Types of Trailer Jacks
Towing safely requires several components, one of which is a trailer jack. There are many different kinds of trailer jacks available to select from when it comes time to shop for one for your trailer. Depending on what you're looking for, you may find that one type is better suited than another.
There are differences in design qualities that may be found even within a single category of trailer hitch, and the following information can assist you in selecting the appropriate kind from among the numerous available options.
A swivel tongue jack is a trailer jack with a built-in mechanism that allows it to swivel out of the way when it’s not in use. The rotation is enabled by the swiveling assembly, which is held in place by the locking pin.
The increased ground clearance provided when the jack is swiveled into its horizontal position is the main benefit of this type of jack. It's less likely to hit the ground accidentally when pulling over bumps, curbs, and ramps, which might harm the jack or the trailer.
Swivel jacks can be bolted to a mounting plate or welded to a mounting tube. Ball bearings are used in certain swivel assemblies, whereas two plain tubes are used in others. The two-tube swivel configuration has the benefit of being able to remove the jack fully by simply removing the pin.
A drop leg trailer jack allows the operator to swiftly pin the foot in a lower position in order to speed up the jacking procedure. Telescoping tube and a pin are used to facilitate the dropping process.
The capacity to swiftly reduce the space between the trailer jack and the ground is a key benefit of a drop leg trailer jack. This drop movement decreases the amount of cranking required to raise the trailer tongue.
Some drop leg trailer jacks include a spring-loaded foot that retracts on its own after the pin is withdrawn. This feature eliminates the need for the operator to bend over to retract the jack's leg.
An electric trailer jack is a jack with an electric motor that extends and retracts the jack's leg. They make it easier to operate the jack by reducing the amount of physical labor required. They function by plugging into the trailer's electrical system to power the motor, and the user then moves the trailer using the control.
The main benefit of electric trailer jacks is that they eliminate the need for physical work. In the event that the jack loses power, certain jacks provide a manual override. Electric jacks provide an excellent user experience, although they are more expensive than regular jacks.
The rigid-mounted trailer jack with a foot plate is about as straightforward and cost-effective as trailer jacks get. These types of jacks are rare in nature, therefore it would seem that everyone should have one of these handy at all times.
These trailer jacks, whether they have side or top cranks and mount on the side or have an a-frame mount, serve as the foundation for all other jacks.
When compared to side-mounted trailer jacks, A-frame jacks are more central to the trailer centerline. They have the particular benefit of having a very good loading condition as a result of this. Side-mounted trailer jacks cause a twisting moment, and the farther away from the trailer centerline they are, the greater the twisting moment.
Marine jacks are the jack of choice for those who spend a lot of time fishing or boating since they are built to endure the wear and strain that comes with frequent contact to the water.
Wheels are typically included on marine jacks, enabling better portability and a more straightforward connection process with your boat trailer. Marine jacks also include a heavy-duty pull-pin that allows them to rotate on their mounting bracket and move out of the way so that they are not in the way when the vehicle is being transported.
These jacks have a coating that is resistant to corrosion, which will protect them from rust and the damage that can be caused by moisture.
One type of heavy-duty trailer jack available is a square jack. They provide greater holding strength thanks to their design that allows them to be welded directly into the frame of your trailer. Depending on the specific model, the support capacities of these heavyweight models range from 8,000 pounds all the way up to 12,000 pounds, and the lift capacities range from 7,000 pounds all the way up to 10,000 pounds.
Square jacks are an ideal alternative for satisfying the rigorous requirements of the agricultural life and construction business. These jacks are offered with a side-wind handle or a top-wind handle, depending on the user's preference.
Making sure that you know what type of jack is right for your needs would definitely make your trip easier because you’ll be able to level your trailer regardless of the terrain you’re on. The right type of trailer jack will ensure your trailer is constantly well supported whenever the jack is in place and in use. This ultimately helps you take one thing off your mind and focus on having a great time instead of worrying whether the jack you are using will be able to level your trailer or fail.
There are differences in design qualities that may be found even within a single category of trailer hitch, and the following information can assist you in selecting the appropriate kind from among the numerous available options.
Types Of Trailer Jacks
Swivel Tongue Jack
A swivel tongue jack is a trailer jack with a built-in mechanism that allows it to swivel out of the way when it’s not in use. The rotation is enabled by the swiveling assembly, which is held in place by the locking pin.
The increased ground clearance provided when the jack is swiveled into its horizontal position is the main benefit of this type of jack. It's less likely to hit the ground accidentally when pulling over bumps, curbs, and ramps, which might harm the jack or the trailer.
Swivel jacks can be bolted to a mounting plate or welded to a mounting tube. Ball bearings are used in certain swivel assemblies, whereas two plain tubes are used in others. The two-tube swivel configuration has the benefit of being able to remove the jack fully by simply removing the pin.
Drop Leg Trailer Jack
A drop leg trailer jack allows the operator to swiftly pin the foot in a lower position in order to speed up the jacking procedure. Telescoping tube and a pin are used to facilitate the dropping process.
The capacity to swiftly reduce the space between the trailer jack and the ground is a key benefit of a drop leg trailer jack. This drop movement decreases the amount of cranking required to raise the trailer tongue.
Some drop leg trailer jacks include a spring-loaded foot that retracts on its own after the pin is withdrawn. This feature eliminates the need for the operator to bend over to retract the jack's leg.
Electric Trailer Jacks
An electric trailer jack is a jack with an electric motor that extends and retracts the jack's leg. They make it easier to operate the jack by reducing the amount of physical labor required. They function by plugging into the trailer's electrical system to power the motor, and the user then moves the trailer using the control.
The main benefit of electric trailer jacks is that they eliminate the need for physical work. In the event that the jack loses power, certain jacks provide a manual override. Electric jacks provide an excellent user experience, although they are more expensive than regular jacks.
Rigid Mounted Trailer Jack
The rigid-mounted trailer jack with a foot plate is about as straightforward and cost-effective as trailer jacks get. These types of jacks are rare in nature, therefore it would seem that everyone should have one of these handy at all times.
These trailer jacks, whether they have side or top cranks and mount on the side or have an a-frame mount, serve as the foundation for all other jacks.
When compared to side-mounted trailer jacks, A-frame jacks are more central to the trailer centerline. They have the particular benefit of having a very good loading condition as a result of this. Side-mounted trailer jacks cause a twisting moment, and the farther away from the trailer centerline they are, the greater the twisting moment.
Marine Trailer Jack
Marine jacks are the jack of choice for those who spend a lot of time fishing or boating since they are built to endure the wear and strain that comes with frequent contact to the water.
Wheels are typically included on marine jacks, enabling better portability and a more straightforward connection process with your boat trailer. Marine jacks also include a heavy-duty pull-pin that allows them to rotate on their mounting bracket and move out of the way so that they are not in the way when the vehicle is being transported.
These jacks have a coating that is resistant to corrosion, which will protect them from rust and the damage that can be caused by moisture.
Square Jack
One type of heavy-duty trailer jack available is a square jack. They provide greater holding strength thanks to their design that allows them to be welded directly into the frame of your trailer. Depending on the specific model, the support capacities of these heavyweight models range from 8,000 pounds all the way up to 12,000 pounds, and the lift capacities range from 7,000 pounds all the way up to 10,000 pounds.
Square jacks are an ideal alternative for satisfying the rigorous requirements of the agricultural life and construction business. These jacks are offered with a side-wind handle or a top-wind handle, depending on the user's preference.
Making sure that you know what type of jack is right for your needs would definitely make your trip easier because you’ll be able to level your trailer regardless of the terrain you’re on. The right type of trailer jack will ensure your trailer is constantly well supported whenever the jack is in place and in use. This ultimately helps you take one thing off your mind and focus on having a great time instead of worrying whether the jack you are using will be able to level your trailer or fail.