Otis Singleton
Electric tongue jacks are a convenient alternative to manual jacks, offering ease and efficiency when raising and lowering heavy trailers. They are powered by a 12-volt electric system, eliminating the need for strenuous manual cranking. While electric jacks provide significant benefits, they are susceptible to electrical and mechanical failures. This article will discuss how to test an electric tongue jack to ensure it functions correctly and identify potential issues. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can enhance the reliability of your electric tongue jack and enjoy a more comfortable RV experience.
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What You'll Learn
Check the power source
Electric tongue jacks are a convenient alternative to manual jacks, which require physical strength and manual cranking to operate. They are powered by electricity, which drives a motor that lowers or raises the jack's leg.
If your electric tongue jack is not working, the first thing you should do is check the power source. This means confirming that the jack is properly connected to a power source. The jack's power cable should be connected to the positive terminal of a battery. This could be a trailer-mounted battery or the tow vehicle's battery.
If the jack is not powering on, check the battery for any signs of corrosion. If you notice any corrosion, it is recommended to consult a professional to resolve the issue.
Additionally, ensure that the jack's power cable has an electrical terminal ring installed. This ring facilitates easier installation and provides a more secure electrical connection.
Before using the jack to support any weight, always test its operation by raising and lowering it. This will ensure that the jack is functioning properly and securely connected to the power source.
If you are replacing a manual jack with an electric one, remember to disconnect the power to the existing jack before beginning the installation process. This is an important safety precaution.
By following these steps and checking the power source, you can ensure that your electric tongue jack is properly connected and functioning correctly.
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Test the power cable
To test the power cable of an electric tongue jack, you can use a circuit tester. Firstly, disconnect the trailer battery's ground cable and ensure it does not touch any metal. Then, test the power wire with the circuit tester before your switch, then after your switch, and then at the motor. This will help determine whether there is a short in the wire, the switch is faulty, or if power is getting to the motor.
You can also check for an inline fuse that might be damaged. If the fuse is faulty, this could indicate an issue with the wiring and switch. To further test the power cable, use a jump wire from the negative terminal of the battery to the negative side of the motor, and then hit the switch to see if the motor works.
Additionally, it is important to ensure good metal-to-metal contact for proper grounding. You might need to unscrew bolts, clean the base plate, and tighten the bolts back down. Check that the inline fuse or breaker is functioning properly, and ensure that the battery terminals are clean and tight.
It is also important to verify that manufacturer-recommended circuit protection is in place, such as a fuse or circuit breaker. If not installed on the jack itself, an inline fuse holder can be added before the battery connection.
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Check the power light
An electric tongue jack is a convenient tool for levelling, elevating, and lowering heavy trailers. It is connected to a 12-volt power battery, and most tongue jacks should work at voltages above 10.6 volts DC.
The power light on an electric tongue jack is an important indicator of whether the unit is receiving power. Here are some detailed steps and considerations to check the power light:
- Ensure the switch is in the ON position: Before checking the power light, make sure that the switch on the electric tongue jack is turned on. This is usually a simple toggle switch, and it should be flipped or pressed to the "on" position.
- Check the power light turns on: Once the switch is on, observe the power light. If the light illuminates, it indicates that power is reaching the unit. However, it's important to note that the power light only requires a small amount of power, and the electric motor needs more power to function properly.
- Observe the behaviour of the power light: If the power light turns on, pay attention to how it behaves. A steady, constant light typically indicates that the jack is receiving adequate power. However, if the light is flickering or dim, it could suggest a potential issue with power delivery or an impending failure.
- Compare power readings: Use a voltage meter to compare the power readings at the BAT (power connection) and AUX (auxiliary device) sides of the breaker. There should be minimal power drop between the two points. If there is a significant power drop, it may indicate an issue with the breaker, and it might need to be replaced.
- Check for other issues: If the power light does not turn on, there could be other issues at play. Check for loose internal spade connections, faulty switches, or a failed motor. Water intrusion or moisture can also cause problems, so ensure that the jack is kept dry and covered when not in use.
By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively check the power light on your electric tongue jack and identify any potential power-related issues. Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and seek professional assistance if needed.
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Verify the circuit protection
To verify the circuit protection of an electric tongue jack, you should first check that some type of manufacturer-recommended circuit protection is utilised. This could be a fuse or a circuit breaker. If it is not installed on the jack itself, you should add an inline fuse holder before the battery connection. The size of the fuse holder should be recommended by the jack manufacturer, typically 30 amps.
The fuse or circuit breaker is an important safety feature, as it will prevent over-current and protect the motor from overheating. If the motor overheats due to too frequent use at loads under what the fuse is designed to handle, the heat will destroy the motor.
You should also be aware of any signs of water intrusion, as this can cause the fuse or circuit breaker to constantly try to reset, indicating a short in the system.
Before using the jack, you should test its operation by raising and lowering it to ensure it is working correctly and safely.
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Measure the voltage
To measure the voltage of an electric tongue jack, you will need to use a voltmeter. Before you begin, ensure that the ground connection between the jack mounting plate and coupler is clean and tight. Remove any paint or corrosion between these contact points and check that the star washers are making direct metal-to-metal contact.
First, use the voltmeter to test the battery voltage. Your jack needs at least 10 Volts DC to operate. If the voltmeter reading is low, try charging the battery. If the battery is fully charged, the next step is to connect the trailer wiring to your tow vehicle and start the engine to provide power through the connector.
Now, test the trailer connector with the voltmeter to see if it has power when the tow vehicle is running. If the voltmeter does not show any power, there may be a problem with the connector itself or the wiring leading to it. In this case, check all pins and wires and repair or replace the connector if needed.
It is important to note that some electric tongue jacks, such as the one by Lippert, only have one wire. This single wire is the positive or hot wire, and you will connect it to the positive terminal post on your travel trailer’s frame. The grounding is done through the mounting hardware, so there is no need for negative wires.
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Frequently asked questions
Check if the switch is turned to the ON position and verify if the light turns on. Most tongue jacks have a light that displays when there is power to the unit. However, this light only requires a small amount of power, and the electric motor requires more power to operate.
If the light does not turn on, there could be two issues. Firstly, there could be a significant power drop from the BAT side to the AUX side, which may require replacing the breaker. Secondly, there could be internal issues with the power tongue jack, such as loose internal spade connections, faulty switches, or a failed motor.
If you have eliminated issues with your RV's 12-volt system, including battery charge, converter output, and breaker output, then it is recommended to bring your RV to a service center for further inspection and diagnostics.
It is important to ensure that your electric tongue jack is adequately covered and protected from water and moisture intrusion, as this can cause electrical issues. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify potential problems before they cause unexpected failures.
