Can a Trailer Scissor Jack be Used to Lift a Trailer

Updated 07/01/2015 | Published 06/30/2015

Question:

How much torque in general terms is required to crank the jack when lifting say 2000 lbs.? I have tried 2 jacks with IDENTICAL appearance and specs Haul Master brand, and I needed a 3-ft pipe on the end of a 1/2inch drive to lift even 1000 lbs. Greasing the jack screw had no effect. Since I am a healthy 62, 215lb man, this much jack cranking effort seemed ridiculous. So, before I order your product, I want assurance that at least 1/2 of the advertised capacity can be lifted with an easy turn of a 1/2inch ratchet drive.

asked by: Emil C

Expert Reply:

The problem that you are running into is that scissor jacks for trailers, such as # UF48-979006, are not meant to lift up the trailer. They are for stabilizing the trailer front to back or side to side only. I know that seems counter-intuitive but that is how scissor jacks are designed and rated for use on trailers.

expert reply by: Michael H