The first trip of the season is always the most exciting—and the most risky. After months of sitting through freezing temperatures, moisture, and temperature swings, your RV’s jacks are suddenly asked to go from idle to full load. That’s when problems show up.
More jack failures happen on the first spring trip than any other time of year. Not because the trip is harder, but because winter quietly does its damage while everything looks fine at a glance. A simple inspection before you roll out can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration at the campground.
Start With a Visual Inspection
Before powering anything on, take a few minutes to look closely at each jack.
Check for rust, corrosion, or flaking paint, especially around welds, mounting points, and moving components. Surface rust is common after winter, but deep corrosion or pitting can weaken the structure. Look for bent metal, cracks, or any signs that the jack isn’t sitting square anymore.
Pay attention to wiring and connectors on powered jacks. Brittle insulation, exposed wires, or loose connections are often signs of cold-weather damage and should never be ignored.
Move to a Functional Test
Once everything looks intact, it’s time to test how the jack actually operates.
Extend and retract each jack fully. The motion should be smooth and consistent, without jerking, grinding, or hesitation. Listen closely—unusual noises often point to worn gears, internal rust, or lack of lubrication.
If a jack struggles under load, moves slower than it used to, or doesn’t extend evenly, that’s a sign something isn’t right. Don’t assume it will “work itself out” after a few uses. It usually doesn’t.
Know the Red Flags
Some issues can be repaired. Others mean it’s time to replace.
Minor problems like dirty contacts, worn switches, or light surface corrosion can often be addressed with basic maintenance. But there are clear warning signs that repairs may not be worth it.
Repeated failures, visible structural damage, internal binding, or inconsistent lifting are strong indicators that the jack has reached the end of its reliable life. If the jack needed attention last season and again this spring, chances are it will keep asking for more.
When an Upgrade Makes Sense
Sometimes replacement isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about improving reliability.
If your RV setup has changed, your load has increased, or your jacks were marginal to begin with, upgrading can provide better stability, smoother operation, and added peace of mind. Newer jacks often offer improved materials, stronger components, and more dependable performance throughout the season.
Make It Easy With a Checklist
Spring prep doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple inspection checklist keeps things consistent and ensures nothing gets missed. Downloadable checklists are especially useful if you’re checking multiple jacks or preparing more than one unit.
A short inspection now can prevent a long delay later. Before your first spring trip, take the time to check what’s holding everything up—you’ll be glad you did once the season gets rolling.