Trailer jacks typically have an outer tube that attaches to the trailer tongue. They also have an inner leg that raises or lowers the trailer tongue. The portion is operated by turning a handle. This handle transmits the user’s hand-cranking motion to the jack leg to lift or lower the trailer tongue.
Stabilizing
Stabilizing trailer jacks allow you to keep a load in place while moving it to or from your truck. The capacity of a trailer jack is determined by its support capacity, which measures how much weight the jack can handle when the jack leg is extended or retracted but not in motion. Some trailer jacks feature wheels that make them more mobile when uncoupling or preparing to hitch. Some even have a footplate design that keeps the jack from sinking into soft ground.
Other models come with a handle that can be used for both extending and retracting the jack leg. Choose a comfortable type that won’t obstruct other parts of your trailer. A grab handle has a cylinder shape that lets you wrap your hand around it, while knob-style handles have a round, closed end. Both can be easy to grip and crank. Some jacks can also be locked in a retracted position using a pin.
Lifting
Tow vehicles can connect and disconnect the trailer from the trailer by placing the trailer over the trailer hitch ball, which is made possible with trailer jacks. The jacks also keep the trailer level stable when unhitched and parked. They come in various styles designed for specific trailer types and purposes. Choose from side-mount jacks that bolt or weld to the frame of the trailer tongue, manual crank swivel jacks, and square jacks that fold up for storage and down for use.
Many jacks are available with blocks to prevent damage to the ground where they are mounted. Screwing directly into dirt or grass can leave marks, holes and tear up the surface. Having them situated on blocks gives the jacks a much larger and stronger base to work from. They can then stay in place to provide stability and safety while you work on the trailer.
Safety
A functional trailer jack is a vital safety feature. It’s a good idea to check it regularly for signs of wear, such as the lubrication needs to be replaced or a leg may be bent or broken. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing and a stiff hat or welding helmet when working on a trailer jack. Several trailer jacks are available, including swivel tongue jacks that swivel to prevent hitting ground obstructions or curbs while moving a loaded trailer. There are also weld-on or bolt-on models that attach directly to the trailer tongue for a secure connection. Regardless of which type you choose, the most crucial aspect to remember is that they must be correctly positioned and have sufficient load capacity for the trailer. They should not be set up on a slope and must sit securely in contact with the floor beneath the trailer tongue.
]Retracting
When a trailer is uncoupled and lowered, jacks retract to allow the tongue to return to its original position beneath the towing vehicle’s hitch ball. This function is essential to have for safe trailer operation. Trailer jacks typically have an outer tube or body inside which the inner jack leg can slide up and down. The jack head holds the jack handle that you crank to operate the jack, and it may also have a built-in or removable grease zerk for easy lubrication. Some jacks are designed to bolt onto the trailer frame, while others are welded directly on. Those that are bolt-on have mounting hardware that lets you remove them, while weld-on jacks require direct metal-on-metal contact to install and remain permanently fixed. Jacks are usually rated by their support capacity and weight rating when the jack leg is fully extended and not moving. They are also rated by their stroke, the distance from the retracted to the extended position.
