Electric Tongue Jack for Travel Trailer: A Comprehensive Review

Author

Reads 724

Man Changing a Car Tire
Credit: pexels.com, Man Changing a Car Tire

An electric tongue jack for a travel trailer is a game-changer for easy setup and takedown. It makes it possible to lift and lower your trailer with just the touch of a button.

Most electric tongue jacks are designed to handle trailers up to 10,000 pounds, which is the standard weight limit for many travel trailers. This ensures that you can safely and easily lift your trailer without worrying about overloading the jack.

In terms of power, electric tongue jacks typically require a 12-volt DC power source, which is easily accessible in most RVs and travel trailers. This makes it convenient to use the jack without needing to worry about running out of power.

A good electric tongue jack can save you time and effort when setting up and taking down your trailer, making it a valuable investment for any travel trailer owner.

Benefits of Installing a Jack on Your Camper/Trailer

Installing a jack on your camper or trailer can be a game-changer. Electric trailer tongue jacks are really easy to install and a huge upgrade from manual hand crank jacks.

They can save you a lot of work, especially if you live in your trailer full time or have a work trailer that you hitch and unhitch all the time.

Getting an electric jack is going to make life easier, trust me.

Product Specifications

Credit: youtube.com, How To Install An Electric Tongue Jack On A Travel Trailer - Lippert 3500LB Power Tongue Jack

The RV electric tongue jack is a reliable and sturdy option for travel trailers. It has a load capacity of 5000lbs, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

This jack is designed to be adjustable, with a 5-gear drop leg that allows you to set it to a comfortable height. The max extended height is 22", which is perfect for leveling out your trailer.

The construction of this jack is heavy-duty steel with an anti-rust coating, ensuring it can withstand the elements and heavy use.

2.25" Tube, 3500lb

The 2.25" Tube, 3500lb tongue jack is a fantastic option for trailers with "A" Frame couplers. It's perfect for travel trailers, pop-up campers, utility trailers, cargo trailers, and other types of trailers.

This jack has a 3500lb capacity, which is incredibly durable and reliable. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, giving you peace of mind.

It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple switch to lift, level, and stabilize the trailer. The jack includes positive and negative wires for proper grounding, which is a nice touch.

Teal and White Rv Trailer
Credit: pexels.com, Teal and White Rv Trailer

The 6" diameter footplate prevents sinking or tilting, making it super stable. Tight tolerances prevent shifting, so you can rely on it to get the job done.

Here are some key specifications to keep in mind:

  • Total Travel: 23.5"
  • Travels: 10" in 50 seconds
  • Operation: 12VDC
  • Circuit Breaker: 20amp included
  • Backup Option: Can be operated with a crank handle or 9/16" deep-well socket

RV 5000lbs

The RV 5000lbs is a heavy-duty option that can handle loads up to 5000lbs.

Its adjustable height feature is convenient, with a 5-gear drop leg that can extend up to 22" and retract to 9.8".

The jack's construction is built to last, with a heavy-duty steel frame that's coated with an anti-rust finish.

For easy use, a hand crank is included, and the jack comes with a weatherproof cover to protect it from the elements.

This jack is suitable for a wide range of applications, including RVs, 5th wheels, A-frame trailers, boats, and campers.

Installation Process

To install an electric tongue jack for your travel trailer, start by removing the old jack and lining up the new one's mounting plate with the holes in your trailer's A-frame. Make sure the power jack's electrical housing is facing forward or to the side if possible.

Credit: youtube.com, How to install a Lippert 3500 lb Power Tongue Jack

You'll need to connect the electrical wires to your trailer's battery or electrical junction. If your jack is powered by a 7-way plug, you're done. However, if it has two open wires, you'll need to crimp on a battery eyelet terminal with a 5/16 stud hole.

Getting an eyelet terminal with heat shrink is a good idea to protect the connection from the elements. You can connect your jack directly to the battery or to the electrical junction under the tongue of the trailer. Just be sure to connect the right wires to the right spot, with grounding wire to grounding wire and hot wire to hot wire.

Installing a Trailer: 11 Key Considerations

Before you start installing your trailer, make sure to hook it up to the truck first, as Tom pointed out in 2021. This is a crucial step that was mentioned nowhere in the original description.

Make sure to check the wiring of your new electric jack. If it has two wires, like the new one in Charles' case in January 2022, you'll need to figure out where to connect them.

Credit: youtube.com, How To: Install a Trailer Hitch

If you're looking for an adapter to plug into the vehicle power plug, you might be in luck. Dennis asked about this in March 2022, but unfortunately, there's no answer provided.

When connecting the wires of your new electric jack, keep in mind that the red wire is usually the hot wire. Trudy Hunt connected the red wire to the trailer frame as the ground in October 2024, but it's not clear if this is the correct procedure.

If your old jack had one wire and your new one has two, like Jodi's situation in October 2024, you'll need to figure out where to connect the black (negative) wire. In Jodi's case, she connected the red wire to the old jack's connection point, but she's unsure about the black wire.

Here's a quick rundown of the different wiring scenarios:

It's worth noting that the correct procedure for connecting the wires of your new electric jack may vary depending on the specific make and model of your trailer and vehicle.

Step 1: Buy Correct Power Size

RV Trailer on Road in Countryside
Credit: pexels.com, RV Trailer on Road in Countryside

The first step in installing a new power jack for your trailer is to buy the correct size. The standard tube diameter for a-frame trailer jacks is 2.25 inches.

You can find power trailer jacks for tongue weights ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, which covers most trailer sizes and weights. My own 31-foot travel trailer has a max GTW of 9,000 pounds, and a 3,500-pound electric tongue jack is more than enough.

To ensure you get the right size, measure your trailer's tongue weight. You can use a trailer tongue weight scale or a do-it-yourself method using a bathroom scale.

Step 4: Install New Part

Installing a new electric tongue jack is a straightforward process. First, remove the old jack and make sure the mounting plate of the new one is lined up with the holes in your trailer's A-frame.

The power jack's electrical housing should face forward or to the side, depending on the option available. It's essential to ensure proper alignment to avoid any issues with the jack's functionality.

Woman Sitting in a Trailer Converted to a House on Wheels
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Sitting in a Trailer Converted to a House on Wheels

Next, if your trailer jack is powered by a 7-way plug, you're done with the installation process. However, if it has two open wires, you'll need to crimp on a battery eyelet terminal.

The wire is typically 10-12 gauge, and the eyelet should have a 5/16 stud hole. Consider getting an eyelet terminal with heat shrink for added protection against the elements.

A good pack to have is one that includes everything you need for a secure connection, such as this one available on Amazon. Once you've installed the eyelets, you can either connect your electrical tongue jack directly to your battery or to the electrical junction under the tongue of the trailer.

To connect, lift one of the red rubber protectors and bolt in your cables, making sure to match the grounding wire to grounding wire and the hot wire to hot wire.

Drawbacks and Precautions

One major drawback of using an electric tongue jack for a travel trailer is that it can be heavy and require significant installation effort, weighing between 20-50 pounds and needing a dedicated power source.

Credit: youtube.com, Power Tongue Jack Not Working? | RV Troubleshooting

This can be a challenge for some users, especially those who are not comfortable with DIY projects or lack the necessary technical expertise.

The risk of electrical shock is also a concern, especially if the jack is not properly installed or maintained, as seen in the discussion of electrical safety measures.

To mitigate these risks, it's essential to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and take necessary safety precautions when handling the jack.

Why Not Connect Directly to the Battery?

Connecting your electric tongue jack directly to the battery may seem like a convenient option, but it has its drawbacks.

If the battery dies, you'll be left without power for your tongue jack, forcing you to find the manual crank or wait for the battery to charge.

Wiring it to the electrical junction on the frame is a better approach.

This way, the jack will use power from the RV converter when you're plugged into shore power, and you can even use it while driving your tow vehicle.

Wiring directly to the battery can also put a strain on it, reducing its lifespan.

CONS

Bright red camper trailer with yellow designs parked on a colorful street. Ideal for travel themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Bright red camper trailer with yellow designs parked on a colorful street. Ideal for travel themes.

One of the main drawbacks of this product is its speed and power limitations. The jack is slow, not as slow as cranking manually, but a bit more power would be nice.

Another con is its power dependency, which can be a major issue if your battery dies. If that happens, your power jack won't work, and you'll be stuck.

Fortunately, the manufacturer has thought of this problem and offers a solution. The Power Swap Auxiliary Cord allows you to connect your jack to your tow vehicle, avoiding the need to use your camper battery.

However, even with this solution, there's still a potential issue to consider. If you have a bike rack mounted over the top of the jack, it can be difficult to access the port for the crank.

Simplified Stabilization

The Power tongue jack is a game-changer for A-frame trailers, allowing for effortless lowering and raising with auxiliary power.

This electric camper tongue jack boasts a 3,500 lb. lift capacity, making it perfect for trailers of various sizes.

Credit: youtube.com, Big Sky RV - Electric Tongue/Stabilizer Jacks

The helical-cut gears in the Power tongue jack ensure smooth and quiet operation, reducing noise and vibration.

With the Smart Jack, you can experience hassle-free lifting and lowering of your A-frame trailer with a simple push of a button.

The auto-hitch memory function remembers your trailer's ideal hitch height, making it easier to couple and uncouple.

Integrated LED lights on the Smart Jack illuminate your coupler for nighttime use, improving visibility and safety.

The Power Stance tongue jack comes with a groundbreaking 2-way to 7-way plug powering system, allowing for easy connection to your tow vehicle.

The Power Swap Auxiliary Cord preserves your RV power by connecting your electric trailer jack directly to your tow vehicle.

The Power Stance tongue jack also features an integrated safety chain storage ring and a storage inlet for your 7-way connector, adding to its practicality.

Pros and Cons

The electric tongue jack for travel trailers is a game-changer, especially for those with physical limitations. No more cranking with a sore shoulder!

Credit: youtube.com, Electric Power Tongue Jack Operation & Override Tips | Country Camper

Easy adjustments are a breeze with this jack, thanks to its electric motor that makes micro adjustments with just the slightest press of a button. This is a huge time-saver, especially when camping solo.

Having a handy light on the jack is a thoughtful touch, illuminating the whole front of the camper and making late arrivals much less frustrating. This feature is especially useful when setting up after dark.

Installation is surprisingly easy, taking only about 10 minutes to swap out the manual jack. Just remove the three bolts, insert the new Power Jack, and pop those three bolts back in.

The main cons of this electric tongue jack are its slow speed and power. It's not as slow as cranking manually, but a bit more power would be nice.

Another con is its power dependency - if your battery is dead, the jack won't work. However, Lippert offers a solution with the Power Swap Auxiliary Cord, which allows you to connect the jack to your tow vehicle to avoid using your camper battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size electric tongue jack do I need for my RV?

To determine the right electric tongue jack size for your RV, calculate 10-15% of your trailer's weight and choose a jack that exceeds that capacity. For example, a 6,000-7,000 lb trailer requires a jack capable of lifting 900-1,000 lbs.

Can you put electric jacks on a camper?

Yes, electric RV jacks can be installed on a camper, and it's a relatively simple process that can be completed in under 30 minutes with the right tools.

What kind of jack do I need for my travel trailer?

To determine the right jack for your travel trailer, calculate 7-10% of its fully loaded weight, which will give you the required tongue weight capacity

What is the ultra 4000 electric tongue jack?

The Ultra 4000 Electric Tongue Jack is a heavy-duty lifting solution with a 4,000 lb. lift capacity and 18" of travel. It's designed for easy installation and reliable operation, perfect for RVs and trailers.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.