Electric Jack failing
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14898
Printed Date: 07 Jun 2025 at 11:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Electric Jack failing
Posted By: Noahp
Subject: Electric Jack failing
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2021 at 11:57am
|
I went to un-hitch the other day and my electric jack wouldn’t work. I realized that the in-line fuse was blown, so I replaced and as soon as I press up or down, the fuse blows. I don’t see any shorts or grounding issues.. any suggestions?
Thanks, Noah |
Replies:
Posted By: AugiePal
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2021 at 12:15pm
| If the fuse blows when you hit the switch there is a short. Just off the top of my head I would probably replace the electric tongue jack. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2021 at 7:14pm
|
Do you have a multimeter? If so you could use it to try to find the short. It could also be the jack is locked up and the motor is drawing too much current trying to turn it. You could try freeing up the jack using some penetrating oil and see if that works. Otherwise you will probably need a new jack.
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2021 at 9:11pm
|
You should have a handle to use in this case. If so, you can check to see if it is locked up. That also might get it back to working once you turn it a few times. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Noahp
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2021 at 10:52pm
| Thank you all for the replies.. I’ll do some investigation. |
Posted By: RFrog
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2021 at 12:00am
Mine didn’t come with a crank (bought the unit previously-loved), and the first semi failure/stubborn hissy fit of the jack I ordered that key pronto. I ended up needing it, and ultimately ended up needing to replace the whole landing gear/jack. Of course the new one came with a crank and it’s different than the old one.  I hope you can get yours fixed!------------- ~dani~ 2019 RP180 purchased 5/15/21; towed by 2014 Willys Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: ERS1977
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2021 at 10:04pm
|
Have you tried using an electric drill or manual socket wrench to raise/lower the jack? This would ensure the jack is not seized. |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2021 at 11:21pm
|
Using the manual crank is surprisingly easy. I would not hesitate to change it for a manual, either. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2021 at 7:50am
I thought the stabs handle would also fit the jack? Maybe not. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: RFrog
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2021 at 10:00pm
|
Not on my 180, unfortunately. I checked that prior to ordering. It was not an expensive item, so well worth it. I agree it is surprisingly easy to hand crank. Did not try using my impact driver in lieu of the crank because once it seized I was out. Just give me stuff that works, please. ------------- ~dani~ 2019 RP180 purchased 5/15/21; towed by 2014 Willys Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2021 at 8:36am
|
Somewhere on the forum is a picture of where someone modified a hand-crank jack to be used with a drill-driver. It is likely a good way to have the convenience of an electric jack at a lower price. You would need to use the advanced search and search for posts from any date to find it though. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2021 at 8:21am
|
You might be at the retracted limit and be wedged. The first time I used an electric jack I ran it the wrong direction and started blowing fuses. After removing the rubber plug on top of the jack I used a socket to turn it in the right direction a couple turns, replaced the fuse again, then pushed the switch in the correct direction, the jack worked just fine. ------------- Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE '07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages 1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff |
Posted By: DaveB1701
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2021 at 11:26am
|
When you do get it repaired or replaced, I recommend a waterproof cover...one of the first accessories I bought for my Escape Pod after watching some vids about failure due to water intrusion...I don't even bother to remove it during use, just had to learn where the UP/DOWN switch was as opposed to the light switch. Also sprayed the inside of it with Ortho Home Defense (& let dry) prior to install to reduce risk of any angry 'black & yellow' flying visitors during use.
------------- 2021 R-Pod 171 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 V6 Just me & my pooch Mr. Buster... |
Posted By: poston
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2021 at 3:18pm
Same here. I just wish I could memorize which direction is up or down. I'm at about 75% now and if I think about it before switching I get it right, but I want my fingers to know which direction to go without having to invoke my brain! ------------- -- Jim Virginia City, Nevada 2016 R-pod 180 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X |
Posted By: Ricktoon
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2021 at 3:18pm
|
I saw a recommendation for using a 5-gallon bucket to cover the top of the electric jack head. Use the chains to keep it in place while parked and you have a bucket in case you need it. ------------- Rick and Ellen B 2019 Chevy Colorado 2021 Rpod 196 |