Mrs. Mik
Abbotsford, Wisconsin
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Joined: 04/01/2002
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What can you tell me about them? Would be replacing Ryco hand-crank jacks on a 1992 Lance with the electric Happi Jacks.
I'm asking for someone else, so I don't have any other information. Thanks for your help!
Julie
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BradW
Flat Rock, Alabama
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Have you considered other brands of camper jacks? Most Lance campers come with Atwood jacks. There is also Reico-Titan jacks.
Caution: Possibel defective spelling above; spell checker is DOA.
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Beddows
Abbotsford, Canada
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It's probably more likely the existing brackets would be compatible with Reico electrics since they are the same manufacturer. The cost is about the same as happijac. Both are comparable. I have reicos, so I could measure the holes for you, I am sure someone else here could do likewise for Happijacs.
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jjohnson1179
Girdletree, Maryland
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I went from atwoods hand cranks to happi jack electric. I changed the brackets (when you buy the jacks as a compleate set it comes with all the mounting hardware and brackets) This was the best move I have done to a T/C The H/J lift the camper alot higher then the other jacks do as well I like mine and would not trade them for nothing O and I have a 87 lance 980 as well
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Beddows
Abbotsford, Canada
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Big problem with replacing brackets is how they are anchored to the camper. If you have to drill new holes near existing ones, it may be an issue. If you do replace them use sikaflex underneath them. Sell the 5th wheel, Julie?
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chrisnpat
Gurnee,Il
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Joined: 06/11/2004
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I thought you were talking about the Jacks we used to play with when we were kids, you know the kind with the little ball.  
Christine
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canusa
hanwell, new brunswick, canada
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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My experience with Happijacs has not been a good one. I got mine new on the camper in 2001--and they are manual not electric but the basic works are the same.
Mine were rusty on the outside white tube in a little over a year with absolutely no exposure to salt. The paint was lifting off in large flakes. The threaded rods inside the jack that allow them to move up and down also rusted although I followed the factory manual instructions for lubing and extending them. I ended up having to take them apart completely, derust, install grease fittings and then pack solid with grease to prevent further rust. I also found I got water penetration, perhaps wind driven, in the gear box under the plastic cap at the top of each jack. This is where the electric motor fits on the power models. I have caulked around the bottom edge of the caps to stop that.
I have not had the problem of the foot of the jack suddenly dropping and hitting the road with all the damage associated with that sort of thing. Thank goodness. Others have. A search here will get you those stories
A number of times I emailed and spoke with people at the factory. Although I was unfailingly patient and polite with them I got snarkey and insinuating answers back from the office staff. They may have been secretaries--I don't know. They were somewhat knowledgeable but what they seemed to know was that no problems came from design or manufacture--they all came from customer abuse of the product. You know,my 5 year old camper still looks like new inside and out. I just don't abuse my stuff. I maintain it. I certainly did not selectively abuse the jacks while taking good care of the rest. The only reason the jacks are still there at all is because I have done a whole lot of maintenance on them.
Now I understand ( but don't know) that they have a new owner. Things may be better--or at least different. I know some folks have had a good experience with the jack and the management. Personally I'd move to another brand when the time comes. Good luck to your friend with the search for a good jack
Cheers!
Herb
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wabbitman
Horsham, PA
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Beware of the wired remote control. I had nothing but trouble with the rj11 connections. Finally, upgraded to the wireless remote and since then things have been great.
My two cents...your mileage may vary 
wabbitman
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bigjimcruising
Orange County, CA
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There's a good reason they're known as "Crappijac's"!! Because they are!! Be prepared to risk loosing your rig or at least replacing them from time to time when they bend or otherwise fail. After owning them for a year and a half and already replacing jacks I'd say move on and buy something reliable. I'll switch as soon as I get enough cash to buy something else. Probably Atwoods. My advice: DON'T DO IT!
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pjay9
Tacoma, WA
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I have Atwoods on my Lances. My 1997 had electirc and the 2005 has electric with remote...I LIKE THAT!!! The Atwoods worked wonderfully all those years and took some bad abuse every now and agin when i did something silly like backing in to far and sliding them along...OPPS!!! the sprung back, but forever a little off at the bottom as the bumper bracket got bent a tad..still worked just fine! Had that camper 11 years. @005 they work great witht the remote yet it is a bit touchy for final touch up levelinging...I am getting the hang of it! GET ATWOODS! Capt PJ
2005 Lance 1161/2004 Dodge CTD 3500 Dually
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