Switching the location of battery and propane tanks

ShadowKolla · 07-10-2018, 05:11 PM

We are unable to open the back of our truck, while hooked up, with the up and down crank lever in the way.
We are thinking to switch the propane tanks to be at the back of the tongue against the front of the trailer and then put the battery in front of the propane tanks. So just to switch the 2 items around.

It might even look better if that can be done. The plan is then to move the crank lever to a side ways position. That will free up space and we can open the back of our truck easily.
We are a bit puzzled why the set up is in this order currently.

Any thoughts on this possible mod please would be greatly appreciated.

profdant139 · 07-10-2018, 05:41 PM

I had the same problem, and got an extra long drawbar:

https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45270.html

I can now drop the tailgate and clear the jack crank, if I hold the crank upright.

One other thing I learned: depending on how high your coupler sits, the tailgate may hit the top of the coupler and get slightly dented if you open it carelessly. Don't do what I did. Lower it gently.

ShadowKolla · 07-10-2018, 05:49 PM

Thank you that is very helpful info We will re position the crank bar sideways, as it will cause damage to the back of our truck over time, if you are not careful.

DiverRick · 07-11-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by profdant139

I had the same problem, and got an extra long drawbar.....

That works, but wouldn't help me because I have an equalizer hitch. My tailgate hits my motorized tongue jack, so I also have to be very careful opening the tailgate!

Wouldn't give up my electric jack for nuthin' though!

profdant139 · 07-11-2018, 01:09 PM

Rick, some folks think that the manual jacks involve too much effort. But I have a solution -- my wife does it! (She likes the upper-body exercise, so who am I to say no??)

ShadowKolla · 07-11-2018, 01:42 PM

I am new to the group, you guys have been super helpful to me. I am impressed !
We plan on adding a Fastway Flip Trailer Tongue Automatic Fold-Up Jack Foot, we had one on our previous trailer and it was a huge help.

DiverRick · 07-11-2018, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by profdant139

Rick, some folks think that the manual jacks involve too much effort. But I have a solution -- my wife does it! (She likes the upper-body exercise, so who am I to say no??)

Forget it!

My 210WSD prob weighs about 3-4000 lbs more than your trailer.

And this electric jack came with a REMOTE! Combine that with a back up camera on my truck, I'm never looking back (pardon the pun).

Plus being able to level front to back using the remote, standing at the side of the trailer watching the level is great too!

Can't take that away from me or my wife!

profdant139 · 07-11-2018, 08:38 PM

A remote?? Wow. I sort of have a remote control for the jack -- does my wife's walkie talkie qualify?

DiverRick · 07-11-2018, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by profdant139

A remote?? Wow. I sort of have a remote control for the jack -- does my wife's walkie talkie qualify?

Man you sure like to live dangerously!

Here's my "baby". Got it on sale for $299 included free delivery.

https://www.costco.ca/Husky-Brute-El...100034011.html

I love it!

profdant139 · 07-12-2018, 09:24 AM

Rick, after 44 years together, the danger is all in the past. She's pretty tough.

And I think you are right -- manually cranking a small trailer is not the same as a big heavy one.

DiverRick · 07-12-2018, 01:41 PM

Danger? She just gave up trying!

Safe Travels.

jbfunfinder · 07-13-2018, 02:36 PM

I know that every TV - TT combo is different in terms of dimensions, but there is usually a solution that allows you to drop a truck tailgate while hitched by changing the hitch shank. Equalizer (and, therefore, the other WDH companies too?) make several different shanks to deal with this problem. My standard issue (not extended length) 10K Equalizer allows me to drop my tailgate without modification. If you don't use a WDH, just a longer ball mount does the trick as ProfDan pointed out above. Perhaps that might work for you too?

APD · 07-16-2018, 02:03 PM

We installed a Jack-E-Up to tow with our G20 Chevy Van with rear door mounted spare tire. We just remove the jack after hook-up. Works great, I like it and it helps to not worry about dragging the jackfoot over a extra high speed bump or gas station entrance.

https://jack-e-up.com/

rockport96 · 07-22-2018, 11:31 AM

Have the same problem moving the tongue jack behind the propane tanks is easier

ShadowKolla · 07-22-2018, 09:12 PM

We have fixed our tail gate issue by buying a top cranck from an automotive store, Part Source, $ 40, and got rid of the side crank and added an extention winder. Works like a charm ! Also cleaned and black spray painted all the black parts in the front tongue area, it was all chipped and rusty.