How to Determine Trailer Tongue Weight for Selecting a Powered Tongue Jack

Updated 02/24/2016 | Published 02/23/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Ultra-Fab Electric A-Frame Jack w/ 2-1/4" Tubing - Drop Leg - 22-1/2" Lift - 4,000 lbs

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$332.39

Electric Jack w/ Footplate - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black

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Question:

I have a KZ 20foot trailer with weight distribution and tow it with a 2015 Tundra. Is there a way to determine or estimate the load of the truck and tongue to size the jack?

asked by: Henry L

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to measure your trailer tongue weight (TW) is to use a scale like the etrailer # e99044. There are other methods outlined in the linked article or you can simply take the truck and trailer to a truck weigh station. In general, a properly loaded trailer's TW will be about 15-percent of its gross weight.

You'll want to select a jack based on the trailer's heaviest weight condition, in other words when it is fully loaded. This will let you select a powered tongue jack with enough capacity and enough safety margin. A jack will last longer if it is not used at its maximum rating, so you want to choose a jack with capacity of several times the trailer's actual TW.

You can use the linked page to view all electric tongue jacks. You can choose weld-on or bolt-on installation and whether you want a foot on the jack tube by clicking on the filters.

The Lippert # EJ-3520-BBX is a powered jack rated for 3500 pounds of tongue weight, and easily bolts on.

expert reply by: Adam R