electric tongue jack by Lippert and it has functioned just fine .... no issues.

https://www.lci1.com/power-tongue-jacks

Also for sale on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-28531.../dp/B00JMHHF9Q
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Old 01-30-2018, 12:05 AM   #6
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One of the best things I ever bought was my Husky power lift with Remote Control!

Using the backup camera on my truck and the remote I can easily back up and hitch up by myself! Coolest thing I've ever come across. Also very handy for standing at the side of the trailer watching my bubble raising or lowering to level.

Got mine online from Costco about 3 yrs ago for $300.

Brute Power Jack HB4500R | Husky Towing
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Old 01-30-2018, 05:54 AM   #7
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Nice jack w/remote......$247.93 at Amazon w/free shipping too.
Less w/o remote.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063ZBXZC?ref=emc_b_5_t
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Old 01-30-2018, 06:08 AM   #8
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Yeah, I'm thinking that's going to be the one, especially since Honey found it for less from another Amazon seller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UMTW4R7L&psc=1

Hopefully it'll be the same price and in stock when I get back in two weeks as I don't want to have it delivered while we're gone...
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Old 01-30-2018, 06:27 AM   #9
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"Go Sale" gets one close but "honey" gets you the best deal out there.

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Old 01-30-2018, 10:16 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SWFL FlyFisher View Post
Yeah, I'm thinking that's going to be the one, especially since Honey found it for less from another Amazon seller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UMTW4R7L&psc=1 ......

I don't think you will regret it. Its very easy to install, and won't take very long. Once you use the remote, you'll wonder how anyone lives without one!

Combined with my rear view camera, my wife said when she first saw it, "Now you'll never take me camping, you don't need me anymore!"

There's a hand crank & little key, DON'T LOOSE IT! I've had to use mine twice when I had battery issues.
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Old 02-05-2018, 08:43 AM   #11
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I have the harbor freight one on my 189. it works well.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-l...ack-69899.html
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Old 02-07-2018, 07:40 PM   #12
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I use a Jack-E-Up and remove the jack after hook-up. That prevents interference with the rear mounted spare tire on the van and allows me to open the rear van doors while hooked.
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Old 02-12-2018, 06:51 PM   #13
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Just got back in town this evening. While I was away I ordered a Husky 4500lb with remote which was delivered this afternoon. Planning to install tomorrow or the next day and will report back.
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Old 02-13-2018, 12:57 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SWFL FlyFisher View Post
Just got back in town this evening. While I was away I ordered a Husky 4500lb with remote which was delivered this afternoon. Planning to install tomorrow or the next day and will report back.
Great, as I said, I don't think you'll regret it! Do you have a back up camera? Using it with the remote takes a bit of practice, but its pretty cool to be able to do it.

Install was very easy too!
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Old 02-13-2018, 07:16 PM   #15
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I do have a back up camera. That was one of the first mods I made to my truck (along with the Pioneer double DIN head unit).

Jack install took about 20 minutes today, works perfectly. Hardest part was removing the old manual cranker, and that was only three bolts. I read and reread the specs for the bolts: 15-20 ft. lbs. seems really light but I'm following the book and that's to where they're torqued...

Took the awning off today as well. New fabric goes on tomorrow, just have to get some 3/16" pop rivets for the motor and I'll be set.
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Old 02-14-2018, 06:23 PM   #16
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I'm a little late to your post. I bought a Husky Brute Electric Trailer Jack - Drop Leg - A-Frame -
18" Lift - 4,500 lbs for my 2012 210UDS. Simple remove & replace. Easy electrical connection. Very pleased! I think you'll like yours.
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Old 04-02-2018, 07:33 AM   #17
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I got the Husky Brute with remote too. Used it this past w/e and am pleased. It’s a bit overkill but, better than not enough. More water problems developed on this trip, flush valve started leaking, but I had already installed a shut off valve on the supply line. Got a new one at CW to replace. The shower also started leaking. I will have to locate that this week. Seems kinda like the Dutch boy sticking his finger in the dam!
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Old 04-09-2018, 09:03 PM   #18
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Since having our trailer, we have had to replace our powered A-frame jack twice now... due to water destroying seizing them. So now we use an old dishwasher detergent jug cut to slide over the top & an old canvas lawn chair cover to pretty it up & keep it dry. Just a suggestion though...
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Old 04-10-2018, 06:02 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerald Miller View Post
I got the Husky Brute with remote too. Used it this past w/e and am pleased. It’s a bit overkill but, better than not enough. More water problems developed on this trip, flush valve started leaking, but I had already installed a shut off valve on the supply line. Got a new one at CW to replace. The shower also started leaking. I will have to locate that this week. Seems kinda like the Dutch boy sticking his finger in the dam!
When you say "flush valve" are you talking about the toilet one. Just an observation but I had to replace my toilet valve when my dad was trying to help me and started blowing out my water system for winter with 100 psi air before I was ready. It should always be regulated to around 40 psi, instead It cost me money but he was just trying to help. May not be the source of your water problems but food for thought for others. Luckily I have not had any other stressed parts or connections in the water system and I have been watching for them. Silverado
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Old 04-10-2018, 12:03 PM   #20
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Yes, the toilet flush valve. I learned years ago that a shut off valve should be in line behind the toilet to minimize water damage when the inevitable happens. I too try to keep the water pressure to 40psi or less. The shower leak was merely old caulk that had cracked and pulled back. Heading out next week for 6 days of camping on Lake Hartwell. Another chance to check out my systems. Hope you can get before long.
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