Welcome back to Tech Tip Tuesday from the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA)—America’s largest hands-on RV training school! This week, we’re covering a small detail with big consequences: a common mistake many fifth-wheel owners make with their front electric leveling or stabilizer jacks.
🔍 What’s the Risk?
If you own a fifth wheel with adjustable electric jacks, you might be unintentionally setting yourself up for failure—literally.
Chandler Cooper, our exteriors instructor here at NRVTA, sees this issue all too often: RVers believe their jack pin is secure… when it’s not. The problem? That spring-loaded pin that locks the jack leg in place might look engaged—but it could be stopping halfway, putting you at risk.
⚠️ The Common Setup Mistake
Here’s what many RVers do:
-
Pull the pin to let the jack leg drop.
-
Let go, assuming the spring pushes it all the way through.
But sometimes, the pin doesn’t make it all the way. It gets stuck halfway in the hole, not fully locking the leg. Now, one pin is holding the weight of your RV—and it’s not designed to do that alone.
💥 What Could Go Wrong?
A partially inserted pin creates extra shear stress. If that pin snaps:
- The jack leg loses support.
- The weight shifts to the opposite jack.
- That second jack likely can’t handle the full load either… leading to dual-jack failure.
- You’re looking at serious RV damage—or worse, a dangerous situation.
✅ How to Prevent It
Before leveling your rig:
- Physically check that the pin goes completely through the jack leg.
- If it’s not fully engaged:
- Reconnect to your tow vehicle.
- Retract the jack slightly.
- Manually push or pull the pin to make sure it’s locked in.
- Once you’ve confirmed the pin is fully in place, continue setting up.
🛠️ A 5-Second Check = Peace of Mind
Taking just a moment to verify your jack pins can save you thousands in repairs—and protect you and your RV from an avoidable accident.
At NRVTA, safety always comes first. We’re here to help RVers stay informed and empowered so you can travel with confidence.