What Determines the Lifting Capacity of a Powered A-Frame Trailer Jack

Updated 08/16/2017 | Published 08/15/2017

Question:

Im looking at trailer A-frame jacks. Wondering what makes one jack rated at 2000 lb.s and one that looks just like it at 5000 lb.s? Is the lifting ratio of turns of the crank to inches of lift the same?

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

It's a combination of the power of the motor, the ratio of rotations per inch, as well as the capacity of the materials used etc. In general the capacity of the jack doesn't affect the appearance that much. You should also keep in mind that trailer jacks only need enough capacity to lift the tongue weight of your trailer which is normally 10 percent of the total trailer weight.

Take a look at the Stromberg Carlson # SC63VR. It has a lifting capacity of 4,500 lbs which would be more than you'd need but will ensure that the jack will operate quickly and last a long time.

expert reply by: Jameson C