Recommended Stabilizer Jack for a Aluminum Trailer w/ Low Ground Clearance
Updated 12/16/2025 | Published 12/14/2025
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Question:
I have a 2011 Quality Steel 16 dual axle aluminum trailer to which I like to mount rear stabilizer jacks. The frame is constructed of 2 square tubing. I like the Ark Down Part Number: AR34FR but its minimum retraction is 16. Depending on the ground grade, the clearance can be as little as 10. I can provide a photo of the trailer if helpful. Any suggestions?
asked by: Tony D
Expert Reply:
Hey Tony. With that short of a ground clearance, I recommend the etrailer Scissor Stabilizer Jacks w/ Handle and Drill Adapter item # e56VV. These extend from as little as 5" to as high as 24" and have a 5,000 lbs capacity. This kit comes with a handle and a convenient drill bit attachment that makes adjusting them quick and easy.
Since your trailer has an aluminum frame you'll want to put plastic washers or a cut a piece of plastic to put between the jacks and the aluminum. Polypropylene tape works well too.
The shortest stabilizer jacks we have are the Stabilizer Jacks item # TJ01RT-HD. These retract up to 11-1/2" and extend up to 18". They're a bit shorter than the Ark item # AR34FR you referenced, but they're still not going to work with as little as 10" of clearance.
What do you typically haul on your trailer?
You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.
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Bob S.
12/16/2025
Jerred, I have a 10 x 6 single axel enclosed trailer. I use it at BBQ contests. I will drop the rear ramp to make it level with the ground. I brace the very top (end) of the ramp with plastic milk cartons, and roll my smokers out onto the ramp. I'm always worried about the nose of the trailer wanting to tip up from the weight of the smokers on the ramp. I installed the stabilizers so they would support the back of the trailer. Unfortunately even the short stabilizers are a bit too long. I have to drop the nose of the trailer all the way down, swing out the stabilizers in the rear and depending on what the trailer is sitting on, the stabilizers will still scrape the ground not allowing me to swing them out fully and lock them into position. I should have went with the scissors. I'll probably buy scissors in the spring and sell the stabilizers on Facebook Market place. I can say, however, that the stabilizers are very rugged and good quality. I'd buy them again if I had another trailer that sat a touch higher.