Can I Replace My A-Frame Jack With a Side Mount Swivel Jack  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey, Pete!

I think I’m on the right track here but, if I'm wrong about anything, let me know!

Right now, you have an A-frame jack and you’re looking to replace it with a side-mount jack instead. Your trailer’s A-frame has a rail or beam running down the center of the open space between the “A.” I attached a photo of one of our A-frame jacks that looks similar to what you described.

The jack you're looking at, part # PS1400400303 has an 11" bracket height, measured from the center of the pipe mount to the bottom of the footplate. The total length of the jack is 17" from top to bottom. If you only have about 7" of clearance in that area, the jack won’t be able to swivel up into the towing position.

One possible alternative is the Ultimate Trailer Jack, part # UJ44FR. This jack allows you to adjust the bracket height. It’s designed for 3" x 3" or 3" x 4" frames, but it could potentially be modified to fit a 2" x 4" rail. It is a side-wind jack, so that’s something to consider if space on the tongue is tight. When fully raised, it should only hang down about 8". I know it’s not the exact style you were originally looking for, but I wanted to mention it as an option. This jack also has a lower capacity, lift capacity of 1,500 lbs and a static capacity of 2,500 lbs.

I’d love to see any pictures you have. If you can access your email on your phone, you can simply reply to the email you receive and attach the pictures there.

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

0

A-Frame Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Ultimate Trailer Jack
(click to enlarge)

Pete S.

12/23/2025

Thank you for the reply. You have the right idea except I didn’t think I would be able to rotate for travel so therefore I wanted to remove the Jack by pulling the pin on the mounting cylinder and sliding the jack off the trailer mount. I just need confirmation that I have room to pull that off horizontally.

Chris D.

12/24/2025

@PeteS, I measured the distance of my installation and from the outside of the jack tube to the frame where I welded the mounting tube is 4.5”. You’ll need at least 1.5” of additional clearance to slide the jack off the frame tube mount but 2” of clearance would be much better. You might be able grind the mounting tube length down about 1/4” to get some clearance but it will be a close fit. If you do get enough clearance to slide the jack off it still might be a hassle to get the jack out of the frame space you have. The base of the jack has a rectangular base plate that might require some wiggling around to pull it up. Depending on your vehicle hitch height you might be able to drop it down to pull it out below.