Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc Review

How the Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc Changed My Routine

As someone who spends a significant amount of time working with and around truck campers and RVs, dealing with the sometimes-cumbersome process of deploying and retracting the jacks can be a real chore. My previous setup often involved contorting myself to reach the jack handles, and maneuvering around wide fenders or dual wheels was always a tight squeeze. This is where the Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc entered my world, promising a more streamlined and less physically demanding operation. Rieco-Titan Products, a name familiar in the RV and camper accessory market, has designed these brackets to address a very specific, yet common, set of challenges.

The initial impression upon unboxing these brackets was one of solid construction. They possess a satisfying heft, and the zinc plating gives them a robust, weather-resistant appearance. This is not a flimsy piece of hardware; it feels built to withstand the rigors of regular use, which is exactly what I need for my setup. I had briefly considered some generic, no-name brackets from online marketplaces, but the thought of potential failure or poor fitment steered me towards a known brand. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, hoping these would indeed solve the daily frustrations I’d been experiencing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for these swing-away brackets was my own driveway, where my truck camper sits. I performed the installation directly onto the existing corner bracket mounts, a process that took under an hour with basic hand tools. The primary test was observing how they functioned during the jack deployment and retraction cycle for both lifting and lowering the camper. I specifically looked at how much easier it was to access the jack mechanisms from their new, outboard position.

During the initial few uses, I noticed a significant difference in clearance. The jacks swung out smoothly, providing ample room to operate the manual crank handles without obstruction. Even with the camper’s wider fender flares and dual rear wheels, maneuvering was far less of a contortionist act. There were no immediate issues, surprises, or quirks, just a straightforward improvement in accessibility and operation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, which includes multiple deployments and retractions for minor maintenance, travel, and even just repositioning, these brackets continue to perform admirably. The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc show no discernible signs of wear and tear; the zinc coating remains intact, and there’s no stiffness or degradation in the swing mechanism. They have endured various weather conditions, from hot summer sun to unexpected rain showers, without any negative impact on their function.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of a quick wipe-down to remove dust and debris after a long trip. There are no complex parts that require specialized cleaning or lubrication. Compared to previous experiences with simpler, non-swiveling jack mounts, these Rieco-Titan units offer superior convenience and ease of use. The performance has remained consistent, proving their reliability for frequent operation.

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 are designed to be mounted onto existing corner brackets, offering a significant upgrade in jack maneuverability. Each package contains two brackets, making it suitable for a four-corner jack system when purchased as a pair. The most notable specification is the addition of 4 inches of clearance per side, a crucial benefit for accommodating wide fenders or dual wheels on trucks.

These brackets are engineered for compatibility with a range of jacks, specifically mentioning Rieco-Titan and Atwood Mechanical, Hydraulic, and Electric jacks. The zinc plating not only provides a clean aesthetic but also offers essential protection against corrosion and environmental elements. This robust build quality is evident in their solid feel and weight, suggesting they are designed for longevity in demanding applications.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of these swing-away brackets is to move the jacks outboard for easier operation and clearance, and in this, they excel. The main advantage is the substantial 4-inch increase in clearance on each side. This makes operating the jacks significantly less awkward, especially when dealing with larger trucks or campers that have wider tire configurations.

A key strength is the smooth, effortless swing action. The brackets pivot easily, allowing the jacks to move from an inboard travel position to an outboard working position with minimal effort. This significantly reduces the physical strain associated with jack operation. While they perform their core function exceptionally well, there are no other complex functionalities to evaluate beyond their robust mechanical movement.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rieco-Titan swing-away brackets is straightforward and functional, prioritizing utility. The zinc-plated steel construction gives them a sturdy feel and ensures durability against rust and wear. They are designed to bolt directly onto existing corner bracket mounting points, simplifying installation for users familiar with basic RV repair.

Ergonomically, they greatly improve the user experience by placing the jacks in a more accessible position. This means less bending, stretching, and maneuvering required to crank or operate the jacks. The overall feel is one of dependable hardware; there are no fancy embellishments, just solid, practical engineering that enhances the usability of the jack system.

Durability & Maintenance

These brackets are built for the long haul. The heavy-duty steel construction with zinc plating suggests a lifespan measured in years, even with regular exposure to the elements. I anticipate these will last as long as the jacks themselves, barring any extreme physical impacts.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse or wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep them clean and free from corrosive elements like road salt or dirt. There are no intricate parts to worry about, no lubrication points that require constant attention. This ease of maintenance is a significant plus for busy RVers or truck camper owners.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc are sold as a package of two brackets. No additional accessories are included or necessary for their core function, as they are designed to integrate with existing jack systems. There are no inherent customization options for the brackets themselves; their purpose is to enhance the functionality of the jacks they are attached to.

Their compatibility with Rieco-Titan and Atwood jacks is a key selling point, ensuring a high degree of integration if you already own those brands. However, the fundamental design might allow for adaptation to other similar jack mounting systems with some DIY ingenuity, though this is not officially supported.

Pros and Cons of Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc

Who Should Buy Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc?

These Rieco-Titan swing-away brackets are an excellent investment for any truck camper or RV owner who experiences difficulty operating their jacks due to clearance issues. If you have a truck with dual rear wheels, wide fender flares, or simply find yourself awkwardly maneuvering around your jacks, these are a game-changer. They are particularly well-suited for individuals who value ease of use and are looking to reduce the physical strain of setting up their rig.

Anyone looking for the absolute cheapest jack mounting solution should probably look elsewhere, as these are a premium option focused on functionality and convenience. Similarly, if your camper setup has ample clearance around the jacks already, the added benefit might not justify the cost. For those who frequently deploy and retract their jacks, and wish the process was simpler and less of a physical challenge, these brackets are highly recommended.

Conclusion on Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc

The Rieco-Titan Products 55720 Rieco Titan Swing Away Bracket Zinc are a well-engineered and highly functional accessory for truck campers and RVs. They effectively address the common problem of limited clearance around jacks, making the entire setup and takedown process significantly easier and more comfortable. The robust zinc-plated steel construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, and the smooth swing action provides a noticeable improvement in ergonomics.

While the initial cost might be higher than basic alternatives, the value proposition lies in the enhanced convenience and reduced physical effort they offer. For anyone struggling with tight jack clearances, especially with dual wheels or wide fenders, these brackets are a worthwhile investment that I can confidently recommend. They are a testament to thoughtful design solving real-world problems for outdoor enthusiasts.