Dude… you have no idea how you helped me out! I’m a new camper owner and just bought a 30 year old Bigfoot. 3of the 4 Hijacker’s lifts worked but one did not, and I had no clue how to fix. I appreciate your clear step by step instructions! 🙏 If I could, I’d buy you a beer to thank you! 🇨🇦
Wow, great video! I was pretty inspired seeing your combo of vintage diesel truck and Bigfoot fiberglass camper...... and sure enough, I found one for sale local to me (Whatcom County, WA)...... I just unloaded it from the seller via overhead cranes at our shop (this afternoon - December 19, 2022)...... since the jacks needed to be rebuilt. I typed in "rebuild camper jacks" on UA-cam, and this video came up. Very cool, and very helpful.
That's awesome to hear! Glad people are loving the vintage diesel truck and fibreglass camper combo...because it's awesome! You'll love the bigfoot. Good luck with the resto. Cheers.
Thanks for the clear instruction given in this video. I just finished rebuilding one, and although don't know exactly how it works (which kind of bothers me), mine is fixed. Much appreciated...
@@OvensGarage I just read the comments and found out you were an islander as well. You mentioned in another comment about a guy in Shawnigan that fixes Jack's. I'm in Nanaimo. Do you have hus business name or contact info you could pass on to me ? I'd rather just have someone who has all the proper tools, patience, and knowledge do mine for me. Thanks in advance. Also I would love a copy of that instruction/diagram as well if i could ??
I learned a lot from this video, I bought a kit of O rings with multiple size, the kit cost me over $30. 00 , found out its only good for plumbing not for hydraulics=, the inside 3/8 ( ID) inside dimension might fit but not the outside dimension or thickness. THe proper washer at an auto parts cost me under $10. for all 4 jacks , also expect using over 1/2 liter of oil to refiled .
The princess auto o-rings were junk, then bought more from two auto supply stores, still leaked. Rebuilt two Jack's twice each. Now I have ordered rebuild kits from the HiJacker guy in Calgary Alberta. Hopefully that will solve the problem and I can try to sell the $85.00 worth of o-rings that I bought that are junk.
Overall it's a good video. I do recommend you find a video on how to use snap ring pliers. You used them the hard way in this video. You could have changed the pivot point and squeezed the pliers instead of separating the pliers to remove the snap ring.
Cudos to you for an excellent video! The best I have seen well done on the photography. Any chance you would do one on the bottom section of seals and rings?
Hi!!! I have a jack that is leaking but it is the 4th one you showed that is not labelled. The mechanism looks identical. It is called Shur-Lift but I cannot find any information on them. Are you able to take it apart and tell me which ring sizes and other materials required? It is less complicated than the hijacker but I don't know the sizes or other materials (I believe there is some kind of leather washer also that I can't find anywhere) I can't find any owners manual or instructions to fix the leak on this one.
Excellent vid, thanks a lot! One thing though, the bolt on the very bottom (seen on schematic at 2:45) turns and I can't get it loose. It seems to be leaking at that bolt, but I can't unscrew it....I can hear the entire inside turning with it. Any ideas?
Any knows how to take rod out,change gaskets 20,21,21, Adding ...i found a video,the nut on the bottom has to be taking out by spacial wrench,ti replace gadjets on the rid,20,21,21 ..all is about
As per the diagram, there are 5 the same size, and 2 smaller ones the same size per cylinder, then an o ring on the screw and filler bolt, as well as the plunger cylinder.
@@OvensGarage You're welcome! I just got a truck camper given to me...was looking to buy one for a long time...it's a 60's camper with the stainless steel side panel inserts (diamond shape) on the outside and in very good condition...floors are solid and kept in good shape. I love the old look! The jacks are frozen-up so your vid taught me what to do on the top-ends. These older model campers are smaller than the newer ones which means they are lighter, less wind drag and no room for crap I don't need haha. Hey, as long as I can sleep comfortable, warm and dry and cook some grub and make a cup of coffee I'm great! hehe. It even came with a new toilet haha. Oh, and it has the old-school side windows that look like vents that open upwards...you don't see those anymore! Can open the windows when it's raining! Edit: You are very good at showing how to do things and look forward to more vids from you. You are patient, express yourself good, and are to the point....(you're not like a lot of vids here when the person rambles on and on and doesn't say anything...know what I mean?) haha.
What would be cool is if you showed how to prime them in the beginning because that was the part that I needed and then go through the rebuild process in case somebody just needs to maintain them
To actually rely on these old things blows my mind..we had one fixed recently, and after that the never ending drips from the others proved this would never end. The seep, uncertainty of their holding ability has made us sell the unit. We had one break through a block that was holding it...and that was it..never again. Unless you have a waiting structure in place, and can ease the camper off your truck/more so, on your truck...be very wary of these old things....Not suggesting they can't be fixed, re sealed etc...but pumping them up, releasing the valve etc. ....that is beyond old and dodgy IMO...We had a unit that had electric jacks before this...oh why did we sell it...!..it took 10 minutes...these...say again are dodgy and old...be very careful, never have them on the ground without fully bracing your camper unit....Sorry, the rest of the comments seem to have no issues...in my experience...the jack collapsed, the entire camper came at me sideways, thankfully resting on the remains of the blocks we had set up, or I would have under it....A good 2000 bucks will get you electric versions...
Ended up just rebuilding the hijacker! I was talking with a guy who rebuilds the hijackers as a side business and he said those shur-lifts are garbage and you can't really re-build them. Not sure the truth to it, but the hijacker seems more service-able for sure.
Dude… you have no idea how you helped me out! I’m a new camper owner and just bought a 30 year old Bigfoot. 3of the 4 Hijacker’s lifts worked but one did not, and I had no clue how to fix. I appreciate your clear step by step instructions! 🙏
If I could, I’d buy you a beer to thank you! 🇨🇦
Very clear instructions; UA-cam at it's best. Thank you.
You just solved a dilemma for me. Many thanks.
Wow, great video! I was pretty inspired seeing your combo of vintage diesel truck and Bigfoot fiberglass camper...... and sure enough, I found one for sale local to me (Whatcom County, WA)...... I just unloaded it from the seller via overhead cranes at our shop (this afternoon - December 19, 2022)...... since the jacks needed to be rebuilt. I typed in "rebuild camper jacks" on UA-cam, and this video came up. Very cool, and very helpful.
That's awesome to hear! Glad people are loving the vintage diesel truck and fibreglass camper combo...because it's awesome! You'll love the bigfoot. Good luck with the resto. Cheers.
This will gain traction real soon. Deserves more attention!
Thanks
Excellent straight forward video. Well done adding the original docs for the jack stands themselves! Exactly what I needed.
Hello,
Can you provide a link for the hijacker manual?
Thank you
Excellent video I'm just getting ready to load my camper, now I know how to do maintenance on my front jacks.
Thanks for the clear instruction given in this video. I just finished rebuilding one, and although don't know exactly how it works (which kind of bothers me), mine is fixed. Much appreciated...
Cheers!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video the way you did.
My pleasure!
I've watched many videos over the years and I didn't know your a fellow islander.
Victoria, right now!
Nanaimo
@@OvensGarage I just read the comments and found out you were an islander as well. You mentioned in another comment about a guy in Shawnigan that fixes Jack's. I'm in Nanaimo. Do you have hus business name or contact info you could pass on to me ? I'd rather just have someone who has all the proper tools, patience, and knowledge do mine for me. Thanks in advance. Also I would love a copy of that instruction/diagram as well if i could ??
@@derekpaterson603 his business name is restoration jacks you can Google him. If you want the diagram send me an email and I can send the pdf to you!
@@OvensGarage thanks alot
you are a life saver Buddy.... thanks
I learned a lot from this video, I bought a kit of O rings with multiple size, the kit cost me over $30. 00 , found out its only good for plumbing not for hydraulics=, the inside 3/8 ( ID) inside dimension might fit but not the outside dimension or thickness. THe proper washer at an auto parts cost me under $10. for all 4 jacks , also expect using over 1/2 liter of oil to refiled .
Glad it helped
Will wait for spring to do mine but this is great. Thank you
Cheers!
Good job, just did 1st jack I now have to go get hydraulic oil. Hopefully it will work. Thanks for showing this.
Good luck!
They sell camper jack fluid at Walmart
Very nice demonstration
Great scott, this is so good! Thanks for sharing.
The princess auto o-rings were junk, then bought more from two auto supply stores, still leaked. Rebuilt two Jack's twice each. Now I have ordered rebuild kits from the HiJacker guy in Calgary Alberta. Hopefully that will solve the problem and I can try to sell the $85.00 worth of o-rings that I bought that are junk.
But what is the thickness of the o rings?
Overall it's a good video. I do recommend you find a video on how to use snap ring pliers. You used them the hard way in this video. You could have changed the pivot point and squeezed the pliers instead of separating the pliers to remove the snap ring.
It's a small snap ring...it worked
@@OvensGarage yes. Tou did it the hard way and made it work. I was telling you the easy way was all.
Awesome video thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Cudos to you for an excellent video! The best I have seen well done on the photography. Any chance you would do one on the bottom section of seals and rings?
I don't plan on it since mine are all good, but maybe in the future if they start going bad.
can you tell me how to replace the o-rings in the bottom of the happy camper jacks
Thanks for the Video! easy to follow
Glad it helped!
Hi!!! I have a jack that is leaking but it is the 4th one you showed that is not labelled. The mechanism looks identical. It is called Shur-Lift but I cannot find any information on them. Are you able to take it apart and tell me which ring sizes and other materials required? It is less complicated than the hijacker but I don't know the sizes or other materials (I believe there is some kind of leather washer also that I can't find anywhere)
I can't find any owners manual or instructions to fix the leak on this one.
I ended up not rebuilding that one unfortunately!
Great Video! Do you fill the jack upright, retracted and to the bottom of the hole with oil? Or do you fill it laying down flat?
I filled mine to the fill port level while the jack was standing upright. I believe if you fill it while on the bench you may overfill it.
@@OvensGarage how do you get it in there if it's in a bottle should you use like a turkey baster or something?
Great video. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Excellent vid, thanks a lot! One thing though, the bolt on the very bottom (seen on schematic at 2:45) turns and I can't get it loose. It seems to be leaking at that bolt, but I can't unscrew it....I can hear the entire inside turning with it. Any ideas?
I only did a top end re-build on mine, but I think you need a specialty tool or remove the lower portion of the jack.
Yeah apparently you can't really do the bottom if its leaking there, only the top is DIY
Any knows how to take rod out,change gaskets 20,21,21,
Adding ...i found a video,the nut on the bottom has to be taking out by spacial wrench,ti replace gadjets on the rid,20,21,21 ..all is about
Hi me again,How to change gaskets 20,21,21 ,means take rod out?? If u know,thks
what is the quantity of each o-ring required per jack, thanks for a video
As per the diagram, there are 5 the same size, and 2 smaller ones the same size per cylinder, then an o ring on the screw and filler bolt, as well as the plunger cylinder.
Great video, thanks! Do you have a copy of the manual that could be shared please? Struggling to find online. Thank you!!
Sure just shoot me an email I'll send it to you
@@OvensGarage Thank you for replying so quickly. I actually managed to find it so all good for now. Thanks again
@@felipeforte20 Good luck with the re seal!
@@OvensGarage I sure could use that manual. All four of my Hijacker lifts are leaking.
great work on your vid....thank you :)
Thanks for watching!
@@OvensGarage You're welcome! I just got a truck camper given to me...was looking to buy one for a long time...it's a 60's camper with the stainless steel side panel inserts (diamond shape) on the outside and in very good condition...floors are solid and kept in good shape. I love the old look! The jacks are frozen-up so your vid taught me what to do on the top-ends. These older model campers are smaller than the newer ones which means they are lighter, less wind drag and no room for crap I don't need haha. Hey, as long as I can sleep comfortable, warm and dry and cook some grub and make a cup of coffee I'm great! hehe. It even came with a new toilet haha. Oh, and it has the old-school side windows that look like vents that open upwards...you don't see those anymore! Can open the windows when it's raining!
Edit: You are very good at showing how to do things and look forward to more vids from you. You are patient, express yourself good, and are to the point....(you're not like a lot of vids here when the person rambles on and on and doesn't say anything...know what I mean?) haha.
@@coherantbliss3483 lol I know what you mean about rambling youtube vids. I try to keep my how to vids quick and to the point!
What would be cool is if you showed how to prime them in the beginning because that was the part that I needed and then go through the rebuild process in case somebody just needs to maintain them
Thanks for watching!
@@OvensGarage or add a note that it's in the back and where
I believe the jack needs to be fully extended before filling with hydraulic fluid.
Thanks Man
Happy to help
Trying to source the size of the fill hole bolt o ring . Do you happen to know the size ?
It's at the end of the video. Part 15, 3/16" ID o ring.
The reservoir o ring ? Part "2"
@@OvensGarage the reservoir o ring? Part 2?
@@CodyOwns8 part 15 as shown in the diagram at the end of the video
To actually rely on these old things blows my mind..we had one fixed recently, and after that the never ending drips from the others proved this would never end. The seep, uncertainty of their holding ability has made us sell the unit. We had one break through a block that was holding it...and that was it..never again. Unless you have a waiting structure in place, and can ease the camper off your truck/more so, on your truck...be very wary of these old things....Not suggesting they can't be fixed, re sealed etc...but pumping them up, releasing the valve etc. ....that is beyond old and dodgy IMO...We had a unit that had electric jacks before this...oh why did we sell it...!..it took 10 minutes...these...say again are dodgy and old...be very careful, never have them on the ground without fully bracing your camper unit....Sorry, the rest of the comments seem to have no issues...in my experience...the jack collapsed, the entire camper came at me sideways, thankfully resting on the remains of the blocks we had set up, or I would have under it....A good 2000 bucks will get you electric versions...
Yep they sure are sketchy but they get the job done for me! I've loaded my camper dozens of times no issues. Just takes a while and I stay cautious.
how much fluid did 1 jack take?
Oh maybe half a quart from empty I would guess.
I think the fourth jack is a Shur-Lift. Did you manage to fix that one? I have one that stopped working.... trying to fix it.
Ended up just rebuilding the hijacker! I was talking with a guy who rebuilds the hijackers as a side business and he said those shur-lifts are garbage and you can't really re-build them. Not sure the truth to it, but the hijacker seems more service-able for sure.
@@OvensGarage Thanks!
You skipped the one thing I needed to know. How do you remove the lower brackets?
Lower brackets?
Do you fix these for people?
No, but I made a video how to fix it! There's a guy in shawnigan lake that does, however
Prob took you 30 min to put that O ring inside the cylinder
Could I get a copy of that instruction sheet?
Sure just send me an e-mail
sorry me again, did u scan the hijacker document, i can't find it
Yes I did, send me an e-mail and I'll send it to you if you want it.
Thanks for the info, I just found a set of these in a junk yard and two are leaking #lovehut4life