Lippert Electric A-Frame Trailer Jack Keeps Blowing the 30 Amp Fuse

Updated 10/04/2011 | Published 10/01/2011

Question:

My #3500 LCI power tongue jack blows the 30 amp fuse when you push the up-down switch. It is less than two years old and has been stored inside when not in use. I cannot not turn the manual nut on top. I have search LCI website and the manual is not worth a thing. I have noticed there is another nut on each side of the jack - do they have to be loosen first?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

What is probably occurring on your jack is that it has been extended too far at some point and has become stuck. Trying to move it in either direction draws too much power as the motor tries to push the leg free. This cause the fuse to blow.

What many electric jack manufacturers will do is to smash or otherwise distort the end of the screw that turns to move the leg up and down to prevent it from extending to far. If it does end up extending too far the threads will become permanently cross-threaded and it will never work right again. Since you are unable to free the jack manually, this is probably what has occurred.

It is also possible that the jack needs maintenance, lubrication. Also, if any additional weight was added to the trailer or the jack is trying to lift beyond its capacity, it can blow the fuse. The owners manual for the jack should include where and how to lubricate it.

The nuts on the sides main hold the cover or motor in place and I am not sure they are tied to the travel of the leg.

expert reply by: Michael H