Recommended Jack With Wheel For A 2006 StarCraft Pop-Up Camper And How To Add Brakes To It

Question:

We have 2006 StarCraft Pop Up camper that does not have the wheel that goes under the hitch. There’s a crank at top and tube without the wheel. Where can I buy one so that it’s easier to set up when parking it, or trying to hitch it up? Also, I’d like to have brakes on it so that I’m not having to do it all with my vehicle. I hate that feeling of being pushed forward as your stopping. Can you recommend a set up - we have a Nissan Pathfinder.

asked by: Cynthia A

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you're talking about having a trailer jack with a wheel to easily maneuver your trailer around when parking and coupling then I recommend the etrailer Round Swivel Marine Jack w/ Wheel # MJ-1206B. This trailer jack has a bolt-on installation that works with frames 2" to 4" tall. It has a 1,000lb capacity so it's well over the tongue weight of your 2006 StarCraft pop-up camper. It has 10" of travel to help make coupling to your Nissan Pathfinder easier.

To add brakes to the trailer you'll need to first check that your axle has a brake flange on it. This will be a square piece of metal behind your idler hubs that has four bolt holes, one in each corner. If you don't have one then you would need to replace the axle with one that does. With your GVWR being so low you most likely have a 2,000lb axle, but we'll need to check to be sure. If you look on the tube of the axle there will hopefully still be a tag somewhere that can give us some more info on the axle.

If not we'll need to measure the spindle at points B, C, and D in the picture below to determine the correct hub/drums and can match the brake assembly to their capacity. I'll also need to know your bolt pattern so I can ensure that the hubs that fit your spindle will also fit the wheels. I've attached a couple of help articles below that go over how to measure for your wheel bolt pattern and about adding brakes to a trailer.

We'll also need to install a brake controller in your Nissan Pathfinder, which will require a few items as well. If you could tell me the year of your Pathfinder I'd be happy to get all of the parts together for it.

expert reply by: Kevin C