Black Jack Motorised Jockey Jack Quick Guide
This guide explains how to safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot the Black Jack motorised jockey jack fitted to your Rhinomax camper. Always follow these instructions in conjunction with the official Black Jack manual.
⚙️ Basic Operation
Use these steps for everyday coupling, uncoupling and levelling of your Rhinomax with the Black Jack system.
Before You Start
• Park on the flattest, firmest surface available.
• Apply the tow vehicle’s handbrake and place it in park/gear.
• Chock at least one caravan wheel front and back.
• Make sure no one is under or between the tow vehicle and camper.
Power Connection
• Confirm the Black Jack is connected to the correct 12 V power feed as wired by Rhinomax.
• Ensure isolation switches (if fitted) are turned ON.
• Check the in-line fuse or circuit breaker is not tripped.
Raising the Drawbar
• Press and hold the UP button on the control switch.
• Watch the towball/jaw while the jack extends.
• Stop once the weight is clearly on the jack and the coupling is free to disconnect.
Lowering the Drawbar
• Align the coupling over the towball or DO35 pin.
• Press and hold the DOWN button until the coupling is fully seated.
• Secure the coupling as per its own instructions.
• Never place hands between the coupling and tow point while operating.
🛡️ Safe Use & Load Limits
The Black Jack is designed for lifting and stabilising the A-frame – not for supporting the entire camper by itself.
Working Load
• Use the jack only within its rated lifting capacity (see sticker on the unit and main manual).
• The rating refers to drawbar load, not the full ATM of the camper.
• If the drawbar feels unusually heavy or the jack labours, stop and check load distribution.
What It’s For
• Raising and lowering the front of the camper when hitching or unhitching.
• Levelling the van front-to-back once parked (used together with rear stabilisers).
• Taking light load while adjusting height for WDH (if fitted).
What It’s Not For
• Not to be used as the only support when working underneath the camper.
• Not designed for changing wheels – always use an approved jack and stands under the chassis.
• Do not move the camper with the jack extended.
🎛️ Controls & Indicators
Most Rhinomax installations use a simple weatherproof rocker switch and in-line protection.
Up / Down Switch
• Momentary rocker switch – press and hold to move, release to stop.
• UP extends the jack leg and raises the drawbar.
• DOWN retracts the jack leg and lowers the drawbar.
Thermal / Overload Protection
• Extended operation can cause the motor to heat up.
• If the motor stops unexpectedly, allow it to cool for several minutes.
• Avoid bumping the jack into its end-stops for more than a second.
Manual Backup
• The Black Jack can be operated manually using the supplied handle if power is unavailable.
• Follow the manual for the correct manual-drive location and rotation direction.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
If the jack does not operate as expected, run through these checks before calling for service.
Jack Does Not Move (No Sound)
- Check the 12 V supply is ON and batteries are charged.
- Inspect the in-line fuse or circuit breaker and reset/replace if required.
- Confirm the trailer plug and any Rhinomax isolation switches are correctly set.
- Try the manual handle – if this works, the issue is electrical rather than mechanical.
Motor Runs But Jack Does Not Lift
- Stop immediately to prevent damage.
- Check that the clamp bolts are tight and the jack body is not slipping on the A-frame.
- Inspect for visible mechanical damage to the jack leg or footpad.
- If the drawbar has been overloaded, do not continue to operate – seek inspection.
Jack Stops Part Way Through Travel
- Allow the motor to cool for 5–10 minutes in case the thermal cut-out has activated.
- Check battery voltage – low voltage can reduce motor torque.
- Inspect for stones or obstacles under the footpad.
- Do not repeatedly “tap” the switch against a hard stop; this can trigger protection.
Jack Is Noisy or Jerky in Operation
- Confirm the camper is not grossly nose-heavy – redistribute load if necessary.
- Visually inspect the outer leg for bends or deformation.
- Check the mounting bolts for tightness.
- If noise persists, arrange for a qualified service inspection.
🧽 Care & Maintenance
Simple routine maintenance will extend the life of your Black Jack and keep it operating smoothly.
Clean After Dirt & Salt
Rinse off mud, dust and road salt from the jack leg and footpad after off-road trips or beach work. Avoid pressure-washing directly into seals or the motor housing.
Check Fasteners
Periodically inspect all mounting bolts and brackets for tightness. Re-torque according to the Black Jack manual if any movement is detected.
Protect the Electrics
Keep connectors clean and dry. Check wiring for chafing where it runs along the A-frame. Replace damaged insulation immediately to prevent shorts.