Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Upgrading your Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R travel trailer with an electric tongue jack can significantly enhance your camping experience by simplifying the hitching and leveling processes. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to installing an electric jack, ensuring a safe and efficient upgrade.
  
  
  

Benefits of installing an electric tongue jack

  • Ease of Use: Electric jacks allow for effortless raising and lowering of the trailer tongue, reducing physical strain
  • Time Efficiency: Speeds up the hitching and unhitching process, allowing more time to enjoy your travels
  • Precision: Offers finer control for leveling your trailer accurately

Recommended Electric Tongue Jacks

 
 
Lippert 285318 Electric Tongue Jack: This jack offers a 3,500-pound lift capacity and features a textured casing for protection against chips and cracks.
 
Husky HB4500 Brute Power Jack: With a 4,500-pound capacity, this jack provides robust lifting power. 
  

Bulldog 500199 A-Frame Jack: This 4,000-pound capacity jack is known for its durability and quiet operation.
    
Stromberg Carlson JET-5000 Electric Tongue Jack: Offering a 5,000-pound capacity, this jack features a built-in motor protection to prevent overheating.
  

Tools and Materials needed

  • Electric Tongue Jack: Ensure it has a sufficient weight capacity for your trailer
  • Socket Wrench Set: For removing and installing bolts
  • Wire Connectors and Crimping Tool: For secure electrical connections
  • Electrical Tape: To insulate connections
  • Battery Terminal Cleaner: To ensure good electrical contact
  • Safety Glasses and Gloves: For personal protection

Step-By-Step installation instructions

 
 
Safety precautions
  1. Park on Level Ground: Ensure your trailer is on a flat surface to prevent movement during installation
  2. Disconnect Power: Detach the negative terminal from the trailer's battery to eliminate electrical hazards
Remove the Existing Manual Jack
  1. Support the Trailer: Use sturdy blocks or jack stands to support the trailer's tongue securely
  2. Unbolt the Manual Jack: Locate and remove the bolts securing the existing jack using a socket wrench
  3. Extract the Jack: Carefully lift out the old jack from the A-frame mounting hole
Prepare for Installation
  1. Clean the Mounting Area: Remove any debris or rust from the mounting hole and surrounding area to ensure a solid fit
  2. Check Wiring Accessibility: Identify the positive terminal on your trailer's battery and ensure wiring can reach the new jack's power lead
Install the Electric Tongue Jack
  1. Position the New Jack: Align the electric jack's shaft with the A-frame mounting hole, ensuring any alignment features match up
  2. Secure the Jack: Insert and tighten the bolts provided with the new jack, ensuring it's firmly attached to the trailer frame
Electrical Connections
  1. Connect the Power Lead: Attach the jack's positive (usually red) wire to the positive terminal of the trailer's battery using appropriate connectors
  2. Grounding: If the jack requires a separate ground, connect the negative (usually black) wire to the trailer frame or the battery's negative terminal
  3. Secure Wiring: Use wire clamps or zip ties to keep the wiring neat and away from moving parts
Test the Installation
  1. Reconnect the Battery: Attach the negative terminal back to the battery
  2. Operate the Jack: Use the control switch to raise and lower the jack, ensuring smooth and responsive movement
  3. Check for Issues: Listen for unusual noises and verify that the jack moves without hesitation
Final Adjustments
  1. Install Safety Pin: If your jack includes a safety pin, ensure it's properly placed to lock the jack in position
  2. Attach Footplate or Wheel: Secure any footplates or caster wheels that came with the jack, following the manufacturer's instructions
 

Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Inspection: Periodically check the jack for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections
  • Lubrication: Apply lubricant to moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain smooth operation
  • Protect from Elements: Consider using a protective cover to shield the jack from weather exposure
  
Installing an electric tongue jack on your Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R is a straightforward upgrade that enhances your camping experience by making the hitching, leveling, and unhitching processes much easier. With the right tools, a good-quality jack, and careful attention to the installation steps, you can ensure a secure and efficient setup.

Whether you're upgrading for convenience or improving your trailer's functionality, an electric tongue jack is a valuable addition to your camper setup. Start your installation today and enjoy a smoother, more efficient camping experience.