When Power Tongue Jack Fails

[chuck9997]

I own a 2014 Rockwood a122s. . just wondering.. if the camper battery is dead.. will the power tongue jack still work when the camper is attached to the tow vehicle. .. or to shore power?

And.. when (if) the jack fails... how do you raise and lower the camper?

[WestCoastRV'er]

The power jack is powered by 12v so it will work when connected to a tow vehicle or shore power if the battery is dead. There should be a rubber cover on it that you can remove to use the supplied wrench. I have had to replace the up/down switch and remove rust inside the electric motor after 5 years. I would suggest that everyone use a cover to help with water not getting into the electric jack.

[chuck9997]

Thanks.. I put an upside down bucket over the jack.. and then cover with a tarp in the driveway at home. I bought the camper used.. so no supplied wrench. . I did buy a socket that fits.

[WestCoastRV'er]

I got this from Amazon. Its not water proof but I'm sure it will help. I also put duct tape over the manual override at the top.

Tongue Jack - Protective Cover

[Big Red Camper]

Hmm.....this is something I had not yet considered. Have to admit that I've not even looked at the inter workings of the power tongue jack or considered what to do if it fails.


Sounds like what I'm hearing is that if all fails, it can be raised/lowered by hand with the correct socket. Guess I'll be looing into this in the next few days..........


I bought my camper new but there was no wrench/socket provided for the power tongue jack.

[Butch Wilson]

You may want to find a instruction sheet on line for your jack. Most have a locking mechanism that must be released before it can be lowered. Caution, it is under pressure and when released the jack may come down violently.

[Big Red Camper]

Thanks for the added info Butch. Appreciate this very much!


terry

[Butch Wilson]

I don't know what brand of power jack you have but you should be able to find the instruction sheet. Here is the sheet for Husky brute brand.
Trailer Hitch Instructions For DrawTite, Reese, Hidden Hitch & More - etrailer.com

[MartiB]

Originally Posted by chuck9997

And.. when (if) the jack fails... how do you raise and lower the camper?

My Salem CruiseLite came with a hand crank for the jack - and I had to use it once in 95 degree weather. Not fun for a 60+ woman.

I've had some issues also with the jack blowing fuses. Seems that if you hit the stop several times, it tends to blow the fuse. The suggestion was to put a marker about 1/2" or so from being totally up and then only raising it up to that marker so it doesn't go all the way to the stop. So far it's worked.

[KyDan]

I found that I can run my jack with a socket and battery drill or socket and ratchet. I did not have to release any brake as I believe mine is just stopped in place by motor friction.
The ratchet is a slow process but would get me hitched and home if needed.
Of course if the motor bearings lock up all bets are off. That's less likely than simply burned motor/blown fuse/bad motor switch.
Agree with others that you need extra protection from rain. These jacks
aren't water proof and the typical rocker switch is not either!
I made my own vinyl jack motor cover that I leave on all the time.
I can feel and push the rocker thru the cover so I don't' have to take it off.

As mentioned a bucket can make a decent jack cover for storage but what
do you use when driving in a monsoon rain?? Also wasps love to build nests under buckets! That's why I opted for a sewn vinyl cover with a secure draw string. You can buy them I'm sure but I made mine.

As a staunch believer in Murphy's Law I always try to have a back up plan for any electrical device be it stabilizing jacks or tongue jack or slide motor! I suggest everyone have a plan B for raising/lowering tongue jack and corner jacks.

Happy Trails!

[aceinspp]

Yes keep it covered. I cover mine with the left over ladder cover that came with my camper cover I bought. Later RJD

[Mountndream]

I use the bucket when going down the road too... I have a small piece of webbing with a carabiner attached. it stays on the tongue and clip the bucket handle into it

I have 7500 miles since last year doing this and its worked out fine

[Stank Bait]

X2 on the wasps. Spray some bug killer in there for "extended" coverage. I do the tank cover too, just in case. And do not forget to keep the Adolph's meat tenderizer in the first aid kit. Wet sting and rub Adolph's into a paste. Stops pain in about ten seconds. Got to use it two weeks ago when nest was in the electrical hookup cover. Glad I thought to have it.

[emm-dee]

Used one of the covers that came with my Honda generators. Now, I'm waiting for some britespark to ask me where to get the tiny Honda unit.

[jeff64]

Most of the electric jacks establish ground between the jack's body and trailer tongue. Mine has star washers between the two, to prolong the inevitable loss of ground connection due to corrosion. If it isn't working, check and see if the light works, that'll tell you if you completely lost power
Barker also sells a cover for their jack that fits the LCI jack that my TT came with.

[mickrock]

On the cheap side



1 gallon size freezer plastic bag and some plastic tape.
Fits perfect and allows access to the switch.
Also has air gaps at bottom for moisture evaporation.

[Bama Rambler]

One note to the OP's question.

IF the camper battery is dead and you don't disconnect it, the TV power wiring may not be able to power the jack because it's supplying a lot of power trying to recharge the battery, so operating the jack while recharging a dead battery will probably blow a fuse in the TV.