Electric Jack Not Working

[eberrobw]

I have a High-Power 3000 Acme Jack on my 2007 International Bambi 19 footer. The jack will not raise or lower via the switch on the jack. The light on the jack works so it's not the 30 amp in-line fuse.

I'm thinking it might be a problem with the jack switch??? Or could it be the motor itself??

Any suggestions for troubleshooting the problem are welcome!

Thanks!

[JimmyT]

We have had intermittent problems with our 2008 jack, but different brand I believe. We can sometimes get it to go down and not up; or it will only go up after you start to go down. After a week in wet weather in Oregon it works fine, so I suspect it's a connection issue inside the switch. My local parts dealer said you can order a new toggle switch.

Good luck.

[CanoeStream]

I've been experiencing problems with a jack I installed three months ago. Our local NAPA dealer had a double throw momentary switch similar to this one that I bought for $12 or thereabouts. My jack had the identical problem once I installed the new switch -- so the problem wasn't with the switch. The middle pole on the right & left side of the switch signaled the motor to operate in 'up' or 'down mode.' I used a simple continuity tester to determine that the motor's black or 'down' wire had a continuity problem. I've contacted the manufacturer (actually through a local RV dealer) about replacing the motor. Still standing by waiting to hear.

I returned the new switch to NAPA and hope to get this resolved soon.

[holmestk]

We went through this a couple months ago, call the mfgr on the number in the manual and a new switch will be on its way for free. On removal ours didn't look corroded, must have been fried internally.

[eberrobw]

I called the manufacturer of the jack (Barker Manufacturing) and they were very helpful in helping me to troubleshoot the problem. I isolated the switch from the motor and connected a 12v battery charger directly to the red and black wires (which I removed from the switch) going to the motor. Since the motor still did not work, it seems it's a motor problem.

A new motor ($100) is on the way. The manufacturer also is sending a new actuator switch and a couple of limit switches for no additional cost.

So we see what happens.

Thanks for the help.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by eberrobw

I called the manufacturer of the jack (Barker Manufacturing) and they were very helpful in helping me to troubleshoot the problem. I isolated the switch from the motor and connected a 12v battery charger directly to the red and black wires (which I removed from the switch) going to the motor. Since the motor still did not work, it seems it's a motor problem.

A new motor ($100) is on the way. The manufacturer also is sending a new actuator switch and a couple of limit switches for no additional cost.

So we see what happens.

Thanks for the help.

Another example of exceptional CS...some companies still understand how important that is.

Bob

[Wingeezer]

I recently had a similar problem with our jack.

The light worked, but the jack wouldn't budge. Checked voltage with a multimeter and it seemed to be getting full 12v.

I noticed that when I operated the switch the light would go out.


It turned out that I had a very poor connection in the 12v feed line. Tucked under the front near the frame of the trailer was a wrapped up ball of electrical tape - I unwound it and found a Marr Connector (wirenut) in the feed line - I barely touched it and it fell off and was full of green copper corrosion.

I cut back the bad wires, soldered a new connection and all was fine again!


Brian.

[eberrobw]

Just to close this one out...

I wanted to verify that the problem was not the actuator switch so I replaced the switch and the jack did not work.

Then I replaced the motor with the new one I received and the jack worked!!

Thanks to all for there input on this!!

[Westfalia]

Just had a great CS call with Barker. Friendly, nice and a couple of gratis parts. The reason for my call was to troubleshoot my jack that will not go up or will slowly go up. Diagnosis is bad toggle switch. I hope so, because I do NOT want to pay for a new motor.

[BAB]

I needed to replace the post assembly in my Barker 3000....they were wonderful to work with. Courteous, prompt, and very helpful. Always nice to know that those who supply key parts to our Airstreams value their customers.

[hellsbay]

The jack switch on my 2008 16 Bambi is intermittant too. If I finesse the switch, eventually it works, so far.

[Westfalia]

Well, it COULD be the the switch. I brought my rig home last night from the storage yard. The switch stubbornly refused to let the motor move up and only occasionally down. Well, it an attempt to clean the contacts and get the motor moving I toggled and held it enough that the "magic smoke" started to come out of the back of the switch, prompting a quick pull of the fuse (which did not blow). Ran the jack by hand and will sort out the damage when the new switch arrives.

[THEPILL]

My 2010 jack that came with my Airstream also quit working....motor....got it replaced under warranty.

Shane

[Westfalia]

It was the switch. The care package arrived from Barker yesterday. Got it installed today along with a new bubble level, seal and a new light lens, as well as an extra rubber switch boot. I did take care to clean the two ground points and hit them with a little battery corrosion inhibiter before reassembly.

Thank you Barker!