Troubleshooting a Malfunctioning Electric Trailer Jack

Question:

The jack was at full height and began to let it down to disconnect from truck, about four inches from top of jack the wire sparked twice and the jack stopped working. Used three times, bought in 2016. What caused the short and what to do to repair it. Thanks

asked by: Ray D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like the electric jack has a bad ground short.

First check to see if your jack has an inline fuse on the power wire. You may have had a loose power wire making contact with the trailer frame and made the spark that you saw. This would have most likely blown the fuse if one is installed. Change the fuse if installed and then inspect the wiring for any loose or frayed wires. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 can help track down any wiring issues you might have on the jack.

If this is a frame mounted tongue jack, then check to make sure the mount is clean and free of corrosion or rust. These jacks are grounded through the trailer frame.

expert reply by: Jared P