Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor Review

Deep Dive into the Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor

The Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor represents a significant upgrade for any fifth-wheel RV owner looking to streamline the often cumbersome process of leveling their rig. My own journey to this particular electric landing gear system was born out of sheer frustration with manual cranking. After a long day of driving, the last thing I wanted was to spend another 15 minutes wrestling with a physical jack. The promise of effortless operation and robust support, particularly with the advertised 6500 lb. motor, was highly appealing.

Upon unboxing this Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear system, the initial impression was one of solid construction. The legs themselves feel substantial, and the housing for the motor and gears doesn’t feel like flimsy plastic. It projects a sense of durability that’s crucial for equipment that bears the immense weight of a fifth wheel. In considering alternatives, I briefly looked at manual heavy-duty jacks for budget reasons and even some lower-capacity electric systems, but the 33.5-inch leg reach and the 6500 lb. capacity of this Stromberg Carlson unit ultimately swayed my decision. The immediate feeling upon seeing the components laid out was one of tangible relief; this looked like a serious solution to a persistent problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds were my own driveway and a few local campgrounds, primarily focusing on the typical scenario of hitching and unhitching a fifth wheel. The initial installation process, while not difficult, did require careful attention to the frame mounting points, a standard undertaking for such systems. Once powered up and connected to the RV’s battery, the Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear operated with surprising quietness, a welcome change from the grating sound of manual cranks. I tested its full range of motion, extending and retracting the 33.5-inch legs multiple times, and found the operation to be smooth and consistent, even when the RV was fully loaded. There were no immediate issues or unexpected quirks; it simply worked as advertised, which was a refreshing experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, spanning multiple camping trips and seasonal storage periods, this electric landing gear system has proven its worth. It’s performed flawlessly on uneven terrain, reliably lifting and stabilizing the front of my fifth wheel with confidence. The 6500 lb. motor shows no signs of strain, even when tasked with lifting the entire front end of a loaded rig. Durability-wise, the 33.5-inch legs have maintained their smooth operation, and the external components show minimal wear, despite exposure to dust, dirt, and occasional light rain. Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick wipe-down of the exposed leg sections and ensuring the electrical connections are clean has been sufficient. Compared to the manual jacks I used previously, which were prone to seizing and required significant physical effort, this electric system is a revelation in terms of both performance and convenience.

Breaking Down the Features of Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor

Specifications

The Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor is designed as a complete system. It features 33.5-inch legs, providing ample vertical adjustment for a wide variety of RV ride heights and leveling needs. The system is powered by a robust 6500 lb. motor, which is more than capable of handling the substantial weight of most fifth-wheel trailers. The package includes the necessary legs, gears, the LG-196308 motor, and the LG-145236 IP switch for operation. This all-inclusive nature means that buyers receive a comprehensive kit ready for installation.

The 6500 lb. motor is a key differentiator, offering superior lifting power compared to many lighter-duty electric jacks. This higher capacity translates to greater stability and less strain on the system, promising a longer lifespan. The 33.5-inch leg length is also a critical specification, allowing for significant adjustment without needing excessive blocks under the landing gear feet, simplifying the setup process. The inclusion of the specific motor and IP switch part numbers (LG-196308 and LG-145236 respectively) indicates a well-defined and integrated product line from Stromberg Carlson.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor is to smoothly and reliably raise and lower the front of a fifth-wheel RV. In this regard, it excels. The operation is consistent, with a steady, controlled movement whether extending or retracting. The 6500 lb. motor provides enough torque to lift the trailer’s front end without hesitation, even when loaded.

Its main strength lies in its effortless operation; a simple push of a button replaces manual cranking, saving time and energy. The 33.5-inch legs offer excellent reach, accommodating varied terrains. A potential area for improvement, though minor, might be the speed of operation; it’s not lightning fast, but this is often a trade-off for controlled power and longevity. Overall, this landing gear system meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Stromberg Carlson system is practical and focused on functionality. The materials appear to be of good quality, with sturdy metal components for the legs and gears, and a sealed housing for the motor to protect it from the elements. The overall feel is one of robustness and reliability.

Ergonomically, the IP switch (LG-145236) is straightforward to use, typically mounted within easy reach of the RV’s entry. Its simple up/down controls are intuitive, requiring no complex learning curve. The leg design itself is standard for this type of equipment, focusing on stability rather than complex ergonomics. The finish is functional, designed to withstand outdoor conditions rather than being purely aesthetic.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal usage for a fifth-wheel RV, this electric landing gear system is built for longevity. The components are designed to withstand repeated cycles of lifting and supporting significant weight. The 6500 lb. motor is a testament to the system’s robust build.

Maintenance is generally minimal, primarily involving keeping the extending leg sections clean and occasionally lubricating them if any stiffness develops, though this has not been an issue in my experience. Ensuring electrical connections remain clean and secure is also important. Potential failure points are typically wear on the internal gears or motor burnout, but with its substantial 6500 lb. rating, this system should offer many years of service before such issues arise.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor is sold as a complete system, meaning the essential components – legs, gears, motor, and switch – are included. This is a significant advantage as it eliminates the need to source individual parts.

While there aren’t extensive customization options for the landing gear itself, its compatibility with standard RV electrical systems is a given. Some users might opt to add larger landing gear pads to the bottom of the 33.5-inch legs for increased stability on softer ground, but these are aftermarket additions rather than part of the core system. The primary “accessory” to consider is a reliable 12V power source for the motor.

Pros and Cons of Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor

Who Should Buy Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor?

This electric landing gear system is ideally suited for owners of fifth-wheel RVs who frequently set up and take down their campsite. It’s a perfect fit for those who experience physical strain from manual cranking or simply wish to enhance their camping convenience. RVers who travel often or have larger, heavier fifth wheels will particularly benefit from the 6500 lb. capacity and the 33.5-inch leg extension.

Those who are on a very tight budget or have minimal electrical system knowledge might want to reconsider, as installation requires careful attention and a functional 12V power source. For those prioritizing ease of use and reliability, however, this Stromberg Carlson unit is an excellent choice. A complementary accessory to consider would be a heavy-duty battery with sufficient reserve capacity to power the 6500 lb. motor repeatedly without draining it too quickly.

Conclusion on Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor

The Stromberg Carlson Electric Landing Gear 33.5in. Legs 6500 Lb. Motor delivers on its promise of convenience and power, transforming the often-arduous task of leveling a fifth wheel into a simple, button-press operation. Its robust build, exemplified by the 6500 lb. motor and 33.5-inch legs, instills confidence in its ability to handle substantial loads reliably. While it represents a notable investment, the time saved and the reduction in physical effort provide a clear justification for its price point. For any fifth-wheel owner seeking a significant upgrade in user experience and operational ease, this landing gear system is a highly recommended solution. It offers a blend of dependable performance and user-friendly design that makes setting up camp considerably less of a chore.