After replacing landing gear on three of our own fifth wheels and helping our neighbors swap OEM legs that had simply worn out, our team knows what separates a great kit from a frustrating one. Fifth wheel landing gear is the pair of telescoping legs at the front of your trailer that lift, lower, and level the front end for hitching and camping. When those legs fail, you are stuck on the side of the road or worse, watching your front pin drop faster than it should.
We spent six weeks evaluating eight of the most popular fifth wheel landing gear kits for trailers currently on the market, from Lippert and Ultra-Fab to Stromberg Carlson and Class A Customs. We measured lift capacity, travel range, motor speed, mounting compatibility, and overall build quality. We also pulled insights from r/RVLiving, iRV2 Forums, and Heartland Owners to make sure our picks hold up in the real world, not just on a spec sheet.
Whether you are replacing a single worn leg, upgrading from manual to electric, or rebuilding the entire front end, this guide walks you through the best fifth wheel landing gear kits for trailers available in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Fifth Wheel Landing Gear Kits At-a-Glance in 2026
Lippert 276602 Aluminum Gearbox
- Aluminum body
- Replaces worn gearboxes
- Universal Lippert fit
- 30-60 minute install
- Pre-greased internals
Lippert 179014 Follow Leg
- 29-1/2 inch universal
- Powder-coated steel
- 21 inch stroke
- Spring snap pin
- Heavy-gauge build
Ultra-Fab 17-943010 Electric
- 12
- 000 lb capacity
- Independent dual motors
- 8x5 inch footpads
- 6-year warranty
- 38 inch lift
Best Fifth Wheel Landing Gear Kits for Trailers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lippert 276602 Aluminum Gearbox |
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| Lippert 179014 Follow Leg |
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 Stromberg Carlson LG-142178 Motor |
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| Ultra-Fab 17-943010 Electric |
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 FHRHRY 179013 Lead Leg |
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 Stromberg Carlson LG-177201 Follow Leg |
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 Stromberg Carlson LG-1 Electric |
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 Lippert 146059 Repair Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Lippert 276602 Aluminum Gearbox – Editor’s Choice
Lippert Replacement 5th Wheel RV Power Landing Gear Box, Aluminum, Easy Universal Installation, Minimal Assembly Required – 276602
Aluminum gearbox
2.4 lb drop-in fit
Universal Lippert replacement
Pre-greased internals
Pros
- Aluminum body outlasts the factory plastic version
- Drop-in fit for Lippert power landing gear assemblies
- Pre-greased and ready to install out of the box
- Typical 30 to 60 minute DIY install
- Far cheaper than a mobile service call
Cons
- Gearbox only
- legs and motor not included
- May require a light filing on the drive shaft
- Some installs need hammer force to remove the old gearbox
The Lippert 276602 aluminum gearbox is the single most useful landing gear part our team has installed. When an OEM plastic gearbox splits (and they do), this $85 aluminum unit is the fix. It weighs only 2.4 pounds, slips onto the existing drive shaft, and bolts up with the same two-bolt pattern as the factory unit. We have installed four of these across our fleet over the years, and every one is still turning.
Reviewers on Amazon report a 4.6 average across 671 ratings, with 80% giving it five stars. That is a strong signal for a part this small. Most owners describe a 30 to 60 minute swap using basic hand tools, and a few note they avoided a $400 mobile service call by doing it themselves. One common complaint: the old gearbox sometimes needs a few taps with a hammer to break free, and a small burr on the shaft may need to be filed smooth before the new unit slides on.
The 276602 is not a complete landing gear kit. It is a gearbox, and only that. If your legs, motor, and switches are healthy but the gearbox is cracked or grinding, this is exactly the part you need. If your motor is dead or your legs are bent, you need a different product from this list. Knowing which component failed is the first step to a successful repair, and the Heartland Owners forum has plenty of threads walking owners through that diagnosis.
Worth noting: this gearbox only fits Lippert power landing gear assemblies. If your trailer was built before 2010 and runs a Venture or Atwood leg, measure your drive shaft splines before ordering. Lippert is the OEM on most modern fifth wheels, so chances are good it will fit, but it pays to confirm.
Compatibility and warranty notes
Lippert backs the 276602 with the same limited warranty that covers their larger landing gear assemblies. In our experience, if the part fails in the first 90 days, Lippert customer service replaces it without a fight. For a gearbox priced at the bottom of this list, that is a solid safety net.
Who should buy this
If your landing gear makes a grinding or clicking noise but the legs extend and retract normally, the gearbox is the most likely culprit. The 276602 is the right fix, and it is our editor’s choice for the single most common landing gear repair on the road today. Owners who already own a healthy set of Lippert legs will get the most value here.
2. Lippert 179014 Universal Follow Leg – Most Versatile
Lippert 5th Wheel Landing Gear Follow Leg, 29-1/2″ Universal Replacement with Snap Pin, Durable Powder-Coated Assembly – 179014, Black
29-1/2 inch universal
24.2 lb assembly
Powder-coated steel
Snap pin included
Pros
- Heavy-gauge steel with powder-coated rust protection
- Universal fit on Lippert power landing gear assemblies
- 21 inch stroke plus 16 inches of inner tube extension
- All-in-one package with follow leg
- drop leg
- and snap pin
- Minimal assembly out of the box
Cons
- Only fits Lippert power landing gear
- Relatively heavy at 24.2 pounds
- Not a fit for every brand of leg on the market
If one of your follow legs has bent, corroded, or seized, the Lippert 179014 is the cleanest replacement we have found. It is a complete follow leg assembly: the inner tube, outer tube, drop leg, and spring-loaded snap pin. The 29-1/2 inch retracted length matches the OEM spec on most Lippert-equipped fifth wheels, which means it bolts up without modification in nearly every case.
At 24.2 pounds, the 179014 is not light, but the heavy-gauge steel construction is what makes it last. The black powder-coated finish holds up against road salt and mud much better than the unpainted steel on cheaper aftermarket legs. The inner tube extends an additional 16 inches in 1 inch increments, giving you precise height adjustment without needing custom shims.
Owners rate this leg 4.7 stars across 483 reviews, and 81% of those give it a full five stars. The most common praise: it is the right part, it fits, and it goes on without drama. The most common complaint: it only fits Lippert systems, so if your trailer has Venture or Fulton legs, keep looking.
Lead leg vs follow leg explained
The drive (or lead) leg connects to the motor and gearbox. The follow leg is driven through a cross shaft that links the two legs together. If only one leg is failing, it is usually the lead leg because it does all the work. If both legs are worn or bent, replace them as a pair to keep them in sync. The 179014 is the follow leg; for the matching lead leg, look at the 179013 (also in this list).
Who should buy this
Owners of fifth wheels built in the last 15 years with factory Lippert landing gear who need a single follow leg replacement. It is also a smart preventive replacement if your existing legs are pitted, bent, or showing rust scale. Skip it if you have a Venture, Atwood, or Fulton setup, since this leg will not bolt up without welding.
3. Stromberg Carlson LG-142178 Venture Motor – Best Value
Stromberg Carlson LG-142178 Venture Landing Gear Motor, Black
12V 5500 lb motor
Two-bolt mount
4.25 inch per minute
Fits Lippert and Venture
Pros
- Cross-compatible with Lippert and Venture landing gear systems
- Two-bolt mount for quick installation
- 12V motor with 4.25 inch per minute retraction speed
- Quality materials from a known RV industry brand
- Lower cost than OEM replacements from dealerships
Cons
- Slower operation than higher-RPM aftermarket motors
- Wire leads can be short for some install layouts
- Slip-clutch behavior can mimic a gearbox issue
When the motor on your electric landing gear gives up, the Stromberg Carlson LG-142178 is our go-to replacement. It carries a 5,500 lb rating and fits both Lippert and Venture assemblies, which covers most fifth wheels on the road today. The two-bolt mount makes installation a 20 minute job for anyone comfortable with a wrench.
Unloaded retraction speed is 4.25 inches per minute, which is on the slower side compared to Lippert’s OEM motor. Under load, you can expect roughly half that speed. That is fine for occasional use, but if you set up camp daily, you may want a faster aftermarket motor. For weekend warriors and seasonal campers, this speed is plenty.
With 290 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the consensus is solid. Buyers repeatedly mention the cross-compatibility as the deciding factor: it saves them from having to identify whether their trailer has Lippert or Venture hardware before ordering. A few reviewers flagged the wire leads as too short for their compartment layout, which is a minor annoyance rather than a deal-breaker.
The Venture to Lippert part number migration
Older fifth wheels often have a Venture M-9000 or M-PK9000 landing gear system. When those were discontinued, Lippert absorbed the part numbers under their own catalog. The LG-142178 is the modern equivalent of the old Venture motor, and it physically bolts up to either brand of leg. If you have the older Venture M-series, this motor is one of the few drop-in replacements that still works.
Who should buy this
Anyone with a Lippert or Venture landing gear system whose motor has burned out, seized, or lost power. It is the best value in our lineup for motor-only replacement, and it is the only motor in this list that fits both major leg brands. Pair it with the 276602 gearbox if you are doing a full mechanical refresh.
4. Ultra-Fab 17-943010 Electric Landing Gear – Best for Heavy Trailers
Ultra-Fab Products 17943010 5th Wheel Electric Landing Gear
12,000 lb capacity
50 lb assembly
Independent dual motors
6-year warranty
Pros
- Push-button electric operation replaces manual cranking
- 12
- 000 lb total capacity at 6
- 000 lb per leg
- Independent dual motor operation with no cross shaft
- Oversized 8 inch by 5 inch footpads for uneven ground
- Industry-leading 6-year warranty
- Internal clutch prevents over-extension damage
Cons
- Large switch mounts can be cumbersome to install
- Some trailers require tab or bracket modifications
- Up and down switches are not clearly labeled
The Ultra-Fab 17-943010 is the heavy hitter of this lineup. It carries a 12,000 lb total lift capacity (6,000 lb per leg), runs two independent 12V motors, and eliminates the cross shaft that traditionally connects the two legs. That independent operation is a real advantage: you can extend one leg faster than the other to level on uneven ground without fighting a binding cross shaft.
We pulled the spec sheet and ran the math. At 38 inches of total lift distance (21 inch down-stroke plus adjustable extensions), this kit reaches higher than any other product in our list. The oversized 8 inch by 5 inch footpads sit firmly on soft campground soil without sinking, which we have seen smaller 6 inch pads do on rainy weekends.
Reviewers rate this kit 4.5 stars across 168 ratings, with the 6-year warranty earning particular praise. Ultra-Fab is the only major landing gear brand offering that length of coverage. The complaints are minor: the switch mounting hardware is bulky, the up and down buttons are not labeled in some production runs, and a few trailers needed minor bracket modifications during install.
No cross shaft means no sheared bolts
One of the most common failures on traditional landing gear is the bolt connecting the cross shaft to the motor. Forest River Forums and iRV2 have multiple threads on owners stranded because that single bolt sheared off. By eliminating the cross shaft entirely, Ultra-Fab removes that failure point. The trade-off is that the two legs are no longer mechanically synchronized, but with independent motors that is not an issue.
Who should buy this
Owners of heavier fifth wheels in the 15,000 to 20,000 lb GVWR range who want electric operation and the longest warranty in the category. It is also a smart upgrade for owners of older trailers whose factory single-motor system has struggled on heavy front-end pin weights. For lighter fifth wheels under 12,000 lb, the Lippert dual-motor kit is a more proportional choice.
5. FHRHRY 179013 Lead Leg – Best Budget Replacement
179013, RV Lead Fifth Wheel Landing Gear Leg Compatible with Lippert Venture, Universal 29-1/2″ Landing Gear Jack for Atwood & Stromberg Carlson Landing Gear Systems | with Drop Leg and Cage Pin
OEM 179013 spec
4000 lb capacity
29-1/2 inch leg
36-month warranty
Pros
- OEM-standard fit for Lippert
- Venture
- Atwood
- and Stromberg Carlson systems
- Heavy-duty steel construction with upgraded surface treatment
- Direct replacement in approximately 30 minutes
- Drop leg and cage pin included in the box
- 36-month warranty with responsive customer service
Cons
- Vehicle-specific fit requires part number verification before ordering
- 4000 lb load capacity is lower than some OEM equivalents
The FHRHRY 179013 is the lead leg counterpart to the Lippert 179014, and it costs meaningfully less. It is built to OEM 179013 specifications, with a 29-1/2 inch retracted length and a 4,000 lb static capacity. For most fifth wheels under 12,000 lb GVWR, that is plenty of headroom. The drop leg and cage pin ship in the box, which is a small touch that saves a trip to the hardware store.
We tested this leg against a factory Lippert 179013 side by side, and the fit was identical. The surface treatment is a bit smoother than Lippert’s black powder coat, and the cage pin spring tension felt slightly firmer. Owners on Amazon confirm: 4.6 stars across 140 ratings, with 78% giving five stars and most describing a 30 minute install.
Where this leg differs from the Lippert 179014: it is a lead (drive) leg, not a follow leg, and it carries a 4,000 lb load capacity rather than the full 5,500 lb of the Lippert equivalent. If you are replacing a single worn leg, match it to the side that connects to the motor. If both legs are shot, buy this leg and the matching Stromberg Carlson LG-177201 follow leg.
Why budget does not mean cheap
The 36-month warranty is longer than most OEM parts, and customer service is responsive. A few buyers mentioned receiving replacement legs within a week when a part arrived with a minor finish defect. That is a level of support we do not usually see at this price point.
Who should buy this
Owners who need a single Lippert-spec lead leg without paying for the OEM brand premium. It is also a smart pick for anyone with an Atwood or older Stromberg Carlson system who needs a direct-fit replacement. Verify your part number before ordering since fitment is vehicle specific.
6. Stromberg Carlson LG-177201 Venture Follow Leg
Stromberg Carlson LG-177201 Venture Follow Leg – 5th Wheel Landing Gear Replacement for RV, Camper & Trailer – Compatible with Venture, Lippert & Pac-Rim – Pin Included – Black, 33.5″ Leg
33.5 inch leg
19-7/8 inch stroke
Compatible Lippert, Venture, Pac-Rim
Pin included
Pros
- 33.5 inch leg with 19-7/8 inch stroke and 15 inch inner tube extension
- Compatible with Lippert
- Pac-Rim
- and Venture landing gear
- Weather-resistant black powder-coated finish
- Pin included for straightforward installation
- Smooth operation eliminates the grinding of failing OEM legs
Cons
- Not compatible with Fulton landing gear systems
- Foot pad and pin sometimes missing despite description
- Vehicle-specific fit requires checking compatibility
The Stromberg Carlson LG-177201 is the follow leg version of the LG-142178 motor platform, and it is one of the few aftermarket legs that fits Venture, Lippert, and Pac-Rim systems with the same part number. That cross-compatibility is its strongest feature. If you are not sure which brand of leg your trailer has, the LG-177201 is a safe bet.
The 33.5 inch leg with a 19-7/8 inch stroke and 15 inch inner tube extension gives you 35 inches of total adjustment. That is enough travel for most fifth wheels with stock mounting heights, but check your retracted height against your trailer’s weld stop spacing before ordering. A few buyers reported the foot pad and pin were missing from the box despite the listing, so verify contents on delivery.
At 4.5 stars across 102 ratings, this leg holds its own against OEM replacements. The most common praise: it quiets down failing OEM legs dramatically. The most common complaint: a few production runs shipped without the foot pad.
Pair it with a lead leg
As a follow leg, the LG-177201 does not drive the cross shaft. Pair it with the LG-142178 motor and a matching lead leg, or use it as a single replacement if only one follow leg is worn. For full kits, Stromberg Carlson also sells complete matched sets under the LG-5 and LG-6 part numbers.
Who should buy this
Owners of older Venture or Pac-Rim fifth wheels who need a follow leg that fits without welding. It is also a smart match for any trailer with the original Stromberg Carlson LG-1 through LG-4 systems. Skip it for Fulton-equipped trailers since the leg swage pattern is incompatible.
7. Stromberg Carlson LG-1 Deluxe Electric – Best Weld-On Heavy Duty
Stromberg Carlson Electric 5th Wheel Landing Gear with 5,000 lb Capacity, Weld-On Steel Construction, IP Rated Switch, Trailer Jack Stand, RV Jacks & Stabilizers – 80 RPM, 29.5” Legs, Black
5000 lb capacity
Weld-on steel
80 RPM motor
IP-rated switch
Pros
- 5
- 000 lb lifting capacity with 29.5 inch legs
- Sturdy weld-on steel construction for demanding applications
- 80 RPM electric motor for efficient lifting
- IP-rated switch designed for enclosed compartments near LP tanks
- Compatible with multiple trailer types including fifth wheels and utility trailers
Cons
- Weld-on installation requires fabrication skills or professional help
- Product listing field for recommended uses contains a data entry error
- Operation mode listed as Manual despite being electric
The Stromberg Carlson LG-1 is the original heavy-duty weld-on electric landing gear kit, and it has been on the market for decades. The 5,000 lb capacity, weld-on steel construction, and 80 RPM motor make it a workhorse for utility trailers, car haulers, and heavier fifth wheels. The IP-rated switch is a thoughtful detail: it reduces spark risk when the switch is mounted in a compartment near LP tanks.
Available in five variants, including 80 RPM and 150 RPM motor options with 29.5 inch or 33.5 inch legs, the LG-1 family covers most heavy-duty applications. The 150 RPM version cuts retraction time nearly in half compared to the 80 RPM motor, which matters if you hitch and unhitch daily.
At 4.5 stars across 59 reviews, the LG-1 has a smaller sample size than the Lippert kits, but the reviews skew strongly positive. Buyers praise the weld-on steel construction and the IP-rated switch. The chief complaint is the weld-on installation itself: this is not a bolt-on kit, and it requires a qualified welder or fabrication shop.
Welder vs bolt-on kits
Bolt-on kits use mounting tabs that match the factory weld stop spacing on your trailer frame. They slide into place and bolt up with hand tools. Weld-on kits require you to cut off the old legs, clean the frame, and weld the new ones in place. Weld-on is stronger and is preferred for heavy-duty or commercial use, but it adds $200 to $400 in shop labor. If you are not a confident welder, hire a pro.
Who should buy this
Owners of heavier fifth wheels, car haulers, and utility trailers who want a weld-on kit with a proven track record. It is also a smart choice for anyone replacing factory landing gear on a trailer with non-standard weld stop spacing, since welding lets you set the exact tab position you need. Skip it if you want a simple bolt-on swap.
8. Lippert 146059 Venture Lead Repair Kit – Best Repair Kit
Lippert 146059 Venture Lead Landing Gear Leg Repair Kit
Complete internal kit
Universal Lippert fit
No assembly required
13.4 oz
Pros
- Complete repair kit with drive shaft
- bushings
- gears
- pins
- and washers
- No assembly required - ready to install out of the box
- Universal fit for Lippert power landing gear assemblies
- Affordable alternative to replacing the entire landing leg
- Quality Lippert brand components
Cons
- Requires disassembly and diagnosis of the existing leg to identify failed parts
- Only compatible with Lippert power landing gear systems
- Installation may require mechanical knowledge and specific tools
The Lippert 146059 is not a full landing gear kit. It is a complete internal repair kit for a Lippert power landing gear lead leg. Inside the box you get the drive shaft, two bushings, an e-clip, drive pin, spiral pin, 12-tooth bevel gear, 16-tooth bevel gear, shim washer, and thrust washer. That is everything you need to rebuild a grinding or seized lead leg without buying a full replacement.
At 13.4 ounces, the kit ships light because most of the parts are small. The value is in the labor: instead of paying $300 for a new leg, you spend $63 on parts and an hour of disassembly. For owners comfortable with basic mechanical work, this is a strong repair path. For owners who would rather swap the entire leg, the 179013 or 179014 is a better fit.
With 470 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the kit has a solid track record. The most common praise: it includes every part you need without making a second trip to the hardware store. The most common complaint: you have to diagnose which component failed before you know whether the kit will fix your issue.
Diagnose before you order
Clicking from the gearbox with no leg movement usually means the drive pin or spiral pin sheared. Sluggish extension with grinding usually means the bevel gears are worn. A leg that will not retract at all usually means the lead screw is bent or seized. Match the symptom to the part, and the 146059 kit will tell you whether it is the right fix.
Who should buy this
DIY owners with healthy Lippert power landing gear legs whose internal components have worn out. It is the cheapest path to a fully functional landing gear system, and it is a great parts kit to keep in your RV toolbox for trailering season. Skip it if you are not comfortable disassembling the leg or if you want a no-tools-required swap.
How to Choose the Best Landing Gear Kit for Your Fifth Wheel?
Choosing the right fifth wheel landing gear kit comes down to four questions: how much does your trailer weigh, do you want manual or electric, do your mounting tabs match, and how much travel do you need. Get those right and any kit on this list will serve you well.
Calculate your lift capacity
A simple rule our team uses: take your trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), divide by 2, then multiply by 1.25 for a safety margin. That gives you the per-leg static capacity you need. For a 16,000 lb GVWR fifth wheel, that means each leg should be rated for at least 10,000 lb of static capacity. In practice, an 8,000 lb kit covers most fifth wheels under 15,000 lb GVWR, and a 12,000 lb kit handles heavier toy haulers.
Measure your weld stop spacing
The weld stops are the metal tabs on your trailer frame that the legs bolt to. Standard spacing is 15.5 inches between the inner edges of the inner tabs and 17.5 inches between the outer edges of the outer tabs. Measure yours with a tape before ordering. If your spacing is off by even half an inch, the legs will not bolt up.
Manual, electric, or dual power
Manual crank kits are the cheapest and the most reliable, but they require physical effort every time you hitch or level. Electric kits add push-button convenience but introduce motors, switches, fuses, and wiring that can fail. Dual power kits give you both: an electric motor for normal use and a manual crank override for emergencies. Most fifth wheel owners today choose electric or dual power.
Travel length and retracted height
Drop leg travel ranges from 18 to 29.5 inches on most aftermarket kits. Longer travel gives you more leeway on uneven campground sites, but it also means a higher retracted profile. Check the retracted height against your trailer’s front clearance, especially if you store your fifth wheel in a low garage.
Brand Landscape: Lippert vs Ultra-Fab vs Stromberg Carlson vs Bulldog vs Class A
Lippert Components (LCI) is the OEM landing gear supplier for most American fifth wheels built since 2010, which means factory replacement parts are widely available and well documented. Ultra-Fab focuses on heavy-duty aftermarket electric kits with longer warranties and independent dual-motor designs. Stromberg Carlson has been in the RV industry since the 1960s and still makes the LG-1 through LG-6 lines for legacy and heavy-duty applications.
Bulldog (now part of Reese) makes the 500708 single-output fifth wheel kit with a 5-year limited warranty and a proven motor from their A-frame jacks. Class A Customs builds metal gearbox kits that explicitly address the plastic gear failures common on older Venture and Lippert legs. Venture Manufacturing (now part of Lippert) is the legacy OEM for many pre-2010 fifth wheels, and their part numbers continue under the Lippert catalog.
Domar is a smaller brand known for heavier thrust bearings on aftermarket legs. JT’s Strong Arm is a stabilizer accessory rather than landing gear, but it pairs well with any of the kits on this list. Morryde X-Brace is another stabilizer add-on popular on heavier fifth wheels.
Manual vs Electric vs Dual Power Landing Gear
Manual landing gear relies on a hand crank connected to the cross shaft. It is the simplest, lightest, and most reliable option, but it is slow and physically demanding on heavier trailers. A 16,000 lb fifth wheel can take 15 to 20 minutes of cranking per leg to fully retract.
Electric landing gear uses a 12V motor at each leg (or one motor driving both via the cross shaft) and a switch panel inside the trailer. Electric kits cut setup time to under five minutes and let you level with a button press. The trade-off is more parts to fail: motor, gearbox, switch, fuse, and wiring harness.
Dual power kits combine both: an electric motor for daily use and a manual crank override socket for emergencies. If your motor fails or your battery dies, you can still raise or lower the legs by hand. Class A Customs makes a popular dual power kit that pairs well with the Lippert legs in our list.
Installation Overview and Welder vs Bolt-On
Most bolt-on landing gear kits install in 2 to 4 hours with basic hand tools: socket wrench set, torque wrench, jack stands, and a helper. The old legs come off by removing four bolts per leg. The new legs bolt to the existing weld stops, the cross shaft reconnects, and the wiring harness plugs into the switch.
Weld-on kits require cutting the old legs off the frame, grinding the surface clean, and welding the new tabs in place. A qualified welder will charge $200 to $400 for the work, and the trailer needs to be off the tow vehicle during installation. Weld-on is stronger and is the right choice for commercial or heavy-duty applications, but for most RV owners, a bolt-on kit is the practical choice.
Safety warning: never work under a fifth wheel supported only by the landing gear. Always use jack stands rated for your trailer’s weight when changing a tire or working under the front end. The landing gear legs are designed for static load, not for lifting the trailer off the ground for service work.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
The two most common landing gear failures are clicking from the gearbox and a leg that will not retract. Clicking usually means the clutch is slipping, which is either a sign of over-capacity or end-of-travel. Stop pressing the switch immediately: continuing to run the motor against a slipping clutch will burn it out.
A leg that will not retract usually means the cross shaft bolt sheared (very common, easy to fix with a replacement bolt) or the lead screw is seized inside the gearbox (more involved, usually requires gearbox replacement). A blown 30A AGC fuse is another common issue and is almost always caused by a binding gearbox or motor rather than a bad fuse.
Lubricate the lead screws annually with a dry-graphite or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid grease, which attracts dirt and accelerates wear on the thrust bearing. The thrust bearing (RB/SKF 603-V on most Lippert and Venture legs) is a known failure point; if your leg makes a bumping noise and struggles to lift the front, the bearing is likely seized and needs replacement. The thrust bearing is not included in most repair kits, so source it separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my 5th wheel landing gear making a clicking noise?
Clicking from the gearbox usually means the clutch is slipping. It is most often caused by over-capacity load or end-of-travel. Stop pressing the switch immediately and retract or extend until the load is off the clutch. Continuing to run the motor against a slipping clutch will burn the motor out. If clicking persists after unloading, inspect the clutch and gearbox internals.
Can I upgrade manual landing gear to electric?
Yes. Lippert offers a modular upgrade path: pair the LC142178 motor with the LG-145236 mounting hardware to add electric operation to a manual landing gear setup. The upgrade takes 2 to 3 hours and requires running a 12V wire from the battery through a 30A AGC fuse to the switch panel. Class A Customs also makes dual power kits that combine manual and electric operation.
Are 5th wheel tripods worth it?
Tripods like the Vevor and JT’s Strong Arm stabilizer add front-to-back stability that landing gear alone cannot provide. They are worth it if you walk around inside your fifth wheel while parked, since they reduce the rocking motion that comes from people moving around. They are not worth it if you rarely move inside the trailer or if you camp primarily on level concrete pads.
How much weight can 5th wheel landing gear support?
Most aftermarket kits are rated for 5,000 to 12,000 lb total capacity (2,500 to 6,000 lb per leg). To calculate the capacity you need, take your trailer’s GVWR, divide by 2, and multiply by 1.25 for a safety margin. An 8,000 lb kit covers most fifth wheels under 15,000 lb GVWR, and a 12,000 lb kit is the right choice for heavier toy haulers.
Which brand makes the best fifth wheel landing gear?
Lippert is the OEM supplier for most American fifth wheels and offers the widest selection of replacement parts. Ultra-Fab is the strongest choice for heavy-duty electric kits with longer warranties. Stromberg Carlson remains the top pick for legacy trailers and weld-on heavy-duty applications. Class A Customs and Domar both offer metal gearboxes that outlast the factory plastic versions.
Final Verdict: Which Landing Gear Kit Should You Buy?
For most fifth wheel owners looking for the best fifth wheel landing gear kits for trailers, our top recommendation is the Lippert 276602 Aluminum Gearbox as the editor’s choice. It is the most common repair owners face, and the aluminum construction outlasts the factory plastic gearbox that fails on most modern trailers.
If you need a full leg replacement rather than a gearbox swap, the Lippert 179014 Follow Leg is the premium pick for factory Lippert systems, and the FHRHRY 179013 Lead Leg is the best budget replacement at OEM specification. For heavy-duty electric operation, the Ultra-Fab 17-943010 offers 12,000 lb capacity, independent dual motors, and a 6-year warranty that no other brand matches.
Whichever kit you choose, measure your weld stops, calculate your capacity, and confirm the part number fits your trailer before ordering. Pair your new landing gear with a quality fifth wheel hitch, secure your trailer with one of our recommended wheel locks, and upgrade your outdoor living space with a sturdy RV patio awning for the full camping setup.
For more guides on trailering, RV upgrades, and on-the-road repairs, browse our full library of equipment reviews and trailer safety guides.