Tongue jack grinding

[kfp673]

We have the 7.1 BAL auto level which uses a fairly standard electric tongue jack. I noticed recently that during retraction (after hooking to the truck for example) there is a fairy large spot where it really struggles, grinds, and works hard to keep going. It eventually gets to a good point and keeps closing but the grinding section I feel will eventually get to a point where it sticks. The BAL system has a small access hole in the shaft to grease. I have kept up with it and added even more today but it still grinds. Anyone have this and find a repair? Anywhere else I can lubricate? I feel like I have limited use of this before it breaks and Murphey's law says it will break while at a campground not when I am at home. Thanks!

[dedmiston]

Lwiddis wrote:
Suggest you consider the drill operated jack with a handle for back up.

Why? Why not just install a quality electric jack that comes with a manual handle? Why bother will a drill motor?

What am I missing?

[Lwiddis]

Suggest you consider the drill operated jack with a handle for back up.

[BobsYourUncle]

I strongly suggest replacing it immediately. The worm gear inside is stripping and failure is imminent!

My hand crank tongue jack did exactly as you describe when we were packing up for a trip home after a 3 week holiday. It had been getting stiffer and harder to crank up.

I was standing at the tongue cranking it up so we could hitch up and the jack suddenly fully collapsed internally. The nose of our 32' TT crashed to the ground in an instant.

Fortunately, I always keep a wide stance and my feet well away from the hitch. It could have caused serious injury had I been standing close.

There is no fixing it, it is done.

I took the top off mine prior to the failure and liberally oiled it. Sorta helped a bit but not much. It broke anyways.

And yes, it broke at a campground when I was not at home. 750 miles away in fact. And, it happened at the start of a massive rain storm. It took an hour and a half with a bottle jack and a lot of wood blocks to get it up onto the hitch. I was soaked to the skin by then. Not fun.

[dodge_guy]

Not sure if it’s the same issue, but my Atwood started making sounds (grinding) which progressively got louder. Took it apart and found the screws mounting the motor were loose reinstalled with LP tire and never had the problem again.

[agesilaus]

Is it worth repairing? You can try to take it apart and see if the shaft is bent, that seems like a possibility. But as for paying someone to fix it, just buy a new one. They are easy to swap out, usually three bolts and the electrical splice.