Should I Cut the Trim on My Trailer to Install the etrailer Bolt-On Swivel Mounting Plate?

Updated 07/23/2025 | Published 07/18/2025

Question:

The e52JR and swivel jacks I bought and received appear to be almost perfect for my needs, except for a bit of aluminum trim at the bottom frame rail of my trailer. Can you share the best way to install the bolt on mounts in my situation see picture. Was thinking of 1 adding aluminum plate inside the channel in the trim and above the trim to make the entire area under the vertical part of the bracket as flat and firm as possible, or 2 cutting the trim out so the bracket is flat against the trailer frame itself. Most of the load will be on the bottom of the bracket supporting the underside of the trailer, so either should work with little or no issues. Are there any reports of similar situations and or installations and issues with installation one way or the other? Suggestions? Thanks for your assistance!

asked by: Don

Aluminum Trim on Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Don,

Great question, and thank you for the picture.

I would cut the trim. Adding a plate or shim can introduce a weak spot and may also lead to increased vibration while traveling. Plus, you want the etrailer Bolt-On Swivel Mounting Plate for 3,500-lb Trailer Jacks with a 5/8" Swivel Pin # e52JR sitting flush on the trailer frame for the strongest and most stable installation.

Cutting the trim ensures direct contact between the mounting bracket and the frame, which gives you maximum structural support and reduces the risk of hardware shifting or loosening over time. Just be sure to make a clean cut and smooth the edges to prevent any sharp spots or future issues.

Is there a spot on the trailer frame in the front to install the jack? What kind of trailer is this going on?

expert reply by: Kate F

etrailer Bolt-On Swivel Mounting Plate Installed
(click to enlarge)

Don

7/23/2025

This is a single 3500 lb axle Covered Wagon cargo trailer which has a top wind A-Frame jack at the front already, and the two new 3500 lb trailer jacks and E52JR bolt-on brackets are for leveling and stabilizing the two rear corners... and for raising one side enough to replace a tire if necessary. The bottom trim goes all the way around the cargo box of the trailer, except for the a-frame at the front where a less stout top-wind trailer jack is already present. I haven't yet determined if putting two more jacks and brackets at the two front corners of the trailer would be more duplicitous than useful or vice versa. Many thanks for confirming a good approach with sound advice!

Kate F.

7/23/2025

@Don I see what you are doing now Don. You could always go the scissor jack route for stabilizing. The etrailer Scissor Stabilizer Jacks w/ Handle and Drill Adapter - 24" Lift - 10,000 lbs - Qty 4 # e64RV would get the job done. Not sure if you considered that option, so I thought I would throw it out there. if you have any other questions, you know where to find us =)

Don

7/23/2025

@KateF I did consider drop down and scissor jacks, but they all hang under the frame rail, and I have no good way to attach a plate under my trailer so they would not hang below the frame rails. My trailer has a 4in drop axle, so the ground clearance is a bit low for my tastes with anything hanging below the rails, short of replacing the axle with a straight axle. To me, the brackets and jacks was the most economical answer and almost perfect for my needs.

Kate F.

7/23/2025

@Don Sounds like you know what you need to do then Don, thanks for replying back. I deleted the second one, you have to love the computer world and all the glitches to go along with it =)