Leveling jacks stuck down? Don't drive off yet.

A jack stuck in the down position is the fastest way to destroy your rig. Before you try anything, confirm all four are up, or get the stuck one up safely.

Most RV leveling jacks are either hydraulic (Lippert / Power Gear / HWH) or electric screw-jack style. Hydraulic is more common on Class A and fifth wheel rigs. Both systems have emergency procedures. Start here.

1. Check the obvious: is the system level and ready?

Many auto-level systems refuse to retract until certain conditions are met. Check:

• Ignition on (some systems require this)
• Parking brake set
• Transmission in park or neutral
• Hydraulic pump has 12V power (house battery not dead)

Try pressing "Retract All" or "Travel" on the auto-level panel.

2. House battery voltage

Hydraulic pumps pull serious amperage. A weak house battery will cause the pump to hum but the jacks won't move. Plug into shore power, or start the chassis engine to charge the house battery, then try again.

3. The pump runs but jacks don't move

If you hear the pump running but nothing is happening, check the hydraulic fluid reservoir. On most Lippert systems it's a small tank near the pump, often in a front or rear compartment. Check the fluid level with all jacks DOWN, because that's when the reservoir should be at its lowest. Top off with ATF Type F or the fluid specified on the reservoir label.

Low fluid is the most common reason hydraulic jacks fail to retract.

4. Manual retract: hydraulic Lippert / Power Gear

On most hydraulic systems there are release valves on the hydraulic manifold near the pump. To manually retract:

1. Locate the hydraulic pump and manifold (usually in a basement compartment)
2. Find the manual release valves, these are usually knurled knobs or Allen screws on the solenoid block
3. With the rig supported on firm ground, slowly open the release valve for the stuck jack
4. Gravity will pull the jack up as hydraulic fluid bleeds back to the reservoir (yes, down-to-up, because the jacks are usually spring-loaded to retract when pressure is released)
5. Once fully retracted, close the valve firmly

The exact procedure varies by system. Your owner's manual will have a page titled "Emergency Retract" or "Manual Override." Check there first.

5. Electric screw-jack systems

Electric jacks (common on smaller trailers and some fifth wheels) have a drive nut on top of the motor. Most come with a crank handle that lets you hand-crank the jack up if the motor fails. Look for a hex or square drive on top of the motor housing.

6. Error codes on auto-level panels

Lippert and HWH auto-level systems throw error codes on the panel. Common ones:

• "Not Level" or "Excessive Slope" — The system won't retract because it thinks the rig is too unlevel. Try pressing "Retract All" instead of "Auto Level."
• "Low Voltage" — Battery issue.
• "Pump Fault" — Hydraulic pump is not responding. Check the pump fuse.
• "Sensor Fault" — Level sensor is confused. Try a system reset per your manual (usually hold down two buttons for 10 seconds).

When to call a mobile RV tech

• You see hydraulic fluid leaking under the rig
• A jack is bent, visibly damaged, or the foot has sheared off
• Manual retract valves won't budge or are missing
• The rig is leaning on a bent jack and you can't support it to take the load off
• Electric jack motor is completely dead and there's no crank access

Frequently asked questions

How do I manually retract Lippert leveling jacks?

Every Lippert hydraulic system has a manual release valve on the pump (usually under the bed or in a basement bay). Open all release valves a quarter turn counterclockwise, and gravity plus the rig's weight will pull the jacks back up. Close the valves before driving.

Why won't my leveling jacks retract?

Most common causes: dead house battery (jacks need 12V), tripped jack breaker, the rig sank into soft ground and the jacks are stuck against blocks, or low hydraulic fluid in the pump reservoir. Check the battery and fluid first, those are free fixes.

What hydraulic fluid does an RV leveling system use?

Most Lippert and HWH systems use ATF (automatic transmission fluid), Dexron III/Mercon V. Some newer systems specify a synthetic hydraulic oil like AW32. Check your reservoir cap or owner's manual. Topping off with the wrong fluid won't immediately damage anything but mixing types long-term can.

Can I drive with leveling jacks partially extended?

No. Even slightly extended jacks can be torn off by road debris or get caught on a curb, ripping the mounting brackets and tearing into the frame. Confirm all four jacks are fully retracted (visually walk around the rig) before pulling out.

My leveling system shows an error code, what do I do?

Lippert and HWH controllers display fault codes for things like jack timeout, low voltage, or sensor fault. The code list is in your owner's manual or printed on the controller itself. Most resolve by powering the system off and on (key off, master cutoff for 30 seconds) and trying again on level ground.