Troubleshooting Powered Trailer Jack that Will Lower But Not Raise

Updated 03/21/2026 | Published 10/15/2015

Question:

power jack will go down but not up can YOU HELP US

asked by: Leonard G

Expert Reply:

Lowering a powered jack is much easier on the jack motor than raising it. Since yours will lower but not raise that would typically indicate that the motor is trying to draw more amperage that it can get or the ground is bad. Either way the problem is in the wiring of the jack IF the jack acts like it wants to raise but then acts like it isn't strong enough. First thing you should do is check to make sure the ground of the jack is connected to a clean metal surface and the ground strap of the trailer is also making a solid connection.

Next, would be to check the power wire. Make sure the power wire is a heavy enough gauge for the jack. 10 gauge wire would be the best.

Lastly, if the jack doesn't even act like it wants to lift but lowers just fine that would indicate a problem with the switch of the jack (most likely). Without knowing what jack you have the best thing I can recommend is for you to check out the link I attached that has all of the powered jack switches we carry.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Greg S.

7/21/2024

The switch in mine was bad. Thank you for this, it helped me isolate the issue. Removal of the debris from inside of the switch restored functionality. Thanks!

Jameson C.

7/21/2024

@GregS That's awesome!

Kayray

7/31/2024

@GregS the travel trailer stabilizer won’t lower. Retracts fine after manually lowered. Could it be a fuse, the switch, or motor?

Jameson C.

7/31/2024

@Kayray Most likely the switch. Does it act like it wants to lower at all or is totally quiet?

Kenneth

3/21/2026

Jack will lower but it takes several attempts of pressing the extend side of the switch before it will engage. a lot of times it will engage once I hit the down side then right back to the up side then it will engage.