Will Replacing Jack Foot Plate With Caster Wheel Reduce Jack Weight Capacity or Trailer Capacity?

Updated 12/29/2020 | Published 12/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Ram Removable, 6" Poly Caster Assembly for 2" Jack Tube - 1,200 lbs

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$21.12

Buyers Products 5" Wheel Chock - Black Rubber - Qty 1

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$21.09

Question:

I am looking at the option of replacing the foot plate on my trailer jack with a wheeled version. Looking at your wheeled options, are these rated for the entire weight of the trailer, or just the tongue weight?

asked by: Adam C

Expert Reply:

You can replace your trailer's jack foot plate with a trailer caster wheel. Your tongue weight capacity will be the lowest of three numbers, 1.) the new caster wheel capacity, 2.) the old tongue jack capacity, or 3.)the trailers stated TONGUE weight capacity.

For example, the etrailer # JC-101 caster has a stated capacity of 1200 pounds. This is for the wheel and caster assembly only. Even if your old trailer jack is rated for 2000 pounds, adding this caster reduces your capacity to 1200 pounds - the lowest of the three ratings. If you subscribe to the theory that tongue weight can be up to 15% of total trailer weight, then this wheel would be suitable for trailers whose GVWR is as high as 8000 pounds.

Make sure you have a quality pair of rubber wheel chocks like the Buyers Products # 337WC1467A.

expert reply by: Les D