Replacing Old Camper Jacks: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Camper jacks are prone to damage, especially when navigating obstacles and uneven terrain. Repairs can be made by stabilising the camper, removing the jack, and assessing the damage. The first step to replacing your old camper jacks is to identify the type of jack you have. Camper jacks can be manual hand crank jacks or stable lifts with electric jacks. The next step is to remove the jack and assess the damage. Depending on the type of jack, different repairs can be made, from replacing shear pins and gears to greasing the jack screw.

Repairing a hand crank camper jack

Camper jacks are prone to damage, especially when navigating obstacles and uneven terrain. Repairs can be made by stabilising the camper, removing the jack, and assessing the damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to repairing a hand crank camper jack:

Step 1: Remove the top cover

To access the gears and the shaft that connects the handle, start by removing the top cover. In most cases, this involves removing a metal band that holds the cover in place. For jacks with a side handle, simply pop off a plastic plug in the top of the tube.

Step 2: Inspect the gears and shear pin

You will typically see two gears. The top gear is connected to the handle shaft. If your handle spins but doesn't turn the screw, the issue is likely a broken or dislodged shear pin. Simply replace the pin or, in an emergency, insert a nail or similar object through the hole. If the handle turns but gets stuck or makes a grinding sound, you may have broken gears. Order replacement gears if necessary.

Step 3: Remove the shear pin

To remove the shear pin, use a small punch or a small nail and a hammer to drive it out. Be cautious, as the pin may shoot out the other side.

Step 4: Remove the shaft and gears

Pull out the shaft and the top gear. The bottom gear can usually be lifted off easily as it is held in place by a pin that can be removed with your fingers.

Step 5: Separate the metal tubes

With the gears removed, separate the two metal tubes by pulling them apart. This will expose the jack screw, which may be dirty or damaged.

Step 6: Clean the jack screw

Clean the jack screw thoroughly using rags and a grease-removing solvent. Be careful not to spray the solvent on plastic or other sensitive surfaces. Check the jack screw for any damage, such as nicks or bends. If the screw is damaged, you may need to replace it.

Step 7: Grease the jack screw and gears

Apply grease to the jack screw and gears.

Step 8: Reassemble the tubes

Reassemble the tubes, ensuring that you line up the grooves to prevent the lower tube from turning when the screw turns.

Step 9: Put the gears and cover back on

Assemble the gears and cover, then test the jack by turning the handle to ensure it works smoothly.

Step 10: Test the jack

Once everything is reassembled, test the jack by winding it up and down to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Repairing a motorized camper jack

Motorized camper jacks are prone to damage, especially when navigating obstacles and uneven terrain. Repairs can be made by stabilising the camper, removing the jack, and assessing the damage.

To repair a motorized camper jack, first identify the problem. The most common issues are a rusty jack screw, broken gears, or broken or missing shear pins. If the handle spins without engaging the jack, the issue is likely a missing or broken shear pin. This can be fixed by replacing the pin or, in an emergency, shoving a nail or similar object through the hole. If the handle turns but gets stuck or makes a grinding sound, the gears may be broken and need to be replaced.

To access the gears, remove the top cover by taking off the metal band that holds it in place or popping off a plastic plug, depending on the jack model. Once the cover is removed, the gears and shaft will be exposed. To remove the shear pin, hit it with a small punch. If it doesn't come out, put a small nail in the hole and tap it with a hammer. Be careful, as the pin may shoot out the other side. Then, pull out the shaft and top gear. The bottom gear can be lifted off and sits on another pin that can be removed with your fingers.

If you have a stable lift with electric jacks, the process is similar, but the motor must first be removed by loosening the set screws that hold it in place. The jack can then be separated by removing additional set screws near the top. This type of jack has a bearing on the top of the jack screw, held in place by the set screws.

With the gears removed, the jack screw can be exposed by pulling the tubes apart. Clean the jack screw thoroughly, checking for any damage. Grease the jack screw and gears, then put two washers on the top of the screw and insert it back into the larger tube. Line up the grooves on the tubes to prevent the lower tube from turning when the screw turns. Assemble the gears and cover, then test the jack by winding it up and down.

Now that it is all clean, put it back together. As you can see, they are fairly simple and easy to work on. Since new jacks are very expensive, it is recommended to try fixing the ones you have first.

Camper jack mount repair

Camper jacks are simple devices that normally consist of two metal tubes, one fitting inside the other. The top has a crank handle connected to gears, which turns a long screw that separates the two metal tubes. The long jack screw can get rusty, the gears can break, or the shear pins can break or fall out. These are the most common failures.

If you are repairing a hand crank camper jack, the first step is to remove the top cover to get to the gears and the shaft that connects the handle. In this case, you would remove a metal band that holds the cover on. For jacks with a side handle, you would normally just pop off a plastic plug in the top of the tube.

If your handle turns but intermittently gets stuck, or has grinding sounds, then you might have some broken gears. In this case, you will need to order new replacement gears.

If you are repairing a motorized camper jack, the process is slightly different. The motor is held on by three set screws. To separate the jack, you will need to remove three more set screws near the top. Then it pulls apart easily.

In some cases, you may need to replace the entire camper jack. This can be done by bolting or welding the replacement jack into place. When choosing a replacement jack, consider the capacity and type (side-wind or top-wind) that is most suitable for your camper.

Removing camper jacks

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before beginning any work, it is important to understand the type of camper jacks you have and the condition they are in. Camper jacks come in different shapes and sizes, and the removal process may vary slightly depending on the model. Additionally, identify whether the jacks are manual or electric, as this will also impact the removal process.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To remove and replace your camper jacks, you will need a few basic tools. These may include a wrench, screwdriver, hammer, grinder, metal punch, and safety gear such as hearing protection and safety glasses. It is also a good idea to have some rags or towels handy, as well as a can of WD-40 or a similar lubricant.

Step 3: Remove the Top Cover

The first step in accessing the internal components of the camper jack is to remove the top cover. In most cases, this involves removing a metal band or popping off a plastic plug that holds the cover in place. This will expose the gears and shaft that connects to the handle.

Step 4: Inspect the Gears and Shaft

With the top cover removed, you will be able to see the gears and shaft. If your handle is spinning but not functioning properly, the issue may be a broken shear pin. Simply replace this pin, or use a nail or similar object as a temporary solution. If the handle turns but gets stuck or makes grinding noises, you may need to replace the gears.

Step 5: Remove the Shear Pin

To remove the shear pin, use a small punch to hit it out. If it does not come out easily, try placing a small nail in the hole and hitting it with a hammer. Be careful, as the pin may shoot out the other side. Once the pin is removed, pull out the shaft and the top gear.

Step 6: Remove the Bottom Gear

The bottom gear should lift right off. It sits on another pin, which can be easily removed by pushing it out with your fingers. With the bottom gear removed, you will be able to see the jack screw.

Step 7: Separate the Tubes

At this point, your jack should be ready to separate into two pieces. Grab each end and pull them apart, exposing the jack screw. This is a good opportunity to clean the screw and gears thoroughly, as they may be dirty or gummed up with old grease. Use a wire wheel or a similar tool to clean and shine the parts.

Step 8: Inspect for Damage

Once the parts are clean, inspect them for any damage. Look for nicks, scratches, or other signs of wear and tear. If there is minor damage, you may be able to continue using the jack after making repairs. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire jack assembly.

Step 9: Reassemble or Replace

If your jack is in good condition and only requires minor repairs, reassemble the parts, greasing the jack screw and gears as you go. Line up the grooves on the tubes to prevent the lower tube from turning when the screw turns. If you are replacing the jack, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Step 10: Test and Adjust

Once you have reassembled or replaced your camper jacks, test them to ensure they are functioning properly. Wind the jack up and down to make sure it is working smoothly. If you have made any adjustments or repairs, you may need to fine-tune the jack to ensure it is stable and secure.

Remember to exercise caution when working with tools and equipment, and always follow safety guidelines. With these steps, you should be able to successfully remove and replace your camper jacks, ensuring a stable and secure setup for your camping adventures.

Replacing a camper's tongue jack

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Before beginning the replacement process, it is important to identify the issues with your current tongue jack. Common problems include a handle that spins without engaging the jack or a handle that gets stuck or makes grinding sounds. These issues can often be attributed to a broken shear pin or damaged gears.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Parts

To replace your tongue jack, you will need a small punch, a hammer, rags, cleaning solutions such as Brakleen, grease, and a new tongue jack assembly. You may also require replacement parts such as a new crank handle, footpad, fuse, or LED light, depending on the specific issues with your current jack.

Step 3: Disassemble the Tongue Jack

Start by removing the top cover of the jack to access the gears and shaft connected to the handle. For jacks with a side handle, you can usually pop off a plastic plug on the top of the tube. Remove the metal band that holds the cover in place if your jack has a top handle.

Once the cover is removed, you will typically see two gears. The top gear will have the handle shaft running through it. The shear pin can be found by locating a hole in the side of the top gear, which goes into the gear and through the shaft. If the handle spins freely, replace the shear pin. For a temporary fix, you can use a nail or a similar object.

If the handle turns but gets stuck or makes grinding noises, you likely have broken gears. In this case, you will need to order replacement gears. To remove the pin, use a small punch to hit it, and if necessary, push it out with a small nail. Then, remove the shaft and the top gear.

The bottom gear can be easily lifted off, as it sits on another pin that can be pushed out with your fingers. With the bottom gear removed, you will be able to see the jack screw protruding from the hole in the top of the tube.

Step 4: Clean and Inspect the Jack Screw

Now, it's time to separate the jack into two pieces by pulling them apart, exposing the jack screw. Clean the jack screw thoroughly with rags and a suitable cleaning solution. Pay attention to any dirt or old grease buildup. You can use a wire wheel on a bench grinder to shine it up and remove any remaining grime.

Once the jack screw is clean, inspect it for any damage, such as nicks or scratches. Minor damage may not affect the functionality, but significant issues may require further repair or replacement.

Step 5: Reassemble the Tongue Jack

After cleaning and inspecting the jack screw, apply grease to it and the gears. Reinsert the jack screw into the larger tube, ensuring that the grooves on the tubes are lined up to prevent the lower tube from turning when the screw turns.

Put the washers on the top of the screw and reassemble the gears. Finally, put the cover back on and test the jack by cranking it up and down to ensure it's functioning correctly.

Step 6: Test and Adjust as Needed

Once the tongue jack is reassembled, test it to ensure it's working properly. If you encounter any issues, make the necessary adjustments. If you're satisfied with its performance, you're done!

Additional Tips:

• If you're dealing with a motorized camper jack, the process is similar, but you'll need to remove the motor first. Loosen the set screws holding the motor in place and pull it off to access the jack screw and gears.
• Remember to have rags, cleaning solutions, and grease ready before you start the project.
• If you're unsure about the condition of the jack screw, consider using an endoscope to inspect the inside of the tube for any obstructions.
• When cleaning the jack screw, be cautious when using a cleaning solution like Brakleen, as it can damage certain surfaces like plastic.

By following these steps, you can effectively replace and repair a camper's tongue jack, ensuring a smooth and safe camping experience.

Frequently asked questions