Troubleshooting Malfunctioning Bulldog Power Jack # BD500199

Question:

I have used this jack for a couple of seasons and am a bit upset with it. When I am using it, ether raising or lowering it and I let go of the button, then go back, I have no power. It wont move up or down. So I have to pull the cap off, a 3/4 inch socket with extension and crank it manually just a little, and then it works again. Whats with that? Thats what frustrates me so much about this jack. But I try not to let go of the button. or else I have to do this again. Could it be a limit switch? I cant see one. Hope you can help.

asked by: Doug H

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Bulldog, and he provided several possible causes for the problem you are experiencing.

The jack grounds via its attachment point to the trailer. In case there is excessive paint between the jack and the trailer frame, running a separate ground from the jack mounting flange to the trailer could possibly solve this problem. Make sure that the jack mounting flange is making direct metal to metal contact, and that there is no corrosion between the two that would prevent a good ground connection. You might also check all the connections at the switches.

How is the jack being powered? If you are powering it from the 12-volt accessory power wire from the 7-way trailer connector, the jack might not be getting sufficient power for full operation. Powering the jack from a battery mounted on the trailer will work much better.

A final possibility- does the problem you describe always occur when the jack as at a particular height? If so, the jack tube might be slightly bent. The bend would cause the jack to bind once it reached a certain height. Manually operating the jack would extend or retract the jack past the point where the tube is bent, at which time the motor would be able to move the jack. It is not too difficult to slightly bend the jack tube if it was accidentally left partially extended while the trailer was moving and an obstruction like a speed bump was hit.

expert reply by: Mike L

Ross M.

2/23/2020

I have this jack BD500199 and the pin for the plate keep getting caught on the trailer safety chain and snapping off I need to get a new pin could I purchase it from you