Wiktor Wise
Electric trailer jacks are a convenient alternative to manual jacks, offering effortless operation at the push of a button. However, they can sometimes malfunction, leaving users stranded. When troubleshooting a faulty electric trailer jack, it's important to consider factors such as battery charge, ground connections, fuses, and motor functionality. In some cases, issues may arise due to corrosion, rust, or moisture in the jack assembly. If you're facing a stuck or jammed electric trailer jack, there are several remedies you can attempt, including manual overrides, disassembly for cleaning and lubrication, or even replacement with a new jack.
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What You'll Learn
Check the battery, ground connection, and motor
If your electric trailer jack isn't working, checking the battery, ground connection, and motor is key. Start by checking if the battery is charged. Use a voltmeter to test the battery voltage. If it's low, try charging the battery or connect the trailer wiring to your tow vehicle's running engine to provide power. If your jack works with an external power source but not with the battery, the battery itself may be faulty and need replacing.
Next, inspect the ground connection. Ensure the ground wire is securely attached and providing a solid metal-to-metal connection with the trailer frame. Remove any paint, corrosion, or debris between contact points, and check for corrosion or damage on the ground wire itself.
Now, let's focus on the motor. If your jack is lowering but not raising, the motor may be trying to draw more amperage than it can manage. The motor may also be faulty if power is getting to your jack but it still won't operate. Disassemble the motor to inspect and clean its components, especially if there's any sign of water damage or rust. Use a screwdriver to push back the carbon brushes, and apply a coat of WD40 to protect against rust. If the motor is severely damaged or corroded, consider replacing it.
If your jack still isn't working, the issue may lie with the power supply to the motor. Test the power supply using a circuit tester. Check for an in-line fuse that could be bad, indicating a short in the wire or a faulty switch. You can also try using a jump wire from the negative terminal of your battery to the negative side of the motor to see if the motor works.
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Use a manual override crank
If your electric trailer jack is stuck, you can use a manual override crank to free it up. This is a good short-term solution if you need to get your trailer moving again quickly.
First, you need to locate the manual override crank. Most electric jacks have a way to manually operate them, and you may already have a crank that came with your jack. If not, you can purchase a replacement crank. Be sure to get the right size for your jack. For example, the correct size for a Ram brand electric trailer jack is 10mm, while most aftermarket cranks are 12mm.
Once you have the crank, you can try to free up your jack. One user suggested the following steps: fully retract, then back off three turns, then ground the motor and push the switch to retract until it stops. If your jack is stuck because of a dead battery, you can also try connecting it to your tow vehicle.
Keep in mind that manually cranking a trailer jack can be physically challenging, especially for those with back issues. It can also be time-consuming, so if you regularly hook and unhook your trailer, you may find an electric jack more convenient in the long run.
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Remove rust and corrosion
If your electric trailer jack is stuck or not operating correctly due to corrosion or rust, you can try the following steps to remove the rust and corrosion:
First, ensure that you have safely supported the trailer that the jack is being removed from. Next, use a 19mm box-end wrench to remove the 19mm hex head bolt that secures the jack to the trailer. Now, turn the jack upside down and gently slide the upper assembly off the lower assembly with a hammer. Set the upper assembly aside.
To remove the rust and corrosion, use a die-grinder and steel wire wheel or a sanding pad. You can also apply grease or anti-seize lubricant to the screw assembly. Screw the screw assembly to its full extension and shortest extension to ensure the lubricant coats every section.
After removing the rust and corrosion, paint the upper and lower assemblies to prevent future rust and corrosion. During reassembly, align the notch on the upper assembly with the groove on the lower assembly, and use a hammer to force them together. Finally, install the washer and jack handle over the stud of the jack.
To prevent rust and corrosion, it is recommended to wash your trailer regularly. You can give your trailer a quick rinse with a hose from top to bottom and sweep out the bed after transporting cargo. Additionally, every six months, wash your trailer with soap and water, apply a gentle acid wash if needed, and follow up with a protective wax.
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Check the fuse
If your electric trailer jack is not working, one of the possible reasons could be a blown fuse. To fix this, you should check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
The first step is to locate the fuse. Fuses are typically located on the power wire that runs from the jack to its power source, which is usually the trailer battery. Once you have located the fuse, you can inspect it to see if it is blown or damaged. If the fuse is intact and shows no signs of damage, then it is likely not the source of the problem. However, if the fuse appears blown or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
It is important to note that fuses are designed to burn out in order to protect the electrical system from damage. Therefore, if you find that your fuse has blown, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause before replacing the fuse. Common causes of blown fuses include overloaded circuits, short circuits, or faulty wiring.
To replace the fuse, start by disconnecting the power source to the jack. This will ensure your safety and prevent any potential damage to the electrical system. Next, remove the old fuse by gently pulling it out of its socket. Take note of the fuse's specifications, such as its amperage and voltage rating, so that you can replace it with an identical fuse. Insert the new fuse into the socket, ensuring that it is securely connected. Finally, reconnect the power source and test the jack to ensure that it is now functioning properly.
By following these steps to check and replace the fuse, you can troubleshoot one of the potential causes of your electric trailer jack malfunction. Remember to refer to a professional or a repair manual for further guidance if needed.
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Choose the right electric jack for your trailer
When it comes to choosing the right electric jack for your trailer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the basic difference between manual and electric jacks. Manual jacks are traditional, hand-cranked styles that rely on physical strength to operate, while electric jacks use an electric motor to raise and lower the trailer with the push of a button. Electric jacks offer convenience and ease of use, especially for those with back issues, but they require a power source and more maintenance. On the other hand, manual jacks are more durable, budget-friendly, and provide precise levelling control.
To determine the strength of an electric jack, you need to consider the weight of your trailer tongue, which is typically around 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, if your trailer weighs 10,000 pounds, you'll need a jack that can lift at least 1,500 pounds. Always opt for a higher-rated jack to prevent breakage. Additionally, consider the lift height of the jack to accommodate your trailer tongue's levelling height.
The type of trailer jack you choose should also depend on your specific terrain, trailer type, and hauling needs. If you're looking for a powerful electric jack, the Kohree Electric Trailer Jack is an excellent option with a 4000-pound capacity. It's essential to invest in a quality jack to ensure the safe and efficient use of your trailer. Check for features like corrosion protection, waterproofing, durability, and ease of installation.
When connecting an electric tongue jack, locate the electrical joint under the trailer tongue or connect it directly to your battery after installing the eyelets. Ensure that the right cables are connected correctly, with hot wires to hot wires and ground wires to ground wires. Once the power is on, test the jack by using the up/down button.
Remember to perform routine checks and maintenance on your electric jack to ensure all components are in good condition. Look for signs of rust, difficulty in cranking, wear and electrical failures, and lubricate or grease parts as needed to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric trailer jack is stuck, you can try to manually override the system. This can be done by removing the rubber top cap and exposing the long hex bolt, which connects to a small hex wrench or crank. If this does not work, you may need to replace the jack.
If the shaft of your electric jack is horribly bent, you will need to replace it.
If your electric jack is not working with a charged battery, there are three possible explanations: power is not getting to the motor, the motor is faulty, or the ground connection is not working properly.
Use a circuit tester to test your power wire before your switch, then after your switch, and then at the motor. You can also check for an in-line fuse that could be faulty.
If your electric trailer jack is seized, it could be due to heavy rain or moisture in the jack assembly. It could also be due to sand, dirt, or grit getting into the assembly. To fix this, you can use a die-grinder and steel wire wheel to remove the build-up and apply grease or anti-seize lubricant to the screw assembly.
