Replacement Landing Gear for Old Lippert Landing Gear System on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I recently had trouble with my landing gear. I replaced the gear box and ordered bevel gear rebuild kits for each leg. The legs are an unknown lippert component product. The gears in the legs are different where as the 16 tooth gear has a 5/8 diameter through hole in the middle as the new gear is 1/2. So, seems like replacing the both legs are my only option. My fifth wheel is about 14,000 lbs. It was manufactured with a single motor drive in it. From what Ive read it is suggested that it have a dual motor setup. Not sure what to do. I dont really want to invest all that money in something that gets used maybe 12 times a year but am sure something like the bulldog dual setup is the best way to go. Youd think this stuff would last longer than it does considering the minimal usage. Not sure which landing legs to get as far as weight capacity is concerned. Looks like the Stromberg Carlsons are 3000 lbs per leg. Is that enough to do the job? What are your suggestions ?

asked by: Robert N

Expert Reply:

It is probably the lack of use that is the most damaging to something like electric landing gear on a 5th wheel trailer. Things could seize up or corrode when not in use. You would probably be able to identify problems sooner as well. But either way it is sounding like replacing the landing gear is the way to go for your trailer.

If you are able to have a system with motors mounted on the top then I recommend the Ultra-Fab system # UF17-943010. This is a dual motor set up rated for 12,000 pounds (more than enough for your trailer) and it won't break the bank.

For a single motor option we have # LG-3 rated for 6,500 pounds but the higher the system capacity the easier it will be for it to lift the trailer and the longer it will last.

Or you could manufacture a dual motor system using 2 driver legs, # LG-179013, 2 motors, # LG-196308, 2 gear boxes, # LG-179015, 2 feet # LG-119225, and a switch panel # BD500368. But when you add up the cost it is better just to go with a complete system.