RV Leveling Jacks Problems & Troubleshooting

If you suspect that your RV leveling jacks are having problems, you would need to do a visual inspection and try out some basic tests first. This will help you identify what kind of repair your RV needs to ensure that the jack is stable and safe.

Here are the most common RV leveling jack problems & troubleshooting techniques that you could do when facing a specific issue.

Troubleshooting Leveling Jack Problems

1. Jack Won’t Extend or Retract

If your RV leveling jacks do not retract completely, you should simply check the power source first. Ensure your RV is properly connected to a power source, the wiring is okay, or the jack’s battery is charged fully.

Next, there are some basic tests you can do:

• Inspect the fuse. A blown fuse can cause the jacks to malfunction. Replace it if necessary.
• Check the hydraulic fluid level as well. Low fluid levels can prevent proper operation. Top up the fluid, if needed, with the help of a professional.
• If none of these are faulty, you can manually retract hydraulic jacks. Do this by standing between the two jacks. Push one jack down while simultaneously pulling the other one up. You’ll have to exert much force for this to work, though. So, be cautious.

2. Jack Drifts or Doesn’t Hold Position

If your RV jacks won’t go up or down, it may have something to do with your hydraulic fluid. Leaks can cause jacks to lose pressure and not hold their position. Those will be clues for you for troubleshooting leveling jacks.

• To fix a floor jack that won’t stay up or down, look for any visible leaks in the hydraulic system. You can easily spot this in areas with puddles on the floor. Then, repair or replace damaged hoses or seals.
• A jack stuck in up position or stuck in down position could also be the effect of trapped air in the hydraulic system. Bleed the air out of the system as per your manual.

3. Excessive Noise or Grinding

Furthermore, lack of proper lubrication can cause noise and friction to your motorhome. Lubricate the moving parts of the jack with appropriate lubricants, such as penetrating oil and dry lube, or as recommended in the owner’s manual.

4. Jacks Don’t Level the RV

There are a lot of campsites that are sloped in nature. Some hydraulic stabilizer jacks and leveling jacks just can’t compensate for extremely uneven terrain. In cases like this, you would need to have some RV leveling blocks to even out the surface.

If your jack feet are sinking into the soft ground, leveling blocks could do the trick.

Other than that, RV leveling jacks have weight limits. Ensure you’re within these limits. Most leveling jacks can hold a weight of 2,000 pounds. Electronic leveling jacks can usually hold a weight of 3,500 pounds. Double-check on your manual to avoid such.

5. Auto Leveling System Not Working

Your RV may have no power to leveling jacks. In such cases, check the connections, fuses, batteries, and wires. You may need to replace the control panel if it’s still not working.

You may also be running out of hydraulic fluid, making the system paralyzed, and the jack won’t go down or up as commanded. Refill this as necessary.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve done all of these things and still can’t fix your RV’s leveling jacks, you may want to call for roadside assistance or an RV technician to help you with the leveling jacks repair. Seek help from the campground authorities as well.

This is especially true if you suspect that you’re having problems with anything that has to do with your hydraulic system. RV hydraulic leveling system troubleshooting is better when it’s performed by professionals.

Conclusion

Sometimes, unexpected problems with your RV can occur – and your leveling jacks are no exception. It may cause panic, especially when you’re on vacation, but a good thing with this is that it can easily be fixed if you have replacement parts on hand.

We hope that these common RV leveling jack problems & troubleshooting techniques were able to help you figure out how to fix your RV leveling jack. Happy travels!