How Well Does Ratchet Feature Work With Ark Xtreme Jack On Dual Axle Jet Ski Trailer?

Updated 03/12/2026 | Published 03/06/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Ark Xtreme Off-Road Ratcheting Jack w/ 2 Wheels - Sidewind - 15-1/2" Lift - 1,100 lbs

(68)

$399.00

Trailer Valet Essentials Trailer Dolly - 1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 800 lb Tongue Weight

(6)

$195.31

Question:

How well will the ratchet feature work on a loaded tandem axle jet ski trailer?

asked by: TC

Expert Reply:

Hey TC, the Ark Xtreme Off-Road Ratcheting Jack w/ 2 Wheels # ARK54FR would likely work well for that assuming the tongue weight is under the max weight limit of 1,100lbs.

I did see a review saying it wasn't working too well on a fully loaded tandem axle trailer, but it sounded like that was a heavy duty trailer like a car hauler or dump trailer etc., not a jet ski trailer. I believe it will suit you well. I saw many other reviews saying it worked good on their dual axle trailer.

If you want an alternative to move the trailer around (non-jack style), I'd look at the Trailer Valet Essentials Trailer Dolly - 1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 800 lb Tongue Weight # TV73FR which will help dolly the trailer around. Max tongue weight is 800lbs (I'd assume you're still under that by quite a bit).

What do you currently do for this?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Scott

3/10/2026

It should work well. I found it worked better on level ground to put it in neutral rather than have the locking ratchet engaged. The handle does move it very well. I used it with a 6k lb tandem axle boat trailer that I couldn’t move at all before I got the ARK.

C. H.

3/11/2026

It did not work for my boat at all. My boat weighs 3000 lbs and sits on a tandem axle trailer. The Ark does not work because it cannot overcome come the rolling resistance of the tires. When operating it, the trailer will roll back to its original position while you are trying to ratchet it again. If you try to do it quickly, you just bend the operating rod. It would be better to have a standard trailer jack with twin wheels on the post instead of a pad, and then roll the trailer by pushing at the top of one of the trailer wheels, where you have good leverage. As far a a jet ski trailer, I don't know, but for me it was a waste of money. You would be better off buying a battery powered dolly from Vevor, if you did not want to push it yourself.

Andrew N.

3/11/2026

@CH Wow that's unfortunate, I haven't heard of this issue before. If you don't mind me asking, what was the trailer and weight you had hooked up to it? This is stuff I would want to relay back to the manufacturer if possible. Also it may be under warranty still if you want to try and work that out.

C. H.

3/12/2026

The boat and trailer weight about4500 lbs. There is nothing to be done here. I just use the jack as a caster and push from the top of the trailer wheels; more leverage and less work. It is also getting a bit more difficult to work with because even after rinsing and spraying with cosmoline twice a year, it is still becoming corroded. I have had it for 3 years and, as I had stated, it would have been more beneficial to install twin wheels on the trailer jack that came with the trailer and that would have sufficed.