🚐 When the Road Gets Bumpy: My RV Landing Jack Saga
Background
RV life is full of adventure, but sometimes the challenges come not from the open road, but from the equipment that keeps us steady when we stop. Over the past several months, I’ve been working through a persistent issue with my RV’s Lippert Level Up landing jacks — a problem that has tested my patience, taught me a lot about troubleshooting, and reminded me of the importance of persistence when traveling with a home on wheels.
The First Signs of Trouble
It all began about five months ago during what should have been a routine unhitching. While disconnecting the kingpin from my B&W hitch, the mechanism bound up. The landing gears were already down, but as I pulled forward, the RV dragged slightly. That moment left its mark: soon after, the front passenger-side jack started making unsettling noises during the leveling process. ( see video below)
Like any RV owner, I documented the issue (yes, video evidence included!) and reached out to Lippert Corporate Service Technicians for guidance.
Troubleshooting Steps That Didn’t Work
The first advice I received from Lippert was simple: apply hydraulic fluid to the jack extension. Unfortunately, that didn’t solve the problem. Determined to keep my rig in top shape, I went further — draining and replacing the hydraulic fluid, then adding fork oil to the tank as part of routine maintenance. I followed every step to circulate the fluid through the system, but the noise persisted. RV maintenance often feels like detective work, and this was only the beginning.
When The Drift Becomes Serious
About a month ago, the situation escalated. The front jacks began to drift — dropping, leveling, and shaking the entire RV. This wasn’t the occasional “pop” that many RV owners know; it was a full-on shudder that made the whole rig feel unstable.
Lippert technicians (Lippert Support Page) suggested a bypass check and valve inspection for possible seal leaks. To dig deeper, I hired a mobile RV technician. His conclusion? The jack was bent. But I wasn’t entirely convinced he had performed the recommended checks thoroughly.
Temporary Fixes While Traveling
For now, I’ve adapted. I place blocks under both landing jacks to minimize their extension, which helps reduce the drift and popping. Still, when fully extended, the passenger-side jack leans inward while the driver’s side leans outward — a mismatch that continues to cause problems.
Photos and videos document the issue, but the real takeaway is this: RV life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, it’s about managing the imperfections while you search for lasting solutions.
✨ Lessons for RV Owners Facing Jack Issues
• Document everything: Photos, videos, and case numbers make troubleshooting easier.
• Don’t stop at the first fix: Maintenance often requires multiple attempts and creative problem-solving.
• Seek second opinions: Not every technician will catch the full picture.
• Adapt in the meantime: Temporary solutions (like blocks under jacks) can keep you rolling until a permanent fix is found.
🚐Next Stop, Lippert Service Center – Red Bay, AL
My Experience at Lippert Service Center, Red Bay, AL
Finding reliable RV service can be a challenge, but my recent visit to the Lippert Service Center in Red Bay, Alabama – 996 9th St W, Red Bay, AL 35582 was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment I scheduled my appointment with Mitzi Pounder, Service Writer, the process was seamless. I was taken into the service bay right on time — a rarity in the RV world. The service manager, Jason, along with his skilled team of Matt, Ethan, and Josh, replaced both front landing jacks in under two hours.
This level of efficiency, professionalism, and customer care is exactly what RV owners hope for but seldom find. I left impressed, grateful, and confident in recommending the Lippert Red Bank Service Center to fellow travelers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About RV Landing Jacks & Service
Q1: Where is the Lippert Service Center in Red Bay, AL, located?
The Lippert Service Center is located in Red Bay, Alabama, at 996 9th St W, Red Bay, AL 35582, and offers specialized Lippert component RV repair and maintenance services, including landing jack replacement.
Q2: How long does RV landing jack replacement usually take?
Replacing both front landing jacks took under two hours, thanks to the efficiency of the Lippert team. Timelines may vary depending on the issue and service center workload.
Q3: What are common signs of RV landing jack problems?
• Popping or grinding noises during leveling
• Hydraulic drift is causing the RV to shake
• Jack leaning inward or outward when fully extended
• Difficulty maintaining a stable level
Q4: Can hydraulic fluid maintenance prevent jack issues?
Yes. Regularly draining and replacing hydraulic fluid, and ensuring proper circulation can help prevent wear and noise. However, mechanical damage (such as bent jacks) may still necessitate replacement.
Q5: Why choose Lippert Service Centers for RV repairs?
Lippert specializes in Lippert RV components and offers factory-trained technicians, efficient scheduling, and reliable service. My visit to the Red Bay, AL, location was seamless — the appointment was on time, the turnaround was quick, and the staff was professional.
