Does The Ark Extreme Jack Need To Be Mounted On The Center Rail Of The Trailer Frame?

Updated 03/05/2024 | Published 03/04/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Ark Xtreme Off-Road Jack w/ 2 Wheels - Sidewind - 18" Lift - 1,100 lbs

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$265.00

Ark Xtreme Off-Road Tube Mount Swivel Trailer Jack- Sidewind - 18" Lift - Black - 1,650 lbs

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Question:

On the video when you were installing the Ark Extreme jack it was relocated from the outside rail to the middle rail. My question is why and should it be relocated on the middle rail ? I installing this Ark Extreme on a Mission two place snowmobile trailer, should I relocate my jack ? I bought the Ark Extreme jack Part # ORJW500D. Thank you for your time. Rich Sparling

asked by: Rich S

Expert Reply:

Hey Rich, that is a really good question. The short answer is, no, you do not need to go relocate your jack. According to the manufacturer, mounting the jack on the middle rail allows it to more evenly distribute the weight of the trailer, making it easier to move and turn. Pretty hard to disagree with, right? I believe in the video they chose the center rail since the trailer was a bit on the heavier side, and because they simply had room to do so.

That being said, in most cases, the Ark Jacks will perform great, whether mounted on the middle rail or the side of the A-frame. You may have noticed the red flatbed trailer in the video you were watching. This is a trailer we use quite often around the office here, and we have the Ark 750 Series # ARK47FR Jack bolted to the side of the A-frame. I went out to the parking lot and took a few pictures. I can say that in my time using this jack, which has been a good amount, I have not noticed any kind of negative effects of locating it here. It is very easy to move and rotate and I was quite easily able to maneuver the unloaded trailer by myself. I can honestly say that these Ark jacks perform better than really any other manual crank jack out there.

The only real reason to relocate it would be if you are having trouble moving and turning the jack, or if it seems unstable in the current location. If everything is working smoothly and as intended, you can leave it right where it is.

expert reply by: Jesse M