Does Weight Capacity on A-Frame Trailer Jack Refer to Tongue Weight or Trailer Weight

Updated 03/31/2015 | Published 03/29/2015

Question:

Are these jacks rated for camper weight or tongue weight?

asked by: Tom F

Expert Reply:

The 2500 lbs reference on the Stromberg-Carlson electric A-Frame Tongue Jack # JET-2500 is the tongue weight of your trailer. As long as your trailer's tongue weight is less than 2500 lbs, then this jack will work well.

The 2500 figure is the maximum amount of weight the jack will lift. Since the jack is on the trailer tongue, the jack will not lift the entire weight of the trailer, just the tongue weight.

Tongue weight is the downward pressure that the coupler places on the hitch ball. Typically TW is 10 to 15 percent of your gross trailer weight, which is the weight of the trailer fully loaded. For example, a 5,000 lbs fully loaded trailer has a TW of 500 lbs to 750 lbs pressing down on the ball.

I have attached a FAQ article on trailer jacks for a bit more information.

When picking a jack, it is best to go with the one with the largest capacity that will fit in your available mounting space. If you get a larger one than is needed it will be quicker and have a longer life. This jack uses the trailers battery as the power source.

I have attached a picture with the dimension noted just in case you have propane tanks on your tongue of your trailer.

expert reply by: Chris O