Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket Review

Let’s Talk About Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket

The Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket is designed for HappiJac camper jacks, allowing for the extension of the jacks away from the camper body. This can be useful for overcoming obstructions or achieving better stability in certain situations. Lippert, a well-known name in the RV and camping industry, offers these brackets as a solution to placement challenges.

I stumbled upon the need for these brackets when I upgraded my truck camper to a larger model. The new camper’s dimensions meant the jacks were hitting the truck’s fender flares, preventing a secure and stable setup. I needed a way to get the jacks clear of the fenders without compromising the camper’s structural integrity or jack functionality.

The brackets arrived well-packaged and appeared robust. Initial impressions were that the welds looked solid and the powder coating seemed durable, suggesting they could withstand the elements. Their weight was substantial, which initially gave me confidence, but also raised concerns about the added stress on the camper frame.

I considered alternatives like custom-fabricated extensions or relocating the jacks entirely. Custom fabrication was expensive, and relocation involved significant modification to the camper, so I decided to try the Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket. The deciding factor was Lippert’s reputation for quality and the relatively straightforward installation promised.

My first impression was a mix of relief and apprehension. I was glad to have found a potential solution to my clearance problem, but concerned about the warnings regarding increased stress. I was excited to get them installed and see if they lived up to the promise, but also determined to monitor their performance closely.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket was at a moderately uneven campsite in the mountains. I used them to clear the fender flares as intended. The installation process took a few hours.

The brackets worked as advertised, providing the necessary clearance. I immediately noticed a slight increase in sway when the camper was fully extended. This was expected given the increased leverage, but it highlighted the importance of careful leveling and stabilization.

Initially, everything seemed fine. I closely monitored the brackets and jack mounting points for any signs of stress or movement. I encountered no obvious issues during that first weekend, but I was aware that long-term use would be the true test.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple trips with varying terrain, the Lippert Swing Out Extension Brackets have held up reasonably well. I’ve used them in dusty desert conditions and even a few rainy campsites. There are small scratches in the powder coating, but no signs of rust.

Durability appears adequate so far, but the key is diligent maintenance. I check the mounting bolts before each trip. The brackets themselves still look solid, but I can’t ignore Lippert’s warning about increased stress.

Cleaning is simple, usually just requiring a wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to my previous setup without extensions, the Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket does introduce a slightly increased sense of instability. However, careful leveling and the use of additional stabilizers have mitigated this concern.

Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket

Specifications

• The Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket is designed to fit all HappiJac camper jack models. This compatibility ensures a wide range of users can benefit from the product.
• The package includes two swing-out brackets and the necessary hardware for installation. Having all necessary components included simplifies the installation process.
• The brackets are finished in a white powder coat. This coating provides some level of protection against corrosion and wear.
• The explicit warning from Lippert states the brackets should only be used when absolutely necessary. This clearly indicates that using the product introduces more stress to the camper structure.

These specifications are important because they highlight the balance between utility and risk. The brackets offer a solution to clearance issues, but at the potential expense of increased stress and instability if not properly managed. The color is purely aesthetic, but the compatibility and inclusion of hardware are practical considerations.

Performance & Functionality

The Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket performs its primary function of extending the camper jacks away from the camper body. This allows for clearance of obstacles like truck bed rails or fender flares. The brackets provide the needed extra space in situations where standard jack placement isn’t possible.

The primary strength of the brackets is their ability to solve a specific problem, but the weakness is the potential for increased sway and stress on the camper. The warning about using them only when absolutely necessary is a constant reminder of this trade-off. Overall, the brackets meet expectations for clearance, but require diligence in monitoring and stabilizing the camper.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality seems adequate, with solid welds and a reasonable powder coat finish. The materials appear durable enough to withstand typical camping conditions. The weight of the brackets is noticeable and contributes to the overall feeling of robustness.

There’s no real ergonomic aspect to the design, as they are simply mounting brackets. However, installation does require careful alignment and tightening of bolts. A basic understanding of mechanical principles is helpful, but the process is straightforward enough for most DIYers.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and monitoring, the Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket should last for several years. This assumes usage remains occasional and stress on the system is minimized.

Maintenance is relatively simple, involving regular inspection of the mounting hardware. Checking for loose bolts and signs of wear is crucial. Occasional cleaning to remove dirt and grime will also help prolong their lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the included mounting hardware. The brackets themselves aren’t really customizable.

Compatibility with other brands’ accessories is limited to stabilizers that can be used to enhance stability. Third-party stabilizers may be a worthwhile addition for users who frequently use the extensions.

Pros and Cons of Lippert Swing Out Extension Bracket