How to Choose the Correct Replacement Trailer Jack With Enough Ground Clearance on Rough Terrain

Updated 10/01/2012 | Published 09/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Footplate for 2,000-lb and 5,000-lb Round, A-Frame Jacks

(87)

$9.71

Round A-Frame Trailer Jack - Sidewind - 15-5/8" Travel - 5,000 lbs

(957)

$91.31

Question:

I have a Bulldog a-frame round bolt on trailer jack, it says on the front Lifts 6,000 lbs, Stat?? 7,000lbs and below that 175000, this is our second jack on this trailer the first from the factory was the same brand but bracket to ground was at least 4 inches less. This jack has a 12 1/4 bracket to ground, I keep dragging it when in the rough areas, it appears to be bent or something because after the last drag, it cranks very very hard up or down. I do not see any jack that lifts 6,000 lbs, I am sure the 5,000 would be fine we only jack it up or down when emptyhorses out. I need a manual, top or side crank, does not matter, need a shorter bracket to ground, do you have any? Your assistance is much appreciated.

asked by: Joica C

Expert Reply:

When choosing a jack for your trailer you will want to remember that the jack is not going to be lifting the entire weight of the trailer. You should choose a jack that exceeds the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded.

The tongue weight of a trailer is typically calculated as 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight. I would recommend finding the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) which is the maximum weight that your trailer can support and choose a jack that is rated just higher than 10 to 15 percent of that number. You will also want to choose a jack that has a smaller retracted height to prevent the jack from hitting the ground on rough terrain.

If the loaded tongue weight is under 5,000 lbs, then I would recommend looking at the etrailer.com Round, A-Frame Jack, # TJA-5000S-B. This jack has a retracted height of 8-3/8 inches which is measured from the top of your trailer frame to the bottom of the inner tube. If you need a new footplate as well, then I would recommend the Footplate, # JF-99.

expert reply by: John H