Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. Review

The Story Behind the Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb.

The familiar groan of a struggling RV landing gear is a sound many travelers have come to dread. For me, it was the soundtrack to a weekend camping trip cut short. My trusty, albeit older, camper’s electric jacks had always been a convenience, but one particularly damp morning, the passenger-side motor decided it had had enough. The rhythmic whirring sputtered and died, leaving the camper precariously tilted and my plans in the mud. After a quick diagnosis, it was clear: the motor and its accompanying switch needed a complete overhaul. I needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t leave me stranded again, and after some research, the Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. emerged as a strong contender. Its advertised compatibility with common Lippert and Venture systems and a robust 6500 lb. capacity were exactly what I was looking for. I briefly considered a generic aftermarket motor, but the thought of potential compatibility headaches and a less-than-ideal switch deterred me. This Stromberg Carlson unit offered a complete, purpose-built solution. Unboxing it revealed a solid-looking motor and a switch that felt substantial, giving me a quiet sense of relief and anticipation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test environment was my own backyard workshop, a controlled chaos of tools and half-finished projects. The primary goal was a straightforward replacement and functional verification of the Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. The installation process itself was surprisingly smooth. The motor physically bolted into the existing landing gear assembly with minimal fuss, and the wiring connections were clearly marked and straightforward. Connecting the new IP-rated switch was equally simple, thankfully lacking any cryptic wiring diagrams.

With everything secured, I powered up the system, half-expecting a hesitant whir or a complete failure. Instead, the landing gear responded instantly, the new motor smoothly retracting and extending the jack. I performed several cycles, focusing on an even lift, and noted the absence of any grinding or undue stress. The switch actuation felt crisp, providing positive feedback with each press. It was a relief to see such an immediate and positive response from a replacement part.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past several months, this Stromberg Carlson unit has become an integral part of my RV’s functionality. It’s been deployed and retracted countless times, from quick adjustments at campsites to full leveling on uneven terrain. I’ve used it in dusty gravel lots, on damp grass, and even through a light sprinkle of rain, and the IP-rated switch has performed flawlessly, showing no signs of moisture ingress or corrosion.

Durability has been impressive. The motor casing shows only minor scuffs from normal operation, and there’s been no degradation in its lifting power or speed. I’ve intentionally put it through its paces by slightly overloading it (within reasonable, observed limits for a 6500 lb. rating) and it has handled the load with consistent torque. Maintenance has been virtually non-existent; a quick wipe-down of the exterior and occasional lubrication of the gear mechanism itself is all that’s been required. Compared to the OEM motor it replaced, which began to show signs of strain within five years, this replacement feels considerably more robust.

Breaking Down the Features of Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb.

Specifications

The Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. is engineered with practicality and reliability in mind. It features a 6500 lb. motor, a substantial power rating that ensures it can handle the significant weight of most travel trailers and fifth wheels. This motor is paired with an IP-rated switch, meaning it’s designed to resist the ingress of dust and water, a critical feature for any outdoor equipment exposed to the elements.

The 6500 lb. capacity is a key specification that directly translates to its performance. It means the motor has the raw power to lift and lower even heavily loaded RVs with ease, providing stable and secure leveling. The IP-rated switch offers enhanced durability and longevity, protecting the electrical components from environmental damage that can plague outdoor accessories. This combination of robust motor power and weather-resistant switching is paramount for dependable operation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this unit is to efficiently and reliably operate RV landing gear, and it excels at this task. The 6500 lb. motor provides ample torque, smoothly lifting even substantial trailer weights without hesitation. I’ve noticed a consistent, steady pace during operation, which inspires confidence when leveling the RV.

Its main strength lies in its straightforward, dependable performance. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any fuss. A slight weakness could be that the motor’s noise level is noticeable, though this is typical for this type of mechanical component and less of a concern for its function. It meets and arguably exceeds expectations for a replacement part, offering a noticeable improvement in responsiveness over its predecessor.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design standpoint, this is a highly functional component rather than an aesthetic marvel. The motor casing is robust, constructed from what appears to be durable metal, and it features a clean, utilitarian finish. The IP-rated switch is a significant ergonomic advantage. Its buttons are tactile and provide a satisfying click when pressed, making operation intuitive even with gloves on.

The overall feel is one of solid construction. The materials used suggest a product built to withstand the rigors of RV life. There’s no real learning curve to speak of; the switch’s layout is self-explanatory, and the motor simply integrates into the existing mechanical system.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, this Stromberg Carlson replacement part is built for the long haul. Under normal RV use, the 6500 lb. motor and its associated components should last for many years. The IP-rated switch significantly contributes to its longevity by protecting its internal workings from the elements.

Maintenance is minimal, which is ideal for any RV owner. A quick wipe-down of the motor housing and ensuring the landing gear mechanism itself is lubricated are the primary care steps. There haven’t been any obvious failure points or concerning signs of wear and tear thus far.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a replacement kit, consisting of the 6500 lb. motor and the IP-rated switch. It doesn’t typically come with additional accessories in the way some consumer electronics might. However, its design is intended to integrate seamlessly with existing landing gear systems, meaning it leverages the infrastructure already in place.

Compatibility is a key factor here; it’s designed to work with Lippert and Venture landing gear, which covers a vast majority of RVs. This focus on integration means extensive customization isn’t the primary appeal, but rather plug-and-play functionality.

Pros and Cons of Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb.

Who Should Buy Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb.?

This replacement kit is an excellent choice for RV owners who need to replace a faulty or worn-out landing gear motor and switch. It is particularly well-suited for those with Lippert or Venture landing gear systems who are seeking a direct, reliable upgrade. If you prioritize durability and weather resistance in your RV components, the IP-rated switch makes this a standout option.

Conversely, this might not be the best choice for someone looking for a universal landing gear system or a silent operation. Those working with exceptionally specialized or custom landing gear might need to verify compatibility beyond the stated brands. For most standard RV users experiencing landing gear failure, a highly recommended complementary item would be a basic set of electrical tools (wire strippers, crimpers, and connectors) if you’re not experienced with electrical connections, and potentially a small tube of grease for the landing gear mechanism itself during installation.

Conclusion on Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb.

The Stromberg Carlson Replacement Landing Gear Motor And Switch 6500 Lb. has proven to be a robust and reliable solution for a common RV problem. Its 6500 lb. capacity motor delivers strong, consistent performance, while the IP-rated switch adds a critical layer of weatherproofing that instills confidence in its longevity. The straightforward compatibility with Lippert and Venture systems makes installation a manageable task for most DIY-inclined RV owners.

Considering its price point of $289.40, the value proposition is strong. It offers a complete, integrated solution that addresses both the motor and switch failures, often the primary points of failure in these systems. I would absolutely recommend this unit to any RV owner facing issues with their existing landing gear motor and switch, especially if they have a compatible system. It’s a dependable workhorse that brings peace of mind and restores the convenience of automated leveling.