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