Tongue Jack & Weight Distribution Hitch for 10K Pound Race Car Trailer

Updated 04/01/2013 | Published 03/31/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Stromberg Carlson Electric Trailer Jack - Drop Leg - A-Frame - 23" Lift - 4,500 lbs - Black

(910)

$299.95

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(638)

$634.95

Question:

I have a racecar trailer, and we are towing around 10,000 lbs. How much weight capacity in an electric trailer jack to I need? 2500 lbs? 3000 lbs? 3500 lbs? More?

asked by: Pam R

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Strtomberg Carlson # SC63VR tongue jack rated for 4500 pounds of lift. This should be much more capacity than you need - however there is an adavantage to thits. That extra capacity means it will run smoothly with little effort lifting the load quickly without strain. You probably have a car winch on your trailer that either slowly grinds along, or runs cool, quick, and quiet for the same reaasons. Additionally this is the only tongue jack with stops to pervent the common breakage when jacks are over extended or retracted.

You can further help yourself with the proper hitch equipment, as follows.

Race car trailers often have too much weight towards the front of the trailer where the tires and tool boxes frequently are. I would first try to mitigate that problem by mounting overhead storage and spare wheels further back. Moving your generator back would help too.

A safely loaded trailer will have a tongue weight equaling 10-15% of the total trailer weight. If you are indeed towing 10,000 pounds, then the tongue weight should be no more than 1500 pounds. I would recommend getting an etrailer # e99044 tongue weight scale. This will greatly assist you as you move things around to find the best towing configuration.

If you find that you can't get the tongue weight at or below 1500 pounds, then you can use a weight distribution hitch that will move some of that tongue weight to your trucks front axle, and some wieght to the trailer axles. If your trailer weight is 10,000 pounds then I recommend the Curt # C17501 TruTrack system. which will help trailers up to 15,000 pounds.