RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue

Tools & Parts Needed

Find these on Amazon: Digital Multimeter , RV Fuse Assortment Kit , Electrical Contact Cleaner

The Problem

Electric leveling jacks that click but won't extend typically indicate a power delivery problem. The clicking sound means your control panel is working, but power isn't reaching the jack motors.

Why This Happens

This is usually caused by blown fuses, low battery voltage, faulty relays, or hydraulic system issues.

Blown Fuses: The most common cause, often due to overloading or age. Always replace with the exact amperage specified.

Low Battery Voltage: Leveling jacks draw significant current. Weak batteries can't provide enough power, causing the clicking relay sound without jack movement.

Corroded Connections: RV electrical connections are prone to corrosion from moisture and road salt. Clean all connections annually as preventive maintenance.

Faulty Relays: Relays wear out over time, especially in systems used frequently. Keep spare relays on hand for quick field repairs.

Hydraulic System Issues: Low fluid, contaminated fluid, or pump problems in hydraulic systems. These require more specialized knowledge to repair.

The Solution

SAFETY FIRST: Before working on leveling jacks, ensure your RV is properly stabilized and supported. Never work under an RV supported only by leveling jacks.

You'll need:

• Digital multimeter
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers)
• Replacement fuses (various amperage)
• Contact cleaner or electrical cleaner
• Hydraulic fluid (if applicable)
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Safety glasses

Follow these steps:

1. Check the fuses first - Locate your RV's fuse panel and find the leveling jack fuses (check your owner's manual for the correct amperage rating). Look for blown fuses with broken filaments or blackened glass. Replace any blown fuses with the exact same amperage rating.
2. Test battery voltage - Use a multimeter to check your 12V battery voltage at the battery terminals. You need at least 12.6V resting voltage (12V+ under load) for proper jack operation. If voltage is low, charge your batteries or run the generator.
3. Inspect ground connections - Clean all ground connections related to the leveling system. Look for corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wires. Use a wire brush to clean corroded terminals.
4. Test the control panel - Press each jack control button individually. Listen for relay clicks and note which jacks respond. This helps isolate if the problem affects all jacks or specific ones.
5. Check individual jack motors - If you can access the jack motors, test for 12V power at the motor terminals when the button is pressed. No power indicates wiring or relay problems; power with no movement suggests motor failure.
6. Inspect hydraulic fluid levels - For hydraulic systems (Lippert, HWH, Bigfoot), check the hydraulic reservoir fluid level. Low fluid prevents proper operation. Add appropriate hydraulic fluid if needed.
7. Test the relays - Swap leveling jack relays with identical relays from other systems (like slideouts) to see if this resolves the issue. Bad relays are common culprits.

Beyond DIY Territory

Call a professional if: You find 12V power at the jack motors but they still don't move, you discover hydraulic leaks, the hydraulic pump runs but produces no pressure, or you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems. Motor replacement and hydraulic system repairs often require specialized tools and experience that most DIYers don't have.

Avoid Future Headaches

Perform monthly inspections of all electrical connections, keeping them clean and tight. Exercise your leveling jacks regularly, even when not camping, to prevent seals from drying out. Check and top off hydraulic fluid levels before each camping season. Store your RV with batteries properly maintained, as weak batteries are the leading cause of leveling jack problems. Consider installing a battery monitor to track your 12V system health in real-time.