Are your RV stabilizer jacks not extending or retracting, stuck halfway, or unresponsive? No matter the symptoms, the problem is the same: they are not working. Let’s learn how to identify and solve your issue quickly so you can continue your camping trip or return home safely.
RV stabilizer jack troubleshooting will differ for owners with electric stabilizer jacks vs manual. Recommended procedures can also vary by jack manufacturer. Lippert RV stabilizer jacks are some of the most commonly used in today’s travel trailers, but be sure to check your camper to verify the type of stabilizing jacks installed.
Technician Tip: We aim to provide useful general tips, but your owner’s manual or the part manufacturer will always be your best resource for operating and troubleshooting procedures.
Manual RV Stabilizer Jack Parts
These are the main parts you’ll find on manual scissor jacks:
- Mounting Bracket: Secures the entire assembly to your RV’s frame.
- Support Arms: Extend and retract to the desired height and provide the structure for stabilization and support.
- Drive Screw: Controls the extension and retraction.
- Foot Assembly: Provides the contact point between the RV frame and the ground and should be placed on top of jack pads in unpaved campsites.
Troubleshooting Manual RV Stabilizer Jacks
There are fewer potential jack problems with manual stabilizers, so let’s begin there.
Bent or Broken Drive Screw
The drive screw on manual scissor jacks can bend if you’re not using them correctly. Manual jacks extend and retract with a manual crank handle. Using an impact driver or electric drill on an excessive torque setting can bend the drive screw. Additionally, using jacks to level your RV rather than stabilize it can also cause this issue.
Unfortunately, the only way to fix a broken or bent drive screw is to acquire and install a manual RV stabilizer jack replacement.
Missing or Broken Hardware
Missing or broken hardware is another common issue with manual stabilizing jacks. Hardware can refer to the foot assembly, support arms, mounting bracket, or bolts, nuts, and other hardware holding those components together and securing the entire assembly to your RV’s frame.
Fortunately, missing hardware is the easiest issue to address. Unless that missing hardware has resulted in damage elsewhere, you can find stabilizer jack replacement parts to install and return to the intended operation.
To find parts for your manual jacks, consult the part manufacturer or contact a retail specialist at a Camping World dealership to inquire about current inventory and their ability to order a part and have it shipped to their location or directly to you.
RV Electric Stabilizer Jack Parts
Below is a breakdown of the main part names for the Lippert PSX2 Electric Stabilizer assembly, which is one of the most common Lippert RV stabilizer jacks used on towable RVs.
- Frame Mounting Assembly: Secures the entire stabilizer jack assembly to the RV frame.
- Support Arms: Extend and retract and provide the structural support for RV stabilization.
- Stabilizer Motor: Powers the extension and retraction of the support arms.
- Foot Assembly: Provides the contact point between the RV frame and the ground, which should be placed on top of jack pads in unpaved campsites.
Why Are Electric RV Stabilizer Jacks Not Working?
Electric RV stabilizer jacks may experience the same issues as manual stabilizer jacks. If your RV electric stabilizer jack parts suffer from the above, you can use the same troubleshooting tips we’ve outlined. However, electric jacks have a few additional problems you can diagnose.
Lack of Power
You depress your jack’s power switch, and nothing happens. No power. There are a few reasons why electric RV stabilizing jacks may not be getting sufficient power:
- Drained RV batteries
- Blown fuse
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Damaged or disconnected wiring
- Faulty switch
You can troubleshoot three of these issues at home or at a campsite. If you eliminate the first three and suspect damaged or disconnected wiring, you can visually inspect for damage, but your best path would be to contact an RV service center to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
To check battery power:
Connect the leads of a digital multimeter to your battery’s positive and negative terminals. If the battery registers less than 10.5 VDC, it’s likely not supplying enough power to operate your stabilizer jacks. Attempt to recharge the battery and re-check operation before pursuing an RV battery replacement.
To check for a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker:
Locate your camper’s electrical distribution panel. It should be labeled to tell you which fuse and breaker are associated with your electric stabilizer jacks. If the circuit breaker is tripped, reset it and try to operate your stabilizer jacks. If they still don’t extend or retract, remove the associated fuse and check that it isn’t blown. Replace it with a fuse of the same rating if blown.
Technician Tip: If your electrical distribution panel isn’t labeled, RV technicians can provide this service as part of a comprehensive electrical system diagnostic.
Bent, Broken, or Missing Hardware
Damaged support arms, foot assemblies, or mounting components can impede the operation of electric stabilizing jacks. To troubleshoot these potential issues, visually check under your camper, ensuring first it is secured with wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
In many cases, replacement RV stabilizer jack parts can be acquired from the manufacturer or by contacting a retail specialist. Depending on the extent of the damage, a trained RV technician may be needed to perform the removal and replacement. Many RVers opt for professional installation of stabilizing components because improper installation can lead to more expensive RV repairs.
Motor Issues
Attempting to use the jacks to lift your camper is one of the most common operational errors that lead to stabilizer motor issues. Once again, these jacks are for stabilizing, not leveling. They provide additional contact points to prevent your camper from rocking or swaying when you’re moving around inside. Leveling must be done using a factory-installed electric or hydraulic leveling system or leveling blocks.
Using stabilizing jacks to lift your RV will cause excessive stress on the motor, potentially leading to component failure. Suppose you’ve eliminated all other potential issues and still suspect that stabilizer motor failure is why your RV stabilizer jacks are not working. In that case, it’s best to find a service center near you for further diagnostics and repair.
Are you learning how to properly level and stabilize your RV? Or are you looking for replacement RV stabilizer jack parts due to unfortunate damage? Here are a few more helpful resources:
- How To Level an RV
- Choosing the Best RV Stabilizer Jacks
- How To Install Scissor Jacks on a Travel Trailer
Do you have any questions about why your RV stabilizer jacks are not working? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and not intended to take the place of professional service providers. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or advice contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog.
