best way to "finalize" my stabilizers?

[Chixdigit]

Hey all, I'm new here, and this site has been so helpful. Thanks to you all.
I have recently upgraded from a 2009 Coleman/ Fleetwood SeaPine pop up camper to a 2010 Jayco Jay Flight 29rls G2. We love it!
I have a drill with the stab attachment to crank the stabs down, but once I'm down, the drill tops out and I have to just twist the drill to get that extra turn. I feel like it's bad on my drill, so I've tried the 3 foot long hand crank for that final full turn. The crank has horrible leverage, and it is definitely straining/ starting to bend when I do this.
What do you all use for that final turn on your stabs?
Thanks, Josh

[SouthCo]

I use a 3/8 ratchet wrench from start to finish...

[Chixdigit]

I knew it would be that easy and I was missing something! A ratchet wrench! Perfect!
Thanks! BTW, a drill is soo much easier and FAST for the first part. Why don't' you use that? Try it! BANG!

[Chixdigit]

I am sure I can figure it out, but while I am letting my fingers do the walking, what size is used for the head on the stab? Anyone know without getting up?

[Jrmay25]

3/4" I'm pretty sure.

[rick danger]

Not sure if you need one for other things, but maybe an impact style gun might work better.

[SMS1115]

Yes, the standard for the stabs is 3/4". I have the adapter for my drill also. VERY nice! The ratchet wrench that came with my x chocks works for the final twist after the drill is maxed out.

[Wrascal]

Both of my trailers came with something along this line. Once the pad is on the ground I give it an additional 1/2 turn. Am I doing it wrong?

[Bassdogs]

Ditto on the cordless drill and finish with the supplied Jayco tool. You don't want to over tork the legs [they are not intended to lift just stabalize] or you risk adding a strain to the frame that will cause doors not to close properly etc. I give them an extra twist with the Jayco tool with maybe a little extra on one side that is still a fraction off level. The morning after set up I check out all corners as TT tends to settle due to soft pad or spring/tires that relax.

[MrKong]

What are you guys using for drills? MY 18V Craftsman will hit bottom and either yank itself out of my hand without a good hold, or break a wrist if I don't stop shortly after hitting bottom lol.

[RickAE]

I have an 18Volt makita drill. It has a clutch to stop it from ripping it out of my hand. Then like most others I finish it off with the Jayco supplied crank handle

[Chixdigit]

Thanks for all the input. I also have the hand-crank that came with the trailer, but mine is very long so there is very little leverage (to even just do 1 full turn), and it is so flimsy that I swear I am going to twist it.
I think it had 2 in the basement when I got it, so I'll check out the other one to see if it's better design and strength. Otherwise, I'll give a socket handle with a 3/4 socket a try.
Thanks again.

[klpoppe]

I use a Black and Decker 20 volt lithium drill/driver with the 3/4" socket. It is deceiving as it is a small drill with a ton of power.

[SailandPaddle]

I use a 12 volt cordless drill, and thought that it applied enough torque. It would be interesting to know how much torque is best, and use a torque wrench to get a sense for how much that is.

[Derek700]

I broke the chuck on my Ryobi drill. I know they aren't the best out there, but don't force it too hard. I wind them down tight and use a ratchet to tighten them down.

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by Chixdigit

I knew it would be that easy and I was missing something! A ratchet wrench! Perfect!
Thanks! BTW, a drill is soo much easier and FAST for the first part. Why don't' you use that? Try it! BANG!

I don't need an electric drill as I use 6x6x10 pressure treated lumber under my 6 stabilizers so they never have to come down more than 8" or so. Do u have anything under yours? And in my first post I misspoke when I said 3/8. I use a 1/2 ratchet. I usually let my 6 year old daughter finalize it with the ratchet as she loves to help. If your drill can't, maybe something is wrong with it or the operator. No need for electric here. Maybe when I get older or the kids stop having fun helping....

[Nighthawk 96]

I gave up with the drill. I have 4 pairs of 4"x 4"s; 6, 8 ,12 and 16" long. The least amount you extend your stab jacks the better the stability. I have plenty of 2 x 10 x 12's that can be used for leveling or under the stab jacks and tongue jack as well.

So I leave the drill home and used the crank provided by Jayco for the final inch or two. It also will operate your electric tongue jack if it craps out.

[eldermike]

Stabilizers should touch the ground and remove all the slack in the mechanism, done. The rear ones especially are in the wrong place on the frame to use as jacks unless you want your frame bent for some reason.

[Parcany]

I use a 3/4 inch breaker bar with a 3/4 socket to finish up the last bit. works good

[namusmc65]

I used to use an 18 volt DeWalt cordless drill. Let it go till it stopped and that was enough for me. They are exactly that, stabilizing jacks and nothing more. Now with the fifth wheeler, they are all electric touch of the button.