need long trailer jack

[bear_69cuda]

Morning gang,

The pad I store my boat on is at a slight grade (see pic) and in order to elevate the bow high enough to clean bilge or drain, I usually end up placing 8 x 8 railroad tie sections under the jack. My new boat is 3' longer than my last boat so the jack section is now even lower on the pad. I've been searching for longer jacks, but it seems 28-30" is about max. Anyone using something longer? Or have any suggestions? I could try and use dirt and gravel to raise the pads foundation the trailer jack sits on, but it's not my preferred option. Thanks in advance for any insight!

old boat on pad pic.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: need long trailer jack

I find that a spare tire/wheel esp from a front wheel drive car works great under a jack wheel...

it's not real likely that you'll find much longer without going to a LOT bigger.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: need long trailer jack

I use a HiLift Jack

Hope this helps

 

[Bondo]

Re: need long trailer jack

Or have any suggestions?

Ayuh,... Is that the New boat, or the old boat,..??

I've taken the jack off, 'n moved it back farther on the frame a few times to get more height....
The closer to the axle, the higher it'll go...
As long as it clears the hull, it can be mounted on the outside of the "A" frame...

 

[fat fanny]

Re: need long trailer jack

Remove some of the material from the rear of the pad to the front and then add some const,dust to pack tight and with this it lowers the rear of the pad and raises the front with little added cost just grunt work of material movement!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: need long trailer jack

I find that a spare tire/wheel esp from a front wheel drive car works great under a jack wheel...

it's not real likely that you'll find much longer without going to a LOT bigger.

Cool idea thanks!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: need long trailer jack

I use a HiLift Jack

Hope this helps

Hey Lipp,

I'll google it! Thanks!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: need long trailer jack

Ayuh,... Is that the New boat, or the old boat,..??

I've taken the jack off, 'n moved it back farther on the frame a few times to get more height....
The closer to the axle, the higher it'll go...
As long as it clears the hull, it can be mounted on the outside of the "A" frame...

Hey Bond-o

It's the old boat... I was thinkin bout moving it back also... Thanks dude!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: need long trailer jack

Remove some of the material from the rear of the pad to the front and then add some const,dust to pack tight and with this it lowers the rear of the pad and raises the front with little added cost just grunt work of material movement!

That's a good idea also! I love this forum.. Should I just hit up a construction site for the dust? I bet this packs better than sand?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: need long trailer jack

Bear if you do go with a HiLift jack understand that the picture I posted is a horrible rendition of the proper use of a HiLift Jack and its likely that the guy using the jack in the picture likely broke his Freaking Jaw using it that way, HiLifts are not a toy they can be very dangerous but I have two of them and use them regularly here in Colorado.

Keep your face away from the handle....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: need long trailer jack

Bear if you do go with a HiLift jack understand that the picture I posted is a horrible rendition of the proper use of a HiLift Jack and its likely that the guy using the jack in the picture likely broke his Freaking Jaw using it that way, HiLifts are not a toy they can be very dangerous but I have two of them and use them regularly here in Colorado.

Keep your face away from the handle....

Also keep it clean annd lubed and ALWAYS be prepared for it to drop without warning esp while lowering.... they are a great tool but they are not foolproof or completely maintenance free

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: need long trailer jack

Also keep it clean annd lubed and ALWAYS be prepared for it to drop without warning esp while lowering.... they are a great tool but they are not foolproof or completely maintenance free

Completely agree!

 

[roscoe]

Re: need long trailer jack

Just dig out the areas where the trailer tires sit. Should be able to drop them down 6 inches.

 

[Fed up]

Re: need long trailer jack

I sort of have the same issue as you do, but I am just trying to get my boat level. What I found that worked well was the 8X8 timber and a wheel stop. Cheap, easy, and works with little work. One thing I did with the stop was used screws to secure it to the block.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: need long trailer jack

those little stops fit real nice on top of a fwd rim too

 

[iSteelHead]

Re: need long trailer jack

Can you post a close up of your Jack? My jack too is only a 38" max, but what I did. Since my truck is lifted, was I went an bought 1 foot of 1/8" flat steel and drilled my own holes to lower the placement of the jack, but it adds more lift. You can cut and drill the steel with ease. I even used the same hardware, I also added a Grade 8 bolt, 1/4" galvanized tube, to act as a sleeve, and also to give it more rigidity If that is too much for you, then Go buy another jack and place it on the outside of the frame like said above. They can be found at Wally world for like $20

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: need long trailer jack

My 1st thought was "what's wrong with the RR ties?". I took my skilsaw and set the depth to 2" and cut a valley in the tie so the wheel can't roll. Works good and it's not attached all the time when I don't need it. I wouldn't dig holes just because of drainage. Everytime it rains your tires will be sitting in a puddle of water until it drains off.

Just another thought on Hi-lifts. Very good jacks for their purpose, but they are not to be left unattended. I don't even like taking the wheels off a vehicle when using one (though I have had to do it). I have had several trucks with dented body parts from hi-lifts slipping and the post hitting the truck. And if not used properly they will take out a jaw or at least a couple of molars.

 

[rvrlaxn]

Re: need long trailer jack

How about those preformed concrete footers, like when you are building a deck. Have a nice area for the jack wheel, and then dont look quite so redneck as a spare tire or rr ties. would put one on a concrete paver to increase the footprint and reduce the tendancy to settle.