The power tongue jack (Lippert Components model 181794) on our 2011 Keystone TT will go up (extends) but won't go down. Could a bad switch cause this? If so, should we order a new switch (about $50) and how do we get into the unit to replace the switch? Thanks for any help!

For $100 you could get one of these: RAM Electric Trailer Tongue Jack 3500 lbs. Mine is quiet and works just fine.

Before ordering a new switch check that the wiring is in good repair, may be a loose or broken wire. If you need a switch try a trailer supply/repair shop first, cheaper than $50.00. I think mine was around $20.00.

I thought about loose or broken wiring,but it seems to be fine. The light works and the jack lifts up...just won't go down. Wondering how difficult it would be to get inside to replace the switch. Might be easier to take coolbreeze01's advice and just buy a new jack. Thanks for the input!

Mine ( I don't know the model # ) has a plastic cover on the head with 4 Philips screws. Under there is a plate retained by more Philips screws. IRRC you will have to remove the ground wire to lift the plate then you can access the switch area. Don't forget to remove the fuse. All the wires will be live.

Also eliminate ground problems. Most of these jacks ground through the mounting bolts. Make sure you have a good ground with no corrosion.With no load, (going up) the jack may get by on a so-so ground. When under load the so-so ground isn't enough.

Power Tongue Jack only goes up | Good Sam Community

BCX213
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014
Had a Lippert jack that came with my trailer when I purchased it new.... had to replace it under warranty. They replaced it with a heavy duty Atwood 3500...works much better and faster.
westend
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
3940wez12 wrote:
Bought a new switch ($6.75 at CW) and put new connectors on the wires that the switch plugs into and it works! I think the old switch was OK, but I broke it prying it out. Thanks to all who responded. My husband was impressed that I figured it out...I didn't tell him about all the help you guys gave me!
Good deal, we won't tell if you don't...:B
3940wez12
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Bought a new switch ($6.75 at CW) and put new connectors on the wires that the switch plugs into and it works! I think the old switch was OK, but I broke it prying it out. Thanks to all who responded. My husband was impressed that I figured it out...I didn't tell him about all the help you guys gave me!
guitarman
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
Have had the same problem in both the extend and retract positions at various times. Most of the time, spraying contact cleaner in the switch has fixed it. In the winter, I think water freezes in the switch. Just have to keep playing with it until it works. Since purchasing a cover, the problems for us have decreased.
harley4275
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014
Email lippert and schmooze them to see if they will ship you a switch n/c. I did that with Barker when my old trailers switch stopped working.it was 5 yrs old...and they shipped me a free one.
myredracer
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2014
Pull the switch out and leave the wires connected. Check for 12VDC at connections. But if the motor goes one way, it should work in the other because the switch just reverses the polarity and the wiring up to the motor should be fine. Could be a bad connector. Try jumpering across the "down" wires and see if the motor works. If it's the switch, I'd try and find a cheaper switch one than $50, that's a rip. The Lippert jack that came on our new TT failed within days of ownership and the dealer replaced it with an Ultra-Fab. Good ever since.
jdfello
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014
Mine did the same when I was on a trip. The fella in the next site saw me having trouble. He said pull the switch then switch the wires walla it got me out of trouble until I could get a new switch.
mhardin
Explorer
Jan 24, 2014
I had the same problem on my Barker jack. It turned out to be a corroded switch.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2014
From your description it sounds like Either a bad switch or a loose connection on the downside of the switch. If it works going up, then the jack itself is good. Buying a new jack will fix it, but at a huge cost compared to a $20 switch or a loose wire.
rbtglove
Explorer
Jan 24, 2014
You might want to call Lippert customer support - I had an axel part I needed a few years ago and they sent me one for free since they were failing and the new repalcement was better.