Forum Discussion

mbutts's avatar
mbutts
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015

Rebuild or Repair Lippert Tongue Jack?

I had damaged the original LCI 3,500 lb. tongue jack on my RV (chock slipped, jack tube was bent). I popped over to ebay to buy a new Barker jack (had one in the past and was happy) and I stumbled across a new Lippert Components jack for half the price of the Barker! (cue ominous music) I thought DW would be happy since it was the exact same model as the damaged one so it would match.

I installed the new jack and it worked exactly four times. Gearbox seized as I was running it up after hitching to the truck. I originally thought I had electrical issues so I tried moving it with the manual crank. Nope, seized up tight.

ebay guy (RVSurplusInc) says I need to speak to the manufacturer, Lippert says I need to return it to the dealer. I'm pretty sure I just learned a $140 lesson.

Now I have two dead jacks. Has anyone ever disassembled one these buggers? I'd like to Frankenstein one jack out of the first one (good motor and gearbox) and the second one (good tube).

5 Replies

  • Now I have two dead jacks. Has anyone ever disassembled one these buggers? I'd like to Frankenstein one jack out of the first one (good motor and gearbox) and the second one (good tube).
    Never done it but it would be exactly what I'd be trying. You should have success as the motor/gearbox is a separate unit attached to the tube and mated to the jack screw.
  • Try Lipper again and be nice but firm and it might work. I was 700 miles from the dealer when their hydraulic pump failed with the slides out. Yes they resisted but when I pointed out the 3 design flaws they sent me a new updated pump.

    Maybe it depends upon who you talk to? Just saying...
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Don't know if this is correct and someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told that the Lippert has plastic gears. My new TT came with an Atwood that's been working fine.
  • CW sells an Ultra-Fab electric jack that handles 3500 pounds for $185.65. The jack seems to have all positive reviews.