power jack working intermittently

cincia · 08-01-2016, 05:21 PM

The last time out (2 weeks ago) my power jack stopped working while I was putting on the WD hitch. I used the manual rod to get hitched up and proceeded on my way. At the campground I tried the power jack and it worked - then I stopped to remove the WD bars and the power jack wouldn't work again. Later it worked again but as soon as I stopped it wouldn't work again. It seems to me that its a bad contact someplace but I don't know anything about these (and very little about electric wiring). Can anyone help me out with some things I can check out? I have an appt. to have it repaired under warranty but they can't fit me in until the middle of Sept. and if possible I'l like to fix this before then. thanks - Lisa

confused

fonzie · 08-01-2016, 06:17 PM

I would tighten the mounting bolts on the jack to make sure there is a good ground connection to frame first....

**Bama Rambler** · 08-01-2016, 07:25 PM

Also check for a self-resetting circuit breaker in the power feed, and a loose connection along the line somewhere.

Scubanut · 08-01-2016, 09:13 PM

Maybe replace the fuse, or spray some electrical contact cleaner where the blades of the fuse contact the connector.

2012 F150 FX4 Crew 5.0 3.73 gears
2O12 Coachman Freedom Express 292BHDS (outdoor Kitchen)

WestCoastRV'er · 08-01-2016, 10:26 PM

I had the same issue and after taking the power jack apart I found that water had gotten into the electric motor. There was rust on the rotor and stator. I removed the rust and cleaned it. That fixed the motor but the switch failed on my vacation in July. Went to the local CampingWorld and was able to pickup a slide in/out switch for $10. I put duct tape over the manual override and have a cover now. Hope that is the last of it.

If you are not technical, not much you can do but wait or replace it. They are easier to replace than repair.
Best of luck

Threegaleh · 08-02-2016, 04:56 PM

My husband recently bought a power jack at a garage sale for $20 the guy said it must have a loose wire cuz it was not working only off and on. He brought it home and put in a new fuse and it works fine.

ve6dave · 08-02-2016, 05:29 PM

I had the same issue since last fall. So ended up generally hand cranking it up. I'd check the fuse and the resettable fuse under the trailer both were good. Figured that it was my battery as the voltage on the battery was not holding up to the required voltage. Changed the battery, still had the issue. On a whim I pulled the fuse again not blown, flipped it around and there was arcing on the tab. Flipped the fuse around and guess what, it works again. New fuse and I haven't had an issue since.

OldCoot · 08-02-2016, 05:47 PM

Make sure there is a good clean, bare contact between the jack and the trailer frame. Remove the bolts that hold the jack to the tongue, scrape the area around the holes in the jack until they are bare metal and re-install the bolts.

Powerman · 08-03-2016, 04:13 PM

Same thing,hit it with a hammer,worked ever since

raspivey · 08-03-2016, 04:30 PM

My money is on water intrusion. I've replaced one jack that was frozen and had the switch on the second jack corrode the contacts off (what I suspect is happening with yours). Both times water had gotten inside. You would think something made to be on the outside of a vehicle would be more water tight. I cover mine now.

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