Troubleshooting Landing Gear That Retracts But Does Not Extend Properly

Updated 05/10/2016 | Published 05/08/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear Set - Weld On - 34-7/8" Lift - 6,500 lbs

(202)

$842.64

Replacement Switch for Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear

(66)

$65.57

Question:

Hi, We have 2009 Heartland Razor 3212 SB Toyhauler 5th Wheel. Think we have switch problem, but not sure. If you are retracting the landing gear, works fine. When you try to extend the landing gear, will stop moving the legs. If you hit retract for second, then the extend will work, but you have to keep doing this, toggling back and forth. Does this sound like a switch problem and if so, what switch do you carry that we can purchase. Our motor has a part number of 1-065-041012-01. The part number on the gear box I assume it is the gear box is Venture 1A065012-xx. The reason for the xx, is it is hard to read, cant tell exactly what it is, but looks like possibly, -03? Also, our switch is a single switch. Thank you!

asked by: Colette R

Expert Reply:

Sometimes landing gear will retract but not extend due to an issue with available trailer power. It takes more current to make the legs extend (when they are pushing against gravity) than when they are retracting, at which time the trailer's own weight helps to push the extended legs back in.
You could have an issue as simple as a bad ground and/or loose power cables. This is easy to check and will cost you nothing.

You can also do a bypass test on the switch to find out if the landing gear work properly when you send 12V power directly to their motor(s). You can use any fully charged 12V battery (that has enough current for your motor's requirements) to apply power directly to the landing gear without going through the switch. If the jacks work correctly when you take the switch out of the picture then you know the issue is the switch.

We offer replacement switches for many brands of landing gear. It is best to try to use a replacement switch from the maker of your landing gear to help ensure it is rated high enough for the motor's power draw. All such replacement switches are shown on the linked page. For your Venture motor you can use part # LG-145236.

expert reply by: Adam R