billtex
RI
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Joined: 07/20/2004
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When I unloaded last week, the jacks were very sluggish coming down. I had not yet lubricated them this year, so I gave them a good dose of 3/1 oil...let it soak for a few day, lubed again, and then went out to run them up/down yesterday.
Running the jacks 1/time or even 2/time (fronts/then backs) they seemed fine.
When I ran all 4 at the same time they were sluggish again.
Notes; Battery fully charged, plugged in to AC at the time.
I am thinking that even though the batteries show fully charged they may be at the end of their life?
6 yr old wet cells Gr 24 deep cycle, always well maintained and charged on 3 stage charger.
Is it time to call Randy for the AGM's and new converter I have been dreaming about?
Bill
2006 Chevy D/A CC
Adventurer 810WS
25'Airstream Excella
"Good People Drink Good Beer"-Hunter S Thompson
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Butch50
Bentonville, AR
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Joined: 06/29/2002
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Well in my thinking even though you are plugged into 120 AC your batteries have to been in good condition to work well. A converter well not support the big power load that the jacks require. After 6 years on grp 24 have giving you good service and it may be time to replace them.
Sounds like you are really wanting the AGMs and new converter also. 
This is IMO
Butch
2011 F350 KR 4X4 CC LB SRW
2012 Northern Lite 10 2 CDSE
2008 Custom Weld 17' Boat
2010 Can-Am 650XT Outlander Max
2012 Harley Tri Glide
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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Yep, time to call Randy. I had a similar experience a couple years ago. I wasn't thinking battery. I started my Honda (semi-permanent mount) to to run the 55 amp Iota charger, while running the jacks. No problem at all.
After a few test, I found the battery no longer held the 100 AH very long. I went with Randy's 100 AH Universal. So far, no problems, and it fixed my slow jacks.
Wayne
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billtex
RI
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Reddog1 wrote:Yep, time to call Randy. I had a similar experience a couple years ago. I wasn't thinking battery. I started my Honda (semi-permanent mount) to to run the 55 amp Iota charger, while running the jacks. No problem at all.
After a few test, I found the battery no longer held the 100 AH very long. I went with Randy's 100 AH Universal. So far, no problems, and it fixed my slow jacks.
Wayne
Yeah...I was plugged into AC...I was home at the time unloading.
Even with the AC the jacks were slow when I ran all 4 at same time.
I will check batts with hydrometer tonight...but I think that is the problem.
Tx, B
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Artum Snowbird
Campbell River, B.C., Canada
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After taking my Happijacs completely apart using the instructions on this site, I realized how foolish it is to assume a few drops of 3in1 oil in the tiny hole will actually lubricate anything.
Each jack took about a cup of heavy duty marine grease to properly re-lube it.
Mike and Carole
2007 Snowbird 9'6" Super Slide
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2000 F350 7.3 SC 4X4
previously 8'10" Snowbird Camper
2006 Triple E Regency 27 foot SXL SOLD!
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skipbee
Glen Arm,Md. 21057 USA
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I've had 3 type 27 AGM's, they are Dekas from Penn Mfg, for 3 years. I dealt with a factory store in Baltimore and negotiated a very nice discount for buyimg three. I think it was about $ 150.00 a piece. They have been excellent, I clean the terminals annually, that's it!
skipbee
2004 F350 Diesel CC SRW 19.5" Rickson W/T 4WD
2005 Lance 1121 well found.
12' Porta-Bote alongside
All that glisters is not gold. All who wander are not lost. See us on YouTube" Living the Lance Life" 3 of 4.
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billtex
RI
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Update; pulled the batteries...they were very low on water...my bad...and I just checked them ~ 3 weeks ago. I usualy stay on top of them (that's why they have lasted 6 years!), but it has been hot here.
Topped them off and gave them a good charge and all seems fine now.
Full battery power and some 3/1 oil did the trick!
Lesson learned; keep an eye on your batteries and if your jacks are sluggish...one more thing to look at...
I am still going to get the AGM's from Randy...I am sick/tired of messing with wet cells...
Tx All, Bill
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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billtex wrote:... Lesson learned; keep an eye on your batteries and if your jacks are sluggish...one more thing to look at...
I am still going to get the AGM's from Randy...I am sick/tired of messing with wet cells...
Tx All, Bill
What you experienced was one of two primary reasons I went to the AGM. I wanted to mount my batteries inside my TC, and every RV battery that died on me before did so due to my lack of maintenance.
A very good argument can be made for the flooded wet cells to be the biggest bang for the buck. But, the are probably the worst bang for the buck if you can not/will not, do the required maintenance.
I think maybe I tested my last AGM to death, and it still lasted close to eight years. I did zero maintenance, not even wipe the dust off. I used it full time and stored the TC.
Wayne
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KKELLER14K
BEAVERTON OREGON
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Joined: 12/15/2006
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Billtex...you lubed what? Do you know that you can not lube the jack screw without taking it apart? If you are oiling the crank it has nothing to do with the internal main jack. Go over and look at my post of a ovehaul and relube of a Happi Jack. It is very informative...regardless you need to see this then you will know whats up. I JUST HATE THE FACT THAT HAPPI JACK MISSLEADS PEOPLE! YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT APART TO LUBE IT...PERIOD!!!! Here is the link..now you can see Snowbird knows what I'm saying....it is not an easy job...each jack takes at least 3 hours of your time but you got to do it!
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