Keep Your Equipment Working Reliably All Winter Long
Winter weather brings stunning landscapes and quiet campsites—but it also brings challenges for RV owners, especially when it comes to jack systems. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt can all impact how your hydraulic and electric jacks perform. Understanding these winter stresses is the first step to preventing damage and keeping your setup stable and safe. Here’s what RV owners need to know—and how Bastion’s engineering ensures long-lasting reliability in cold conditions.
1. Freezing Temperatures Slow Down Hydraulic and Electric Components
Cold weather thickens hydraulic fluids and stiffens grease, which can slow jack movement and reduce responsiveness. Electric motors may struggle as internal resistance increases, and older wiring becomes brittle. In extreme cold, some jacks may refuse to extend or retract at all.
How to Prevent This:
- Allow jacks a few minutes to “warm up” before use.
- Keep components lubricated with cold-weather-friendly products.
- Store RVs with jacks fully retracted to reduce exposure.
Bastion’s Advantage:
Bastion Distribution designs both manual and electric jacks with weather-resistant seals, durable internal gearing, and powerful motors engineered to handle temperature fluctuations without performance loss.
2. Corrosion Accelerates in Winter Conditions
Moisture, ice, and especially salt from winter roads can cause rapid corrosion on exposed metal components. Rust weakens jack structures over time, leading to noisy operation, reduced load capacity, or even failure.
How to Prevent This:
- Rinse the underside of your RV after traveling on salted roads.
- Apply anti-corrosion spray before winter trips.
- Inspect for early rust signs and treat immediately.
Bastion’s Advantage:
Bastion jacks feature corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings that shield against salt and moisture, significantly extending lifespan—even in harsh winter environments.
3. Lubrication Thickens or Freezes
Lubricants naturally thicken in cold temperatures, increasing friction and making your jack slower, louder, or harder to operate. If moisture gets into the system, it can freeze and lock moving parts entirely.
How to Prevent This:
- Use synthetic, cold-weather-rated lubricants when servicing jacks.
- Reapply lubrication before storing your RV for the season.
- Keep jack covers on to block snow and ice buildup.
Bastion’s Advantage:
Bastion’s precision-machined components reduce friction overall, meaning less strain on lubrication systems and more reliable cold-weather performance.
4. Electric Jacks Draw More Power in the Cold
Batteries lose up to 30% of their capacity in freezing temperatures, and electric jacks may require more power to operate against stiffened grease or icy conditions. This creates a perfect storm that can leave RV owners stranded with an unresponsive jack.
How to Prevent This:
- Keep RV batteries fully charged during winter travel.
- Disconnect batteries in storage to prevent drain.
- Consider upgrading older electric jacks that draw excessive power.
Bastion’s Advantage:
Bastion electric jacks are engineered for efficient power draw, requiring less energy to perform even in challenging temperatures. Bright built-in LEDs also help owners work safely during dark winter evenings.
Prepare Now to Avoid Winter Jack Problems
Cold weather doesn’t have to derail your RV adventures. With proper maintenance—lubrication, corrosion prevention, battery care, and system inspections—you can keep your jacks working smoothly all season long. And when you choose Bastion’s manual or electric jack systems, you’re investing in cold-weather reliability built through thoughtful engineering, durable materials, and a commitment to real-world performance.
Stay prepared, stay safe, and enjoy the winter road with confidence.