Troubleshooting 3,500 lb Trailer Star Electric Trailer Jack

Question:

I have removed my motor from my trailer jack, and has checked it with the battery, it seems to work. I have tested my switch, that too seems to be fine, even tried a new switch. I reconnected my motor back to the jack, hit power, and the switch, it worked for a second, then quit. dont think it likes the load on the jack. Is it possible that I will need a new motor, and the motor is not strong enough? This is rated to be a 3500 lb jack, and it has worked in the past... Just weird that it started, then died right away. I will try again by lifting the trailer with another jack, so the tongue jack has no weight on it, see what happens then... but, is it possible for motors to go bad, and require to be rebuilt, or replaced?

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

It is possible for motors to go bad, but it is very probable based on your testing that the gears or shaft are the issue and the reason the motor is not able to operate. If it was over extended or retracted the shaft in some jacks can bind causing it to seize up. Most electric jacks don't have replacement parts for that, so I recommend getting a new jack with a clutch that will keep the over extending or retracting from being an issue. My recommendation is the Electric Jack w/ Footplate - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black # EJ-3520-BBX to protect you from having the same issue.

expert reply by: Jason S