How to Choose the Correct Jack for a Small Utility Trailer

Updated 11/26/2012 | Published 11/22/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Pipe Mount Swivel Style Trailer Jack with Foot - Sidewind - 10" Travel - 2,000 lbs.

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$77.50

Question:

I have a new small 6X10 single axle utility trailer. It did not come with a jack as the trailer is easy to man handle when empty. I would like to install one anyway. My question is how do you determine the right jack to choose as far as height and travel. I know how I want it mounted weld on pipe mount. I dont care if it is a top wind or a side wind. Just dont know how you make the determination. thanks

asked by: Dave H

Expert Reply:

When choosing a jack for your trailer you will want to choose a jack that has enough lift to lift the coupler over the hitch ball on the tow vehicle. I would recommend hooking your trailer to your truck and, with additional help, lift the trailer coupler a few inches above the hitch ball. With the trailer tongue lifted, find an appropriate location for the jack on your trailer tongue and measure from the center of the frame to the ground. This will tell you the approximate extended height that you will want for a jack.

The Pro Series Jack, # PS1401420303, that you referenced has an extended height of 20-1/2 inches. The extended height of a jack is the distance from the center of the mounting bracket to the bottom of the footplate.

You should also remember that the jack is not going to be lifting the entire weight of the trailer. You will want to 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.

Since your trailer is easy to handle when it is empty, you may want to take a look at the Pipe Mount Jack, # DL22685. This jack has an extended height of 22-1/2 inches and a 2,000 lb weight capacity. The swivel design ensures that the jack will have create ground clearance issues when you are driving and the 2,000 lb weight capacity should be able to handle any load that your trailer can support.

expert reply by: John H