Greasing Electric Camper Jacks: A Step-By-Step Guide

Electric camper jacks are convenient for levelling and stabilising your RV, but they do require some maintenance to keep them in good working order. One important aspect of this maintenance is greasing the jacks to ensure they continue to function smoothly and don't become damaged over time. The process of greasing electric camper jacks will depend on the specific model and manufacturer, but generally, it involves accessing the gears and applying grease or lubricant. Some jacks may have specific recommendations or requirements, so it's important to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from experienced users.

How to grease the gears of an electric camper jack

Greasing the gears of an electric camper jack is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Jack

Start by extending the jack until the grease fitting is aligned with the hole in the outer tube. This step ensures that you can access the grease fitting and apply grease effectively.

Step 2: Apply Grease to the Jack Screw

Using a standard grease gun, apply grease to the jackscrew through the hole in the outer tube. Two pumps of the grease gun should be sufficient to apply an adequate amount of grease.

Step 3: Access the Gears

To grease the gears, you will need to turn off the power to the jack by removing the fuse from the fuse holder. This safety measure ensures that the jack remains stationary during the process. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the gear cover, which is typically secured with four Phillips screws. Removing the cover will expose the gears.

Step 4: Grease the Gears

Once the gears are accessible, apply chassis lube or a suitable lubricant to them. Ensure that you coat all the gears adequately.

Step 5: Reinstall the Gear Cover

After greasing the gears, carefully reinstall the gear cover using the four screws you removed earlier. Make sure the cover is secure and properly aligned.

Step 6: Test the Jack

Once the gear cover is in place, you can reinstall the fuse and turn on the power to the jack. Test the jack by operating it to ensure that it functions smoothly and extends and retracts without binding or sticking.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your electric camper jack. Always refer to your jack's user manual for model-specific instructions and safety precautions. Additionally, regular maintenance and lubrication of your electric camper jack will help ensure its longevity and smooth operation.

The correct grease to use

When it comes to lubricating electric camper jacks, it is important to use the correct grease to ensure the longevity and smooth operation of the mechanism. The correct grease will depend on the specific type of jack you have, as different models may have varying requirements.

For example, if you own an Ultra-Fab Electric A-Frame Jack (#UF38-944017), the manufacturer's instructions state that you should use a standard grease gun to apply grease to the jackscrew. This is done by extending the jack until the grease fitting is aligned with the hole in the outer tube, and then pumping the grease gun twice.

To grease the gears of the Ultra-Fab jack, you will need to remove the fuse from the fuse holder and take off the gear cover using four Phillips-head screws. Once the gears are exposed, you can grease them with chassis lube before reinstalling the cover.

For other types of electric jacks, such as those found on certain RVs, dry silicone spray is often recommended. This type of lubricant can help prevent binding or sticking that may occur after the jacks have been sitting idle for a couple of months. It is important to wipe down the jacks first and then apply a light film of the silicone spray.

It is worth noting that some manufacturers, like HWH, advise against lubricating hydraulic jacks. Instead, they recommend keeping the jacks clean and addressing any issues with retraction, as this may indicate a problem with weak retraction springs.

In general, it is always a good idea to refer to your jack's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding lubrication and maintenance.

How to grease the jack's jackscrew

Greasing the jackscrew on an electric camper jack is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grease the jackscrew:

Step 1: Extend the Jack

Extend the jack until the grease fitting is aligned with the hole in the outer tube. This will ensure that the grease reaches the desired area.

Step 2: Apply Grease

Using a standard grease gun, apply a sufficient amount of grease to the jackscrew. Two pumps of grease from the grease gun should be enough. It is important to use the right type of grease. While some sources suggest that any grease will work, others recommend specific types such as wheel bearing grease, high-pressure grease, or hypoid gear oil.

Step 3: Grease the Gears

To grease the gears, first, remove the fuse from the fuse holder. Then, using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the four screws holding the gear cover in place. Once the gears are exposed, apply chassis lube to them. Finally, reinstall the gear cover.

Step 4: Clean and Lubricate the Ram

Before retracting the jack, it is important to clean and lubricate the ram to prevent dirt, sand, and other debris from retracting into the jack stand. Spray the ram with a cleaner such as WD-40 and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Then, apply a dry lubricant, such as WD-40 Dry Lubricant, to prevent gunk buildup.

Step 5: Maintain the Jack Stand

The jack stand, which is typically made of metal and plastic, also requires some care. Protect the plastic components from sun exposure, as excessive sun can cause cracking and fading. A cover or bag can be used to shield the jack stand from direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you will help ensure that your electric camper jack functions smoothly and lasts for many years.

How to clean the jack

To clean the jack on your electric camper, you will first need to locate the ram. The ram is the post that comes down to support the camper. Before cleaning, ensure that the camper is levelled and unhooked.

The ram will likely be dirty from exposure to the elements, so it's important to clean and lubricate it every time you use it. First, spray the ram with WD-40 and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a dry silicone spray, which is recommended by some camper owners. Be sure to also wipe down the base of the ram, even though it doesn't retract into the stand.

Next, spray the ram with a dry lubricant, such as WD-40 Dry Lubricant, to prevent gunk build-up. This step is important, especially if you are using the camper in windy conditions, as it will prevent particles from attaching to the ram.

Finally, retract the jacks into the stand. It is important to note that you should always retract the jacks fully before moving the camper to avoid damage.

How to lubricate the jack

To lubricate an electric camper jack, you will first need to identify the type of jack you have. Some jacks have a grease fitting, which will need to be aligned with the hole in the outer tube. You can then use a grease gun to apply grease to the jack. Other jacks may have a different lubrication point, so it is important to refer to the jack's instructions manual.

If you are lubricating a hydraulic jack, you will need to fill the jack with hydraulic jack oil. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place the jack on flat, level ground to prevent it from rolling and to ensure an accurate oil level.
• Open the release valve to lower the jack and access the filler plug.
• Remove any cover plate that may be protecting the internal mechanism.
• Wipe the area around the filler port plug to prevent contamination.
• Remove the filler port plug, which is usually underneath the cover plate.
• Fill the reservoir with hydraulic jack oil until it is just below the lower rim of the fill hole.
• Replace the filler port plug.
• Bleed the air out of the hydraulic system by pumping the handle with the release valve open.
• Close the release valve and test the jack by pumping it to the top.

For manual jacks, a silicone spray is recommended to keep the moving parts well-lubricated.

Frequently asked questions