Let’s Dive into Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc
I’ve spent a decade ensuring trucks and trailers are ready for anything the backcountry throws at them. Clearance issues, especially when dealing with dual wheels or wide fenders, are a constant headache. The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc promises to solve this issue, adding much-needed space for jacks when traveling.
My journey to find these brackets began after a particularly frustrating off-road excursion. My camper jacks, crucial for leveling and stability, kept bumping against my oversized tires. This risked damage to both the jacks and the tires, and the constant bumping sound was maddening.
Unboxing the Rieco-Titan swing away brackets, my initial impression was of solid, zinc-plated steel. The brackets felt hefty and well-made, inspiring confidence that they could handle the stress of supporting heavy camper jacks. The zinc coating looked durable, promising resistance against rust and corrosion.
I considered a few alternatives before settling on these. Some were cheaper, but looked flimsy. Others required extensive welding, something I wanted to avoid. The Rieco-Titan brackets seemed like the perfect balance of robustness and ease of installation.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if these brackets could truly deliver on their promise of extra clearance and whether the installation would be as straightforward as advertised. I was hoping to finally kiss those clearance issues goodbye.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial test came during a weekend camping trip in the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert. The dry, dusty conditions and uneven ground would be the perfect proving ground for the Rieco-Titan swing away brackets. I needed to install the brackets before heading out, and that was the first test.
Installation was surprisingly straightforward; bolting them onto the existing corner brackets was easier than I anticipated. The added 4″ of clearance per side made a noticeable difference immediately. Maneuvering the camper through tight trails became noticeably easier.
Even in the harsh desert environment, the zinc coating held up well, showing no signs of scratching or wear from the flying gravel. The brackets felt secure and stable, even when the camper was fully loaded. There were no unexpected surprises; they performed exactly as intended.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of miles, including a particularly grueling trip through the Alaskan backcountry, the Rieco-Titan swing away brackets have proven their worth. There are no signs of bending or weakening, despite the constant vibrations and impacts of rough roads.
The zinc plating is holding up admirably, with only minor cosmetic imperfections. The brackets require minimal maintenance; a quick spray with WD-40 after washing the camper is all it takes. They still swing smoothly and lock securely in both the travel and unloading positions.
Compared to my previous experiences, where I constantly worried about jack clearance, these brackets are a game-changer. They offer unparalleled peace of mind and make setting up camp in challenging locations significantly easier. The Rieco-Titan brackets have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc
Specifications
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc is specifically designed to bolt onto existing corner brackets. It adds 4 inches of clearance per side. These brackets are compatible with Rieco-Titan and Atwood 4-corner mechanical, hydraulic, and electric jacks.
The package comes with two brackets. Each bracket is finished with a durable zinc coating. This coating protects against rust and corrosion.
This extra clearance is vital for vehicles with wide fenders or dual rear wheels. It prevents damage to the jacks and tires, especially on rough terrain. The zinc coating ensures longevity, even in harsh environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc performs its job flawlessly. The swing-away design allows the jacks to be stowed inboard for travel. This provides crucial clearance and swings out for unloading.
The brackets are easy to operate and lock securely in both positions. The added clearance significantly reduces the risk of damage to jacks and tires.
There are no major weaknesses. The brackets are robust and reliable, meeting and exceeding expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc features a simple but effective design. The zinc-plated steel construction gives them a solid and durable feel.
Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools. The swing-away mechanism is smooth and easy to operate.
There is no significant learning curve. The brackets are user-friendly and intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction can withstand years of use and abuse.
The zinc plating provides excellent corrosion resistance. Maintenance is minimal; occasional cleaning and lubrication are all that is required.
These brackets should last for the lifetime of the camper with proper care. They are a durable and reliable investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc does not come with any additional accessories. They are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Rieco-Titan and Atwood jack systems.
There are no customization options available for the brackets themselves. However, they are compatible with a wide range of jacks from Rieco-Titan and Atwood.
Users can choose different jack models based on their specific needs and preferences. These brackets are a versatile and adaptable solution.
Pros and Cons of Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc
Pros
- Adds a significant 4″ of clearance per side, preventing damage to jacks and tires.
- Compatible with Rieco-Titan and Atwood 4-corner mechanical, hydraulic, and electric jacks.
- Durable zinc-plated steel construction for long-lasting corrosion resistance.
- Easy bolt-on installation, requiring minimal tools or modifications.
- Provides peace of mind when navigating tight trails and uneven terrain.
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to simpler bracket options.
- Zinc plating, while durable, can still show scratches or cosmetic wear over time.
Who Should Buy Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc?
These swing away brackets are perfect for RV owners with wide fenders or dual rear wheels. They are also great for overlanders who frequently travel on rough or uneven terrain. Anyone using Rieco-Titan or Atwood 4-corner jacks can significantly benefit from the added clearance and protection.
If you have sufficient clearance and primarily travel on paved roads, these brackets might be overkill. Also, if you are on a tight budget, simpler and cheaper options might be more appealing, though they may lack the durability.
Consider investing in high-quality grease and lubricants to keep the swing mechanism operating smoothly. Additionally, regularly inspect the bolts to ensure they are tightened correctly.
Conclusion on Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc
The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc is a well-designed and durable solution for camper owners struggling with jack clearance issues. The added clearance provides peace of mind when navigating challenging terrain.
While the price is higher than some alternatives, the quality and performance justify the investment. If you value durability, ease of installation, and reliable performance, these brackets are worth every penny.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Rieco-Titan swing away brackets to anyone seeking a robust and effective solution for improving jack clearance. Say goodbye to clearance worries and enjoy a smoother, more confident camping experience! Upgrade your rig today.
