Troubleshooting Power Jack for 2023 Outdoors 26KVS-T RV

Updated 03/19/2026 | Published 03/09/2026

Question:

I have a 2023 26KVS-T ORV OutDoors RV. I do not see any sticker with a serial for the power hitch jack. It is giving me an issue when extending and retrieving. Sometimes it will go up or down just a fraction and quit. If I toggle up and down a few times it will then continue as I hold the switch. I have no Idea why it is reacting this way. Do I need to replace it? It looks like Lippert Electric Trailer Jack with Footplate - A-Frame - 18 Lift - 3,500 lbs - Black Part Number: LC285318...THANK YOU

asked by: Herb M

Expert Reply:

Hello Herb!

It's possible you'll need to replace the jack on your OutDoors RV, but let's look at a couple of other (cheaper) potential solutions first. Just based on those symptoms of struggle when trying to extend or retract the jack, I'd first just check and make sure the battery it's hooked up to is healthy and fully charged. See if you can test the power wire coming from the battery to make sure you're getting 13+ volts right at the battery. If you're getting anything lower, you likely just need to charge it up.

The second thing I'd check is the ground connection of the jack. I'm not sure if your existing jack has a separate ground wire or just grounds through the mounting hardware on the tongue, but either way, make sure the connection is made to a clean, corrosion/debris free, bare metal surface. If needed you may even want to reattach it after cleaning the surface off completely.

If neither of those attempts work, then it's likely a motor that's going bad on the jack and you'll want to replace it. The Lippert # LC285318 you mentioned does indeed look to be a great option to replace what's on your Outdoors 26KVS-T. It'll bolt right up to the tongue and offers plenty of capacity and a simple one-wire hook up to power.

Let me know how the troubleshooting goes and if you have any fun trips planned with the trailer for the Spring!

expert reply by: Chris R

Herb M.

3/12/2026

THANK YOU... I did check the hot wire / & battery connection. Those appear to be okay. Its the stutter start or no start & having to toggle several times before finally going on. When its on its fine. Batteries are 110% charged & I was was even plugged into 110. My current tongue jack has one 'hot' wire PLUS I noticed on the bottom of the "A" frame two plug in wire harnesses. Is this part of the Auto Level? I really dont care about the tounge jack being part of the auto level, so will Lippert # LC285318 , still work??? Thank you... Herb McDonnell

Chris R.

3/12/2026

@HerbM No problem, Herb. I'm glad to hear your battery is in good shape! If you're okay with the jack not working with the auto-level system, the Lippert # LC285318 will for sure work. You'll just hook up the power wire after mounting and it'll work great using the controls on the jack. If you change your mind, replacing it with the Lippert # LC421366 is what you need to maintain that auto-level feature. Now with all that said, one other thing you can try to rule out is a bad switch on the jack. To replace it you just need part # LC49MD.

Herb M.

3/13/2026

@ChrisR, THANK YOU, I just might give that option a try. Which Lippert tongue jack is the exact replacement with the Auto-Leveling feature ? Again, TYIA...

Herb M.

3/19/2026

@HerbM A sincere thank you Chris for your help. One question didn't get answered though.Which Lippert tongue jack is the exact replacement with the Auto-Leveling feature ? TNX

Minthilllbill

3/13/2026

I agree with Chris. Check power connections. The ground connection to the frame on both the battery and jack are notorious for poor contact with the frame. Use of a star washer helps but good metal to metal contact is required. Bill

Bob R.

3/13/2026

I replaced the 5 year okd hitch jack on our 21’ Flagstaff Microlight with a Lippert Electric Trailer Jack with Footplate. This jack looks to be a little slower than the stock jack, likely as a result of a lower gear ratii. The helical internal gears are much quieter than the stock ‘coffee grinder’ jack; something my neighbors appreciate when we leave early;) Lastly, the Lippedt housing design is much better thought out from a perspective of water tightness as this was the failure mode of the stock jack; maybe yours too. Bob R