Molly Ayala
Manually lowering an electric tongue jack typically involves using a manual crank handle. If the jack is stuck or not functioning properly, it's important to first stabilize the trailer by deploying stabilizers and placing a car jack under the tongue for support. Once safety measures are in place, the manual crank can be inserted into the jack by removing the rubber cover or plug at the top of the jack. Turning the crank handle counter-clockwise will lower the jack. In some cases, alternative tools such as breaker bars, sockets, or power drills may be used to manually operate the jack, but caution is advised to prevent injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to manually lower electric tongue jack | When the jack is stuck, jammed, or the motor is running but the jack is not moving |
| Tools required | Manual crank, car jack, wrench, breaker bar and socket, drill |
| Steps | 1. Put a car jack under the tongue |
| 2. Remove the rubber cover/plug at the top of the jack | |
| 3. Insert the manual crank | |
| 4. Turn the handle counter-clockwise to lower the jack | |
| Troubleshooting | Ensure the power is on and the battery is charged. Check for loose internal spade connections, faulty switches, or a failed motor. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a manual crank to lower the jack
If your electric tongue jack is stuck, you can use a manual crank to lower it. First, put your stabilizers down and, if possible, place a car jack under the tongue. You can buy manual lifts at Tractor Supply, Northern Tool, or most trailering stores.
To use the manual crank, start by removing the rubber plug at the top of the jack. You may need to use a breaker bar and socket to work the jack by hand. If your jack has a hex head, you can use a hex socket to manually crank it. If you're not sure what type of head your jack has, it could be hex, splined, or a normal 6-sided socket. Lippert jacks have a rubber grommet on top, hiding a 3/4" hex override.
Once you've removed the rubber plug, insert the crank and fit it to the override nut. Turn the handle counter-clockwise to lower the trailer. It's important to note that manually cranking the jack will take longer due to the resistance on it. Give yourself a good 10-15 minutes to raise and lower it.
If you don't have the manual crank that came with the jack, you can purchase a replacement. Quick Products JQ-HDSL offers a replacement manual crank handle that fits the Jack Quick 3500 series of jacks and can also be used with many other brands of electric tongue jacks.
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Put a car jack under the tongue
If your electric tongue jack is stuck, one possible solution is to put a car jack under the tongue. Before doing so, ensure that you have put stabilizers down to prevent the front end of your camper from slamming down. You can then put a car jack under the tongue, unbolt the jack, and lower it onto your ball.
It is important to note that trailer jacks support a lot of weight, so you should take safety precautions when using a car jack in this manner. First, use chocks on both sides of the trailer wheels to prevent them from moving. These can usually be purchased wherever towing equipment and hitch accessories are sold. Second, ensure that you raise the trailer on level ground, using a scale to measure and balance the weight load properly.
If you are using an electric jack, remember to disconnect the towing vehicle's negative battery cable to avoid electrocution or damage to electrical components. Additionally, be mindful of the ground clearance of the tongue. The jack will be ineffective if it cannot reach the pavement, so select a jack with the appropriate length for your trailer.
If you have the manual crank that came with the jack, you can also try to manually crank the jack to lower the trailer. To do this, remove the rubber plug at the top of the jack, insert the crank, and fit it to the override nut. Then, turn the handle counter-clockwise to lower the trailer. If you no longer have the crank, you may need to purchase a replacement.
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Check for a faulty battery
If your electric tongue jack is not working, it is a good idea to check for a faulty battery before attempting other fixes. A dead battery could be the reason why your electric tongue jack is not functioning.
First, check if your battery is heavily discharged. If your RV has been in storage for a long time, the battery may have died. Lead acid batteries, in particular, do not respond well to being fully discharged, so it is recommended that they are never discharged below 50%. If your battery is heavily discharged, you may need to replace it.
If your battery is not heavily discharged, it may be worth checking the battery connections. Ensure that the negative lead is connecting properly to the frame. A weak ground connection can cause the jack to become inoperable.
If your battery appears to be in good condition and properly connected, but your electric tongue jack is still not working, you may need to manually crank the jack or consider replacing the battery or the jack itself. To manually crank the jack, remove the rubber plug at the top of the jack, insert the crank, and fit it to the override nut. Then, turn the handle counter-clockwise to lower the trailer. If you no longer have the crank, you may need to purchase a replacement.
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Check the gear box connection
If your electric tongue jack is stuck, it is likely that there is an issue with the gear box connection. To check this, you will need to attempt to manually lower the jack. First, use a car jack or the jack from your car to lift the tongue and remove pressure from the jack. Then, use a socket to turn the jack. If you have the manual crank that came with the jack, you can use this instead. To do this, remove the rubber plug at the top of the jack, insert the crank, and fit it to the override nut. Then, turn the handle counter-clockwise to lower the trailer. If you are able to manually lower the jack, this confirms that the issue is with the gear box connection.
If you are unable to manually lower the jack, the issue may be with the interior gears. It is possible that the jack has over-extended, causing the gears to strip. In this case, you may need to replace the jack, as the manufacturer may have smashed or distorted the end of the screw that turns the jack up and down to prevent it from over-extending.
If you are experiencing issues with your electric tongue jack, it is important to check the gear box connection by attempting to manually lower the jack. This will help you to identify the issue and determine the necessary repairs or replacements.
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Check for loose internal spade connections
To check for loose internal spade connections, you'll need to access the inner workings of your electric tongue jack. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, locate the access panel or cover on your tongue jack. This is usually a small door or hatch that provides entry to the internal components. Open it carefully using the appropriate tool, as these covers sometimes have screws or latches to secure them. Once you have safely opened the cover, you'll be able to see the inner workings of the jack, including the motor, gears, and electrical connections.
Locate the spade connections, which are typically where the wires connect to the motor and other electrical components. Spade connections are usually identifiable by their flat, wide shape, and they often have a plastic cover or insulation. Visually inspect each spade connection for any signs of looseness or damage. Ensure that the connections are secure and tight. If you notice any loose connections, gently but firmly push the spade connector and wire back together to ensure a proper connection. You may need to use a small screwdriver or similar tool to carefully lever the connection back into place.
It is important to be gentle during this process and avoid forcing anything, as you don't want to damage the connections or surrounding components. If a connection appears damaged or corroded, it may be necessary to replace the connector or the entire wire harness, depending on the severity of the issue. Consult a professional or a repair manual specific to your tongue jack model if you're unsure about handling these internal components.
Finally, once you've checked and secured all the spade connections, close the access panel securely and test the electric tongue jack to ensure it's functioning correctly. This troubleshooting step ensures a reliable connection between the electrical system and the motor, helping to rule out any issues with loose connections that could impact the performance of your electric tongue jack.
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