A manual wind up jockey wheel can do the job, but anyone who has raised and lowered a caravan by hand knows it can be hard work. The Coast RV 12V Electric Gator Jack is designed to make that process easier by replacing manual winding with simple push button operation.
In this guide, we walk through what comes in the Gator Jack kit, the tools used in the installation, and the key safety and fitment checks to keep in mind before fitting it to your caravan or RV.
What is the Coast RV Gator Jack?
The Coast RV Gator Jack is a 12V electric caravan jack designed to help raise and lower the front of your caravan, camper or RV with less physical effort than a traditional manual wind up jack.
The unit includes an extend and retract switch, a built in LED light switch and an integrated bubble level on top. It also comes with a 1.5 metre extension lead fitted with an Anderson plug, a drop leg, an emergency override crank handle and mounting hardware for fitting the unit to the A frame.
The emergency override crank is an important backup feature. If you lose 12V power for any reason, the crank handle can be used to manually wind the jack up or down.
What comes in the Gator Jack kit?
The kit includes the main Gator Jack unit, which houses the motor, switches, bubble level and drop leg. It also includes the 1.5 metre Anderson plug lead and an emergency override crank handle.
For mounting, the kit includes a three piece bracket system made up of the rear bracket, main mounting bracket and clamp bracket. These are used to secure the jack to the caravan A frame. The kit also includes zinc plated bolts, washers and locking nuts.
The supplied nuts are locking nuts. They are not necessarily nyloc nuts, but they are designed to resist loosening when correctly fitted.
Tools used for installation
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the right tools ready. As shown in the video, a 5/8 spanner and socket, side cutters for cable ties, a knife, marker, masking tape, tape measure and cable ties for tidying the power lead.
A torque wrench is also recommended so the mounting nuts can be tightened to the correct setting. In the video, the bracket bolts are torqued to 45 Nm.
Safety checks before installation
Before installing the Gator Jack, make sure the caravan is safely secured. The caravan should be connected to the tow vehicle, the handbrake should be on and the wheels should be chocked.
This is not a step to rush. The jack is being fitted to a critical part of the towing setup, so the caravan needs to be stable before work begins.
The Gator Jack meets Australian electrical standards and gas codes, which allows the unit itself to be mounted within the gas bottle exclusion zone on the RV. However, the 12V Anderson plug connection must sit outside of that gas bottle exclusion zone.
Always check the installation instructions and confirm the correct position before fitting the unit.
Fitting the mounting bracket
Once the mounting position and bracket orientation have been chosen, the bracket can be loosely fitted to the A frame.
The long bolts are fitted with washers, then placed through the main mounting bracket. The rear bracket is then positioned on the back of the A frame, with washers and locking nuts fitted by hand.
At this stage, the bolts should only be finger tight. This allows the bracket to be squared up before final tightening.
Before tightening, make sure the bolts sit at right angles to the A frame. Tighten the bolts gradually, working top to bottom rather than side to side. This helps bring pressure evenly across the A frame.
Once the bracket is positioned correctly, use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts to the recommended torque setting.
Using power to help position the jack
The Gator Jack can be lifted into place manually, but the video shows a smarter way to position it.
Connect the Anderson plug to a suitable 12V power source, making sure the connection point remains outside of the gas bottle exclusion zone. Then use the extend and retract switch to raise or lower the jack until the collars line up with the mounting flange.
This makes it easier to bring the jack into position without having to hold the full weight of the unit while trying to secure the bracket.
Securing the Gator Jack to the bracket
Once the jack is at the correct height, move it into place so the top and bottom collars line up with the mounting flange.
The final clamp bracket is then fitted to the front of the jack, similar to the way a jockey wheel is secured. Use the supplied bolts, washers and locking nuts to hold the unit firmly in place.
Before fully tightening the bracket, the Gator Jack can be rotated 360 degrees. This allows you to choose the best switch position for access and to avoid accessories mounted on the A frame, such as toolboxes, bike racks or stone shields.
Choose the orientation that gives safe access to the controls and enough clearance around nearby equipment, then tighten the final bracket.
Check the handbrake cable
One of the most important checks during installation is the handbrake cable. Make sure the Gator Jack and its bracket do not trap, pull or interfere with the handbrake cable in any way.
The cable should sit freely and must not be caught behind the bracket. If the handbrake cable is obstructed, the handbrake may not operate correctly.
Tidy the power lead
After the jack has been fitted, tidy the power lead so it is secure and clear of moving parts. Cable ties can be used to fasten the lead neatly along the A frame.
This final housekeeping step helps keep the installation clean and reduces the chance of the cable being damaged or left hanging loose.
Find the right jack for your caravan setup
The Coast RV 12V Electric Gator Jack is designed to make raising and lowering your caravan easier, with push button operation, an integrated light, bubble level, drop leg and manual override crank.
Before fitting, always check the product instructions, confirm compatibility with your caravan or RV, and make sure the installation meets the relevant safety requirements.
Browse the Coast RV caravan jacks range or speak with your local Coast RV stockist to find the right setup for your caravan, camper or RV.
