Electric tongue jack cover

[jloco]

Hi Folks.. I'm wondering if anyone uses a cover (Vinyl draw string bag type from Amazon) over their power tongue jack. I bought one thinking it would protect the unit from the elements. It looks like it traps some condensation as when I removed it after a rain storm I noticed some condensation on the unit. Now I'm wondering if it does more harm than good.
Any thoughts on this?

Amazon.com: Ultra-Fab 38-944020 Ultra Tongue Jack - Protective Cover: Automotive

[House of Harview]

I would think the cover would be OK as long as you are near the unit such as camping or traveling to where you could just simply remove it when weather permits. I would think condensation would be better than a driving and constant exposure to rain. As far as being exposed during long term storage or maybe even as an alternative to the cover, one could simply use a 5 gallon bucket and bunji cord the handle to the a-frame or, if applicable, one could remove the electronic part of the head unit and store inside during long term exposed storage. Of course, the 5 gallon bucket over the unit would not be recommended for traveling down the road, mind you. I too am anxious to hear from the more seasoned participators here in regards to this matter.

[TWP723]

For storage, I use the bucket. I never use one while camping or on the road. The condensation is most likely the change in temps and humidity between night and day and probably not a huge concern.

[Camper_bob]

I used to use a small trash can to protect mine. After about 1 year, the sun got to it and the plastic became brittle and the can just crumbled into the trash when I threw it away. It was largely a waste of time anyway because I couldn't protect it while driving (it rains every time we take our RV out), so water got in anyway and eventually ruined the jack.

I ended up with an upgraded replacement (a Husky Brute) and so far, water intrusion has not been an issue. The primary point of water intrusion on the old jack was the manual override hole in the top of the jack; it had no seal, so the water just went in there. The new jack has a better design that makes that virtually impossible.

As far as using the vinyl bag, I wonder if you could leave the bottom open a bit? So then the moisture could escape? Perhaps tie it off to the jack with another string so it won't blow off, but still allow for some ventilation while in storage?

[jloco]

Originally Posted by TWP723

For storage, The condensation is most likely the change in temps and humidity between night and day and probably not a huge concern.

I think you're right on the day/night thing. My rig is at a seasonal site, so I get to it mostly on weekends. It never sees the road. I'll keep the drawstrings loose so any condensation can escape.

[SouthCo]

If keeping the strings loose doesn't help get a bucket. I keep it covered with a 5 gallon bucket except while towing. I've never noticed condensation under the bucket...

[On The Lam]

I cut the bottom off an old 1-gallon oil jug and use that as a cover. It's rectangular in size and fits snugly enough to not come off during travel. I also have enough room to wedge my 7-way connector in there when disconnected. Great solution and looks more sophisticated than it sounds...

[WyEm]

I too use a 2 gallon bucket over the jack when parked at home. It fits perfectly. I throw it in the pass thru compartment when camping. If there is heavy rain while camping, I put it back over the jack. If not raining, there are always uses for a bucket in camp. It weighs next to nothing and is multi-use.

[North of 49°]

I made a jack cover out of a piece of old tarp, and put a draw string on it. My sewing skills are pretty weak so there's lots of gaps in the stitching, allowing any condensation to escape. But it does keep the jack protected from the rain.

[JFlightRisk]

We're on our second one . First one lasted four years, and needed replacing. We got them, just to keep the sun from degrading the head. Yea, we get the moisture, too, but doesn't seem to harm the jack.

[TxTwoSome]

I cover ours with the bag from an old motorcycle helmet it keeps it dry has a draw string and I can work the jacks switches without having to remove it.

It stays on the trailer 24-7 and has been working fine for two years now.

The lights I never used anyway if I get to a campground after dark there was a major tremor in the force that day for sure!

[dangerdave]

For what it's worth. I just tie a white hand towel around mine. Reflects the sun but breathes if it rains. Out here in AZ nothing black works. Cooks what's inside.

[cekkk]

FWIW, my exposed tongue jack sits just outside the barn and has with no problems for five years. When I first read about the bucket idea a while back it seemed like a good idea. But with our winds that thing would become a missel pretty quickly. And if tied down it's going to bang around on the jack, and that can't be a good thing.

[Lolead]

I cover my power jack with a white plastic bucket while in storage, To keep it in place during windy times I drilled a slotted hole on each side down low then I hang the safety chains from the slots. Also keeps the tow chains from laying on the ground. Cost was zero since I already had the bucket.

[glsimms]

I went with the vinyl one the OP posted from amazon. $11 bucks and change, why quibble over price?? Heck we pay more for our chemicals......

[Wireman]

I use the same one from amazon. No issues with it. Still breathes from the area by the draw string. No condensation issues here.

I cover everything, tires, jack, and I am using the RV cover I had from the class A I sold.

Sun is brutal here in the southwest. I'll do what ever I can to protect my investment.

[ShawnR]

I cover mine with the bag from a RV cover. Water resistant and breathable. Covers most of the tongue actually, including the jack, batteries, and hitch.

[jloco]

Here's what the cover from Amazon looks like. I Loosened the drawstrings. So far this weekend, no moisture underneath. It rained pretty good yesterday/last night.


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[jenoble99]

The cheapo power jack that came on our unit was quickly ruined by rain intrusion. After having it replaced under warranty I started covering it with a five gallon bucket. I hang the safety chains on the bucket handle which keeps the bucket on and the chains off of the ground.


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[Nighthawk 96]

My OEM jack has crapped out after 3 years. Am replacing with the Huskey 4500 lb jack. All these are made in China, so who knows how long they will last or if putting a cover over them will be beneficial.