A better trailer tounge JACK ?

[Outlawman]

Sheit, I hate Fulton trailer jacks... they only seem to last a year or two and then crap out. I've got a near new Trailrite (2004 thats only seen salt water for the first time last week and it broke at the launch ramp).

My trailer is galvanized and has the thru-beam installed jack, like this one:



This is my 4th boat in the last 15 or so years and all the trailers have had Fulton jacks with problems.

So I am looking for something better... any suggestions?

[PHOTOG]

I think they are engineered to break...seriously, every one I have ever owned has been broken, wont turn or just seizes up...but my boat is light enough where I can lift it off the ball so it is more of a pain than a needed item.

[dru]

Sorry I don't have specifics, but I bought one from West Marine (ass rape) that had a three year warrantly, no questions asked. Been taking it back every two years since. Good luck...

[BiggestT]

Don't dunk them and they will last for years. Always have for me.

[Outlawman]

Originally Posted by BiggestT

Don't dunk them and they will last for years. Always have for me.

Sure, you can do that with the smaller trailer boats like your Blackman, but mine is a 28' Skipjack on a 30' trailer. The only way to get it off the trailer is to dunk it, then I immediately rinse the trailer, time allowing...

[BiggestT]

Originally Posted by Outlawman

Sure, you can do that with the smaller trailer boats like your Blackman, but mine is a 28' Skipjack on a 30' trailer. The only way to get it off the trailer is to dunk it, then I immediately rinse the trailer, time allowing...

I haven't towed the bigger trailer boats, but I would think with a properly designed trailer it would be the same. Due to the weight of my diesel, I have to power off and power onto the trailer.

[Afry]

Originally Posted by Outlawman

it broke at the launch ramp)

Why are you using your jack at the launch ramp?

I have had two go bad in the last year myself (two different trailers) so I need the same advice.

BiggestT - On some trailers the jack is in the h20 if you want to get your boat on or off. I launch 1-2 times a week and do power it on and off but cats tend to need a deeper trailer and you cannot mount it further forward than it already is.

[Double Z]

Lube them and spray with CorrosionX. Other than that, the new aluminum ones are looking good.

[Swazi]

Take the little plastic cap off the top and keep it greased is one thing that has always worked for me.
The other thing is to put the trailer on jack stands, so the Fulton Jack is not loaded up, I've had them last as long as 10 years practicing these two things. In fact I've never had to replace one.

How'd the boat run Sunday?

[Bank Robber]

Hey David, I have the same jack on my trailer. So like Tim says keep the gears greased and keep the weight off it if you can but also grease the shaft (keep you mind out of the gutter) and it should last you a long time give or take a few shear pins.

[Outlawman]

Thanks for the replies and thoughts guys. Hopefully this thread reveals a better jack solution... not involving floor jacks.

Originally Posted by Double Z

Lube them and spray with CorrosionX. Other than that, the new aluminum ones are looking good.

I've always kept the Fultons pretty well lubed, but time and use do there damage. As to the Aluminum ones, I've looked at them (the new aluminum Fulton, F2 I believe) but it's only rated 1000# and would not fit the side of my trailer beam anyway. Too bad they don't make a bigger model yet... only problem is it would still have that F-word printed on it...

IMO, someone looking for an business opportunity has a good one here...

[highelbows]

I just had one sieze up on me. My neighbor has had the same one for 15 years. He stores his on a jack stand and greases it often. Also fold the wheel forward which keeps it out of the water more. It is longer when the wheel faces toward the aft end.