Can Jammed Fulton Trailer Jack Be Freed Up

Updated 05/05/2021 | Published 05/04/2021

Question:

My 1,000-lb side wind bolt-on Fulton trailer tongue jack lives outdoors in a rainy climate Sitka Alaska and is subject to rust. I periodically grease the top gears through the Zerk fitting, but the jack became harder and harder to crank under load. Finally the mechanism jammed completely. Fulton Youtube instruction showed how to disassemble the jack. All went well and I find the gears and upper unit parts are in good shape. The problem is this: the jack screw is jammed in the nut, which is inaccessible and unremovable. I have used Power Blaster spray and heat to try to free up the screw. Nothing works. It appears this jack has been DESIGNED TO FAIL. The grease fitting at the top does not allow the MOST CRITICALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THE MECHANISM to be lubricated. What do you suggest, if anything, to free the jack screw.

asked by: James T

Expert Reply:

What you describe typically happens if the jack has been over-extended or retracted. I'd continue spraying PB Blaster on the screw, followed by some raps on the end of the screw with a mallet or dead-blow hammer which will hopefully free things up.

If that fails, unfortunately your best bet would be to replace the jack. I'd recommend a US made jack from Dutton-Lainson, part # DL22300 which is a bolt on jack with a 1200 lb capacity. The outer jack tube is sealed to prevent dirt and debris from getting in. The jack doesn't have a zerk fitting, but the top cap can be removed if the pre-lubricated gears need to be greased.

I've linked to a product demonstration video for the jack I mentioned abovfe.

expert reply by: Mike L