Rear electric stabilizer jacks

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

Hello all! We have a 2005 35MKO with the electric stabilizers on the rear. The last two times we moved the coach the one on the road side would not return to the stowed position. After I tapped the motor with a hammer it started working and stowed (old mechanic trick). Are these units repairable or do you just replace them with a new unit? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated... We will be in this campground for 4 more days so I have a couple of days to figure out how to deal with this issue...

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

Hello all! We have a 2005 35MKO with the electric stabilizers on the rear. The last two times we moved the coach the one on the road side would not return to the stowed position. After I tapped the motor with a hammer it started working and stowed (old mechanic trick). Are these units repairable or do you just replace them with a new unit? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated... We will be in this campground for 4 more days so I have a couple of days to figure out how to deal with this issue...

[rockintom]

Hi J&T and welcome aboard here! Come in often and let us here your adventures.

The stablizers you refer to are called Outriggers and made by Barker Manufacturing in MI. I've linked their website for you to get more info. I would check the wire nut connections near the motor as they are exposed to lots of the elements. If you do check them always put them back together with dielectric silicone (available at auto parts stores) to protect the connection from the elements. If you need further info call Bob at Barker customer service with the number listed in the website. He is very knowledgeable with hands on experience. Let us know how it goes. Barker Mfg. Tom

P.S. If the outrigger motor has total power failure or ever fails completely, you can always remove the the power head by loosing the 1/8" allen (2) screws and one 9/16 bolt. Once the head is removed, turn the shaft with a big screwdriver or the like clockwise to lower jack or couterclockwise to raise. Just FYI. Takes about 2 minutes to do.

[ChiefJohn]

Jim & Trish,
Welcome to iRV2.com and the "Excel Owner's Forum". We also have a 2005 MKO and really enjoy the floor-plan. Our road-side rear stabilizer jack also failed and the folks at Barker Manufacturing were very helpful. If you find that the jack will not retract, remove the top cap on the jack cylinder and you can manually retract the stabilizer. If my old memory is correct, I think it takes allen wrench--not positive, but I'm sure 'SirKnowItAll' will chime in with the correct procedure!

Congrats on making the transition to 'Fulltimers' and please don't be a stranger to the forum.
John

[rockintom]

Chief,

We must have overlapped our posts....I hopefully gave him the info your referring to...now off to Yellowstoning!!

[Cookieman]

My roadside outrigger wouldn't retract. I crossed the wires and it wouldn't extend. I ordered a new switch from Excel and it works fine now.

[Curtis Brown]

Sir knowitall yellowstoned. OMG

[rockintom]

Curt,

Apparently you done see'd me!

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

OK... Thanks for the responses. I did find corrosion on one of the wires at the wire nut so I cleaned both of them and applied a generous amount of di-electric grease but it still does not go up or down. After 2 taps with the hammer near the top of the motor it works in both directions. I plan to call Baker today to see if this is repairable or if it needs to be replaced. Thanks for all of your help, at lease I know how to manually raise the outrigger in case of total failure. Hope I don't loose my hammer...

JC

[rockintom]

Jim,
Clearly, based the info supplied, you have a power head issue. If tapping on the motor with a hammer makes it work you have a dirty commentator or a brush issue. I just thought maybe those connections were the issue as you can see how water/mud and the like get thrown up in that area and can cause a probem. You can see where my original thought was, you moved those connections while tapping on the motor. And we do the simplest things first! (well maybe not Virg...but you know...)

[Jim & Trish Chandler]

Roger that Tom! When I found the corroded wires I was pretty happy... but I am sure that certainly helped cause the condition. I called Barker and as soon as I described the condition they said I need a new motor. I guess DC motors are no longer repaired. So as soon as I get to our next location I will have them send me a motor. FYI $64 plus shipping... Not too bad. I wonder what a set of brushes and some emory cloth would cost.. not to mention provide me with an afternoon project. Maybe I'll try that on the old motor after I replace it with a new one. Never hurts to have a spare anything thats part of a RV! Having a great time... JC