The Best Electric Tongue Jacks and A-Frame Jacks

Manually hooking up your trailer to your tow vehicle can be quite the awful experience. I mean, it takes its toll on your body after a while and can cause severe issues in both your back as well as your arms.

These issues becoming a significant problem is why manufacturers saw it fit to create devices called electric tongue jacks. But the only problem with these products is they’re incredibly popular, and the massive amount of options a customer has to choose from is somewhat frustrating.

In fact, it makes finding the best electric tongue jack mind-numbingly difficult. Given this information, I thought creating a buying guide about these products could be beneficial for other consumers and save you from the nightmare I experienced.

This buying guide will cover all the relevant topics about electric tongue jacks and point you in the direction of some high-quality products that I have deemed the best on the market. All of this information will hopefully ensure you don’t have to spend much time searching for the perfect jack.

So please, keep reading and let me help you make this experience as painless as possible by breaking this marketplace down into something more manageable.

12 Electric Tongue Jack and A-Frame Jack Reviews 2023

This section will provide you with product reviews discussing seven electric tongue jacks that we consider the best on the market. We’ll also review three top-notch manual tongue jacks as well to give some idea of the differences between the two products.

And from these discussions, we hope you start to understand what the electric trailer jack might look like for your circumstances.

1. LIBRA 3500lbs Electric Power A-Frame Tongue Jack

The LIBRA Electric Power A-Frame Tongue Jack wows the camper crowd with its reliable lifting mechanism and excellent weatherproofing. It is a decent device that can add a whole new meaning to modern RVing.

I like this power jack’s 3500-pound capacity. It might not seem sufficient, but the 7-10 percent rule makes it suitable for toy hauler units, hefty travel trailers, and massive campers with a maximum fully loaded weight of 35,000 pounds.

RV families will love this device’s effortless operation, dropping to 31.5 inches with the eight-inch drop leg fully extended. It does not matter how high the trailer’s coupler is to the ground surface because this jack can secure it without a glitch. The best part is this jack extends and retracts 20 percent faster than other tongue jacks.

Not only is this product the fastest electric trailer jack I have seen, its construction is also surprisingly robust. This power jack has multiple weatherproofing elements that safeguard it against rain, dust, dirt, and other particles. It has a powder coating, stainless steel hardware, a rain-proof head cover, and a one-piece motor cover for protection.

I appreciate the addition of a manual hand crank for operating the unit if my 12V battery is dead. The LED lamp is also excellent, allowing users to manipulate the power jack at night without using a flashlight.

Although I love this power tongue jack, it is a tad noisy, though nowhere near intolerably loud.

2. Uriah Products UC500010 Electric Trailer Jack

RV families who want a heavy duty electric tongue jack should consider the Uriah Products UC500010 Electric Trailer Jack. It has an impressive lifting capability, a striking design, and an impeccable construction that no RV owner would dare miss.

This electric jack adds extra 1,500 pounds of lifting power to the LIBRA’s 3,500-lb capacity for an impressive 5,000-pound load. It is the perfect solution for travel trailer units and campers with massive gross weights. The motor never ceases to amaze RV owners as it lifts their trailers, keeping them parallel to the ground.

This electromechanical lifter effortlessly raises a travel trailer with a simple button press. People can extend it to 27 inches, including an optional 4.5-inch leg drop. Although it is shorter than the LIBRA’s 31.5-inch length, I find it insignificant because most travel trailer couplers have a 17 to 18-inch distance to the ground surface.

I also appreciate this tongue jack’s seven-way electrical plug, which I find more hassle-free than hard-wired systems. It makes for an effortless connection even among novice RV owners with zero electrical knowledge.

The manual hand crank is perfect for emergencies, while the super-bright LED light ensures efficient operation in the dark. This tongue jack also has a thoughtful, waterproof one-piece motor cover, and the power unit features automatic thermal protection. The system shuts off the motor if it senses overheating.

I share the opinions of other RV owners who say this jack is unusually slow to extend and retract. That said, speed should not be an issue for RV families who are not in a hurry to go about their outdoor adventures.

3. Quick Products JQ-3500W Electric Tongue Jack

Our first product is the Quick Products JQ-3500W Electric Tongue Jack, which could make numerous RV owners happy with its set of beneficial features. For instance, I love its rather extensive 3,650-pound loading capacity.

This feature could handle lifting my 6,000-pound trailer with relative ease. I also enjoy that this product comes with the standard tongue jack dimensions, which makes installing this model incredibly simple: even a mechanically challenged person like myself could do it without outside help.

The manual crack override is another feature, which could lend itself handy. You see if the battery dies this feature could act as a back-up plan and give an alternative way of lifting your jack without providing further complications.

It also helps that the manual crank connects right on the top of the jack and seems to operate without requiring much effort from you. The fact this model has water-resistant electrical components is another aspect you can take comfort in as a potential consumer.

The heavy-duty weatherproof vinyl cover helps in this regard as well. This feature will adequately protect the jack from any environmental factors that might harm it such as corrosion or water damage.

I should also mention that this model’s bubble-style leveling cap is another delightful feature for a potential buyer. You see its inclusion makes sure you won’t have any issues ensuring your rig is perfectly level every time you intend on hooking it onto your tow vehicle.

Plus, all these wonderful features come at a fantastic price. But sadly, not everything about this product ends up being entirely user-friendly. Several customers complained about the operation being rather slow compared to other models they’ve tried in the past.

4. Lippert 285318 3500LB Power Tongue Jack

The Lippert 285318 3500LB Power Tongue Jack is another model that would be perfect for my particular circumstances. It has a 3,500-pound loading capacity, which would be more than enough for my 6,000-pound rig.

I also like that this model comes with a textured casing, which will help protect it from falling victim to cracks or chips. Nothing worse than buying a product than dropping it one time and you see that it has a nasty crack within its structure.

With this product, this issue will thankfully not be a problem. It coming with all necessary mounting hardware is not a bad feature either: it makes the installation process much more manageable and ensures you don’t have to buy anything separately.

You should feel a sense comfort with the inclusion of the manual crank override as well. This feature will also ensure you have a way to jack your rig regardless of whether or not the battery is dead.

And if the battery isn’t dead, the using process for this model is extremely convenient as you can achieve perfect leveling with a push of a single button. In other words, there’s nothing complicated about this device, which is always a win for any product I’m considering.

Along the same lines, this model comes with four LED lights, which means using this jack in the dark isn’t a complicated issue like it might be for some others. All in all, this Lippert product is a solid, unspectacular option that’ll get the job done.

5. RAM Trailer Products EJ-3520-BBX Black Electric Trailer Jack

Our next product is a perfect option for all you bargain buyers reading this article. You see this model from RAM isn’t only available at a low price, but it also consists of high-quality material that you’d typically see with more expensive options.

In particular, the corrosion resistant zinc that makes up the footplate and inner tube is some top-notch quality material, which will ensure this jack lasts a long time. The hardened steel gears are a nice touch as well and will help keep this jack in pristine shape.

I also like the 7.5-inch drop that this product comes with as it provides the user room for additional adjustment. And like the other products we’ve discussed so far, it comes with a manual crank override even though its price is much more affordable than most other options.

The fact that it’s easy to use as it’s all controlled by a flip of a switch isn’t a bad feature either. I mean, overly complex products tend to ruin a lot of peoples experience with items such as this one, and it’s nice that it won’t be an issue with this RAM electric trailer jack.

And of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that its lift capacity is well in range for my particular circumstances at 3,500 pounds as well. The LED lights are also a feature that I always enjoy seeing on any trailer jack I come across during my research.

6. Husky 82022 Super Brute Electric Jack

The Husky 82022 Super Brute Electric Jack is one of the more feature excessive models on our list. And this quality certainly isn’t a bad thing when it means you get a product that has a lift capacity of 5,000 pounds.

I also love that this model’s unique ball screw design as it makes sure the jack runs at a quieter noise level than other models. This feature will ensure my use of this jack won’t cause me any headaches, which is undervalued positive with a product like this one.

This ball screw design also reduces friction, motor tear, and amperage draw, which should extend the lifespan of the product itself. Plus, it can easily handle the lowering and raising of the jack as well.

But the best part about this model is its use of two remotes, which makes leveling and hitching your trailer incredibly simple. These remotes allow you to extend and retract the jack without necessarily being near the product.

I should also mention that the Smart Stop feature is another feature that’s available through the use of the remote. You see this function stops the jack when it becomes fully extended or retracted, which will prevent the jack from getting damaged.

This model has weather-protected switches as well that’ll ensure this product holds up even in the worst conditions. And it also comes with a 2-year warranty, which showcases how much value Husky places into this product.

All in all, this trailer jack is a top-notch model that’ll make any RV owner’s life much easier when it comes to hitching and jacking up their trailer. But there was one thing about this product that did concern me as a potential customer.

7. Bulldog Reese 500199 A-Frame Power Jack

Our next product might be the best A-frame trailer jack in the entire marketplace thanks to a set of almost unrivaled features. The first thing that stands out about this Bulldog electric trailer jack is its limited 5-year warranty.

You see a warranty this long is almost unheard with a trailer jack and speaks to how much faith Bulldog has in this product. I mean, there’s just too many things that could go wrong when using a jack to offer a warranty like this one unless you’re 100% sure the product can withstand almost anything.

But when you have a product consisting of all corrosion resistant surfaces, it’s kind of hard to argue with the logic of their decision. I also like that this product has a bit more lift capacity than we have seen with some of the other models on this list at 4,000 pounds.

A higher level of lift capacity would ensure that there definitely wouldn’t be an issue lifting my 6,000-pound trailer with a jack like this one. I should also mention that it comes with a spring loaded 8-inch drop leg, which would give you maneuverability when using this jack.

Aside from these features, this product is relatively standard with other features including 3 LED lights, a manual crank override, and an affordable price. All of these features provide a level of convenience without sacrificing anything in the performance area.

Given this information, it’s tough not to see why Bulldog has such an excellent reputation for providing high-quality products that end up lasting years. But there was something within this electric trailer jack’s reviews that struck me as a little problematic: some customers reported packaging issues.

8. Husky HB4500 Brute RV Power Jack

The second product from Husky continues to confirm that this company is often ahead of the curve regarding these products. In fact, this model could be the best RV electric tongue jack we’ve gone over to this point.

The weather-resistant material alone makes this trailer jack fantastic as its uniquely qualified to work in whatever condition you might encounter during your RVing trip. After all, you never know what kind of environmental factors you’ll be facing when you’re jacking up your trailer.

It’s nice to know that this product won’t fold under pressure. I also like its use of a distinctive ball screw technology, which reduces the friction and will ensure this jack remains in your life for years to come.

But where the product truly separates itself is with its operation time. You see this jack has a gear reduction feature, which is something I adore as it allows this model to cover 10 inches of distance in under 38 seconds.

In the trailer jack community, this level of performance, and it conveys how valuable this could be for an RV owner. Plus, it has a 6-inch drop leg, which gives you some flexibility when you’re jacking up your trailer.

As a result, this model seems to excel in three vital areas: durability, performance, and convenience. In other words, it’s quite hard for me not to put this jack into my Amazon cart right now as a potential customer.

9. Reese Towpower 74407 A-Frame Tongue Jack

The first manual tongue jack on our list is the Reese Towpower 77407 A-Frame Tongue Jack, which isn’t the most technologically advanced model; however, its capable of doing the job it’s intended to do efficiently and effectively.

And for this quality, I found it deserves mention on our list. It also helps that this model is easily the least expensive option mentioned in this entire article. I mean, a high-quality product at a price like this one represent a bargain buy without question.

Plus, even with it being rather inexpensive, the performance of the product itself doesn’t suffer. This model has a respectable 2,000-pound lift capacity, which would be plenty for my particular circumstances.

I also like how easy this model is to install as it comes with a welded-on mounting bracket, which makes the installation process a breeze. Honestly, any feature that ensures I won’t be tearing my hair out in frustration is undoubtedly a win and something I value.

It being an incredibly durable product as well doesn’t hurt either. I mean, there weren’t many customer reviews that didn’t mention how great this model tended to hold up regardless of the conditions surrounding it.

It’s qualities like this one along with the low price that would have me thinking twice about choosing an electric model over this high-quality manual one. And its easy using process is another selling point that you can’t overlook.

10. Bulldog Fulton Sidewind Travel A-Frame Jack

If you’re looking for a manual tongue jack, the Bulldog Fulton Sidewind Travel A-Frame Jack could be a fantastic option for you. It comes with various features that I find intriguing even as someone that doesn’t prefer these type of products.

For instance, the 5,000-pound lift capacity is more than enough to handle most types of trailers without much issue or complications. In fact, it might even be a little too much for my particular circumstances, but it would lift my trailer without much effort.

It helps that this model has an easy installation process as well as it has the capability of fitting the standard 2 ¼-inch mounting hole. As a result, you shouldn’t have much issue getting this jack ready for use.

The fact that it offers 15 inches of vertical travel isn’t a bad feature to have either as it gives you a bit of flexibility during the jacking process. After all, a jack’s that’s too short can be quite a nuisance, but thankfully, this issue doesn’t seem to be a problem with this model.

I should also mention that this model further showcases its flexibility with its side handle, which will make it incredibly easy to maneuver around any obstacles during the jacking process. Plus, all these features come at an affordable price.

Overall, there isn’t much else you could think to ask for from a manual trailer jack. I mean, Bulldog even offers a limited 5-year warranty, which will give you a little insurance against something going wrong.

11. Curt 28204 Black A-Frame Trailer Jack

The Curt 28204 Black A-Frame Trailer Jack is our last product, and it has various features that someone in need of a manual trailer jack would find appealing. For one, it has a respectable 2,000-pound lift capacity, which should be appropriate with most trailers.

It also has 14 ½ inches of vertical travel, which will give you a lot of flexibility and maneuverability in the lifting process. Along the same lines, the side handle that would also help in this regard by making it easy to avoid any potential conflicts.

But the best part about this model is the easy installation process, which is aided by the all-too-important ability to fit the standard 2 1/4 -inch mounting hole. It even gives you the option of being able to be bolted or mounted on depending on your preferences.

I should also mention this model is made with extremely durable materials that’ll ensure this model remains in pristine condition for years; therefore, you won’t have to pay for another trailer jack for a very long time.

And since this model has such a low cost, it becomes one of the more cost-effective options in this article. As a result, it’s one of the biggest bargains on the entire market thanks to its peak durability and performance levels it offers a potential customer.

12. Big Horn 3500 LBS Electric Trailer Tongue Jack

If you’re looking for a product with the least amount of electric tongue jack maintenance, the Big Horn 3500 LBS Electric Trailer Tongue Jack could be a decent option. You see it comes with a pre-wired seven-pin connector that’ll make it, so all you had to do is plug it in and it’s operational.

And this feature isn’t the only one that makes this tongue jack stand out; it also has a powder coated frame, which will help protect the jack against any rust or corrosion. As a result, you can expect this product to be in your life for many years.

You can also expect this product to offer you a level of convenience that you might not see in other electric tongue jacks. For instance, it comes with LED lights, which will make sure using it in the dark isn’t a tough thing to do.

Along the same lines, it comes with the all-too-essential manual crack override, which we’ve established is a necessity you’d love to have on any jack. I love that it comes with a 1-year warranty that’ll give you some insurance in case something goes wrong as well.

Plus, this warranty conveys that the company has some faith in this jack. After all, if everyone were returning the product due to malfunction they’d lose a ton of money; therefore, a warranty like this one evokes that they have a sense of confidence regarding this product’s performance.

What to Look for When Buying An Electric Tongue Jack

Any buying experience will have factors that end up shaping your final decision. And in this section, we’ll go over these essential aspects to ensure you know what your expectations are for your next electric tongue jack.

We also hope this section will further expand upon the idea of what a high-quality look likes that you gathered from our product review section.

Lift Capacity

Understanding the lift capacity your jack needs to have is an essential part of this entire process. After all, if the product you buy doesn’t have the capability of safely operating within your circumstances, it might result in some awful consequences.

The key to ensuring you know the lift capacity your jack needs is figuring out how much your trailer’s tongue weighs. The process for doing this math is rather simple as the tongue’s weight is typically equal to 10-15 percent of the trailer’s overall weight.

For instance, I have a 6,000 pounds trailer, which means the jack I end up getting should have a lift capacity of at least 600-900 pounds. We recommend that you get a model with a higher lift capacity than the minimum as it’ll make sure the product itself lasts longer.

As a result, I’d probably look for a model with at least a 2,000 or 3,000 lift capacity to ensure everything operates smoothly. We should also mention that electric tongue jacks are typically only meant to lift the front of the trailer.

If you want one that lifts the whole trailer, you’ll need a model that distributes the weight among all the hinges. This type of jack does tend to help with overall towing experience as well. These products tend to have a lift capacity of 4,000 pounds or higher.

Durability

As you might expect, durability plays a massive role in how satisfied you’ll end up being with the electric trailer jack you purchase. Honestly, who likes buying a product than having it break or malfunction only after a couple of uses?

You can avoid this happening by paying attention to the material used in creating each product you’re considering. It’s imperative you look for a jack that’s either entirely welded or sealed as it’ll ensure the product don’t suffer from water damage.

If water does come into contact with a jack, it can cause all sorts of electrical problems and ultimately fry the circuit. You should also look for jacks that consist of corrosion resistance material as it tends to be a significant issue with these products.

In particular, the jack’s base is typically susceptible to corrosion given it’s in contact with the ground a lot of the time, which can cause the formulation of this nuisance. We should also mention that you should avoid jacks with plastic parts due to their lacking performance in the durability department.

And lastly, always get a jack that comes with a warranty as it’ll give you some protection against an accident happening. If you have any concerns about a jack’s durability, the customer reviews is another source, which should tell you a great deal about the product in this regard.

Installation

Electric tongue jacks offer you two options regarding installation mechanisms: welded-on or bolted-on. If you choose a welded-on product, you should expect this to be permanent, hence, the name welded-on jacks.

Meanwhile, bolted-on jacks are installed onto your trailer’s tongue through the use of U-bolts and are removable; therefore, you must decide whether or not you want something permanent or a model that gives you a little bit of a choice.

The Jack’s Shape

When it comes to the shape of the jack itself, you also have a choice. These products come in two different configurations: straight tongue and A-frame. You can determine which one you need by your trailer’s front frame.

For instance, if your trailer’s front frame is an A-shape, you’ll need an A-frame type of jack. The coupler will be mounted on the metal frame’s tip with this configuration. On the other hand, if your trailer has a straight tongue frame, you’ll need a jack that mimics it: a straight tongue jack.

It sounds simple enough, but you’d be surprised how many people buy the wrong product because of this aspect. So please, ensure you’re getting the right jack shape for your situation. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting your well-earned money on a product you can’t use.

Electric/Manual Crank

Some electric tongue jacks offer an incredibly handy feature that you might think is utterly useless at first: a manual crack. But it can quickly become extremely essential when/if your jack’s battery runs out.

In other words, it’s a safety net against any electric complications that might occur with the jack. Having a back-up plan has never hurt anyone, and most of the time the models that do offer this feature don’t even cost a lot more than the ones, which don’t.

As a result, it’s a good idea to heavily consider getting a jack with this feature. After all, you never want to be without the capabilities of lifting your trailer when you need it.

Crank Style

You’ll also have a choice regarding cranking style with the options being: side wind, top wind, or some models offer both. There’s no real right option when it comes to cranking style as it mostly depends on your preference.

But for me, I’d opt for a model with both, which would give the option of picking the style that works better in the moment that I need it.

Price

Like with any product, one of the most significant deciding factors will be the price. And with electric trailer jacks, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on numerous different factors. In most cases, you can expect to spend between $150 and $300 on a high-quality jack.

The models that are closer to the higher end of this range typically offer useful additional features like a stand or inflatable pump. The ones closer to lower end are often consist of cheaper materials and don’t provide those useful extra features.

As a result, you must weigh whether or not you value things like durability and additional features into the budget you end up creating. For me, I’m always going to go with the more expensive products as they’ll ensure I have a higher chance of not buying another trailer jack in a matter of months.

Other Important Factors to Consider

The deciding factors we discussed above aren’t the only information that’ll help determine your final decision. There’s a lot of background information about these products, which you’ll need to know before making an informed choice regarding the model that suits your situation the best.

And this section will cover this background information in-depth to ensure you have everything at your disposal for making a responsible decision. In the end, we want to make sure you aren’t rereading this article in a few months when it turns out you purchased a low-quality jack.

What is an electric tongue jack?

An electric tongue jack also called a trailer jack, or hitch jack ensures a trailer will rise to a required height that’s for safe connecting onto a towing vehicle. Now, you’re probably asking why a standard jack can’t get the job done with something like an RV?

Well, the answer is rather simple: it can’t handle the weight of something as big as an RV, camper, or even a boat. As a result, manufacturers came up with a solution, which was these devices called the electric tongue jack.

These devices can handle the more significant weight of an RV through attaching to your RV’s or trailer’s tongue. If you don’t know what the “tongue” is, it’s the long beam at the front. This beam extends and connects to your towing vehicle.

After you attach the jack to the beam, it’ll push towards the ground, and it’ll have a metal base or wheel, which will support it. As you can tell, this product isn’t the most complicated item, but if you have a travel trailer, having a high-quality one becomes a massive matter of importance.

I mean, safely connecting your travel trailer to your towing vehicle would be a nightmare without one. It becomes quite clear why getting the best electric tongue jack possible is in your best interest as an RV owner.

How does it work?

In most cases, the using process for an electric tongue jack is rather simple. And once you get a handle on it, you shouldn’t have any issues getting your trailer attached to your tow vehicle. It typically consists of the following five steps that shouldn’t take a lot of effort or time on your part:

• Release pin within the jack to make the base drop onto the ground
• Raise the trailer using the jack to a hoisted up position
• Slowly line up your tow vehicle with the now raised trailer’s tongue.
• Crank down the jack and make sure the trailer sits over the hitch
• Use the jack to attach the trailer to your towing vehicle

Easy, enough right? Even someone like myself who’s not the best at this sort of thing finds this process to be easy. But this process might be a little different from product to product; therefore, ensure you investigate the using method of each model before you make a final decision.

After all, you don’t want to buy a model that has an overly complicated using process and ends up causing you constant frustration. Trust me; if you do, you’ll be looking for a new electric tongue jack within a few months.

What are the different types of electric tongue jacks?

Like a lot of RV related products, there are different types of electric tongue jacks, and you’ll have to pick the kind that suits you the best. And in this section, we’ll discuss these different categories of electric tongue jacks to ensure you make the right decision.

A-Frame Electric Trailer Jacks

This type of trailer jack is either welded, bolted onto, or sits behind the coupler. Their lift capacity will most likely range between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds. These jacks are most commonly used for A-frame travel trailers, campers, or utility trailers.

You have an option of choosing one that’s either operated manually or electric through being hooked into a 12V power supply as well. If I wanted a frame tongue jack, I’d go with an electric model: doing anything manually with these sorts of products is just an accident waiting to happen for me.

We should also mention that these models come in a drop-leg style and others offer you the choice of feet or wheels. It’s something to think about before you purchase the A-frame trailer jack you ultimately decide on buying.

Heavy Duty Electric Trailer Jacks

If you’re looking for something that can handle a bit more weight, a heavy-duty jack might be the perfect type for you. These models usually have a loading capacity that ranges between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds.

Sometimes you might find a heavy-duty jack that can handle even a higher lift capacity than 12,000. Of course, you should expect these models to cost a bit more money; but if you feel like you need one, these products do exist.

It’s also essential that you understand these products are mounted with brackets, which offer a bit more support. And like the A-frame trailer jack, you have a choice regarding the operating process: manually or hooked up to a 12V power supply.

Side Mount Electric Trailer Jacks

Our last type is a side mount trailer jack, which will be either welded or bolted onto your trailer. These models feature a pivoting design, which allows for the jack to swing out for towing and down for jacking.

A side mount trailer jack will also come in one of three different mounting styles: pull-pin swivel, drop-leg, or pipe mounted. The pull-in swivel version typically has a lift capacity ranging between 800 and 1500 pounds.

If you’re looking for a bit more loading capacity, the pipe mounted side mount trailer jack can handle anything ranging between 2000 and 7000 pounds. And if that’s not enough, you could opt for a drop-leg model, which can handle anything from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds.

Why do you need an electric tongue jack?

There are numerous reasons why getting a high-quality electric tongue jack could benefit your RVing experience. And we’ll go over some of these things below to ensure you understand why getting one of these products is an essential part of being an RV owner.

Offers Superior Lift

With an electric tongue jack, you can lift your trailer’s jack much higher than you could with a manual model. As a result, you get more flexible when you ’re hooking the trailer onto your truck or SUV.

Less Time Consuming

Your hitching process will become less complicated when you do it with the help of an electric trailer jack. In doing so, it saves you a lot of time by being more efficient and accurate, which limits any complications from occurring.

Generally Much Safer

Trying to jack up a trailer with a manual model can lead to some dangerous complications and issues. For instance, it can take a rather ugly toll on your back. And as someone that already suffers from back issues, you can bet I valve the safer operation process provided by an electric trailer jack.

Ensures The Trailer Stays Level

An electric trailer can keep a trailer level when it’s not connected to your truck or SUV in a reliable manner.

The Loading Process Becomes Much Easier

Since an electric trailer jacks levels and ensures the safety of your trailer, the loading process becomes a more manageable experience.

I could keep adding on reasons why getting an electric tongue jack is the right move because there are many more, but I think these five do the trick. In the end, all you need to understand is these products can make your lives much easier and safer.

And with these those two benefits, it’s hard to argue against buying one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As you probably expect, this FAQs section will try to address any remaining questions or concerns you may have regarding these products. In doing so, we hope your buying experience becomes less overwhelming for you as a customer.

What are good electric tongue jack brands?

Every marketplace you encounter will have certain brands or manufacturers that stand out from the pack and provide customers with a positive experience. And the electric tongue jack marketplace isn’t any different.

Now, all the brands we mention in our product review section are manufacturers that we consider top-tier. However, even among these select few, two companies tend to do it a little better than the rest: Husky and Bulldog.

And we’ll give you a little background on both of these brands below to give you an idea of why these two companies often outpace their competitors.

Husky

This brand has cultivated a fantastic reputation among RV owners, which has made them a force within this marketplace. This reputation is built around their “quality work and customer service provided by employees with years of industry knowledge.”

And honestly, all I’m looking for is a brand that can offer a high-quality product and customer service, which makes me feel incredibly confident about buying from Husky.

Bulldog

This brand has been around for almost a century. And during this time, they’ve created an excellent relationship with their clients by providing top of line products with high-quality customer service.

In particular, their electric trailer jacks are known for their “unmatched strength, reliability, safety and value.” It’s quite clear that buying from Bulldog doesn’t seem like a decision an RV owner would end up regretting.

Overall, any of the nine brands mentioned in this article will provide you with a pleasant buying experience. But these two companies put a little bit of extra effort into creating their products; therefore, do yourself and give them some serious consideration when conducting your search.

What size electric tongue jack do I need?

Your electric tongue jack size is determined by the weight of your trailer’s tongue weight. In other words, the jack’s lift capacity needs to handle more pounds than the weight of the trailer tongue.

If you’re confused about how to know what your trailer’s tongue weighs, it’s typically 10 – 15 percent of your trailer’s overall weight. For instance, if you have a trailer that weighs 4,000 pounds, the tongue will weigh between 400 and 600 pounds.

Experts often recommend getting a jack that has a loading capacity above the tongue weight as the higher weight it can handle will make the overall process easier. It’ll also ensure the jack itself lasts longer.

As a result, a jack with a 1,000-2,000 lift capacity would do incredibly well with a 4,000-pound trailer. Doesn’t sound too complicated, right? Well, it’s not, but please, ensure you do have a jack that can handle the weight of your trailer’s tongue.

If you don’t, this whole process can become disastrous in a matter of moments. Plus, the product descriptions will often tell you the kind of trailer that is appropriate with each jack your researching.

In the end, once you establish the size you need, this whole process becomes much easier as the number of options will significantly lessen. So as you can see, determining the size is both an essential and easy part of this entire process.

How do I connect my trailer to my tow vehicle?

When connecting your trailer to a tow vehicle, start with safety checks first. You’ll want to ensure your truck is capable of handling the trailer’s weight. If you don’t, the consequences could end being incredibly awful.

It’s also imperative that you make sure the trailer you didn’t load the trailer unevenly. In other words, all your stuff shouldn’t be pushed heavily toward one side. After ensuring everything is safe and ready for use, you then put the coupler onto the trailer’s tongue: the placement should be over the ball mount’s ball.

From there, release the hand wheel. It’s also essential the coupler and the tongue match as it’ll allow the coupler’s securing device to lock into position. This device will keep the coupler attached with the ball mount.

Next, it’s time to cross the safety chains below the trailer’s tongue and attach them. These chains will provide you some support in the event the trailer break away from the hitch; however, do make sure there’s some slack within in the chains to them some maneuverability.

For large trailer owners, the next thing you need to do is check the braking system. You see if you have surge brakes, it’ll have a switch on your trailer’s tongue, which you’ll need to ensure is up and running.

There should also be a connector that’ll you’ll use to plug your trailer into the electric system within your tow vehicle. It’ll either be a seven-way or four-way connector depending on the type of rig you intend on hitching.

Once you’ve done and checked all these things, you can begin your adventure. But please, do one or two more checks to make sure everything is secure. After all, it never hurts to be a little extra cautious.

How to use an electric tongue jack?

The using process for an electric tongue jack tends to be rather simple. It starts with you connecting the jack’s base to an incredibly solid surface. You then hook it into a power supply, which will most likely be of the 12v variety.

After plugging it into the power supply, you pull the pin on the jack’s leg, which will lower the inner leg along with the foot toward the ground. Next, you line up the outer and inner legs’ holes and put the pin back into place.

Once you’ve done all these actions, it’s time you turn the jack on to extend it, which will lift your trailer’s front into a heightened position. Enter your tow vehicle and reserve it in a manner where the ball hitch directly lines up with the tongue of the trailer.

From there, it’s just a simple matter of cranking the jack until your trailer is positioned over hitch and connecting it onto your towing vehicle’s hitch. And then, you’re done and can hit the road with your trailer safely secure.

Are electric jacks better than manual jacks?

There is no significant difference between a 12V electric trailer jack and a manual lifter. Both devices can raise an RV or a travel trailer tongue to respectable heights.

However, electric or power units offer effortless and super-quick operation. On the other hand, a manual trailer jack provides simplicity and durability.

One of the most significant advantages of a power jack is its effortless operation. Some products come with remote, empowering RV owners to raise and level their travel trailer tongues from a distance.

An ultra-fast power jack can execute the job in a fraction of the time it would take a manual jack to complete.

Unfortunately, motorized jacks have many mechanical and electrical components susceptible to wear. If the motor fails, RV owners must replace the whole system. Replacing or fixing the broken power unit tends to be more expensive than a brand-new electric jack.

On the other hand, a manual jack operates on a hydraulic system. The only downside is the amount of work people must put in to lift the travel trailer tongue. However, many RV owners use a cordless power drill to crank up the lifting mechanism for a faster and sweat-free operation.

How do you manually lower an electric tongue jack?

One downside of electric camper tongue jacks is their reliance on electric power. Without RV battery power, RV owners cannot operate the jack. However, most electric RV jacks have a manual override, allowing users to bypass the electrical system.

Tongue jack brands have different manual override systems. However, the steps to extend the jack should be similar to the following.

1. Immobilize the tires with appropriate chocks.
2. Ensure the trailer jack’s footpad is secure with the hairpins and clevis.
3. Ensure the ground surface directly beneath the trailer jack is level and firm.
4. Remove the rubber plug from the tongue jack’s gearbox to access the manual drive shaft.
5. Get the manual crank bar and insert it into the drive shaft.
6. Turn the manual crank handle clockwise in order to extend the jack until the hitch coupler clears the ball. Ensure adequate and stable trailer support.
7. Unlock the hitch and drive the tow vehicle away.
8. Slowly lower the travel trailer by turning the manual crank handle to the left.
9. Remove the manual crank handle.
10. Reinsert the rubber plug.

Retracting the tongue jack requires following Steps 1-5, turning the manual crank handle counterclockwise, and finishing with Steps 9-10.

How to care for your electric trailer jack?

A motorized trailer jack does not require a meticulous maintenance regimen, except for periodic lubrication to ensure proper functioning (jack extension and retraction). RV owners can adhere to the following tips when caring for their electric trailer jacks.

1. Check the power jack for signs of dirt, debris, and other particles that can impede its extension and retraction capabilities. Remove these contaminants using a clean, lint-free cloth.
2. Spray the exposed RV jack parts with a suitable silicone-based lubricant to ensure smoother operation.
3. Some tongue jacks have a small jack tube hole. Apply a small amount of gear oil through the hole to lubricate the jack’s interior.
4. Lubricate the tongue jack every 12 months to ensure proper functioning.
5. Cover the RV tongue jack with a weatherproof sleeve to protect it against dust, moisture, sun, and rain. Some RV owners put a bucket or pail over the travel trailer tongue jack when not in use for better protection against the rain.
6. Inspect the electrical wirings for fraying, breakage, and other signs of damage. Replace them as needed.

How do you lubricate an electric tongue jack on a trailer?

The steps for lubricating RV tongue jacks are as follows.

1. Loosen and remove the jack head cover’s screws using an Allen wrench.
2. Carefully pull the jack head by sliding it straight up from the trailer jack leg.
3. Inspect the pivot point inside the jack head for signs of wear or damage.
4. Apply high-performance, high-temperature grease inside the pivot point. Ensure adequate lubrication to guarantee optimal functioning for another 12 months.
5. Re-insert the jack head over the trailer jack leg and secure the screws.
6. Use a socket wrench to remove the screws on the jack head plastic cover’s side.
7. Gently pull up the plastic cover to expose the jack’s metal cover.
8. Loosen and remove the bolts of the metal cover and gently tap on the sides to loosen the assembly. Do not pry the seal open with a screwdriver.
9. Pull up the metal jack cover and inspect the gears. The gear teeth must be in their correct placement.
10. Apply an appropriate mobile lift style grease.
11. Replace the metal cover, tighten the bolts, re-insert the plastic cover, and secure the screws.
12. Test the tongue jack for proper functioning.

What size tongue jack is best for my travel trailer?

RV owners must determine two things when shopping for the correct size tongue jack for their travel trailers.

People must check their travel trailer’s tongue weight. Experienced RV owners recommend getting a tongue jack with at least seven to ten percent the heft of the laden travel trailer.

For example, a 700-pound capacity tongue jack is sufficient for a 7,000 lb travel trailer. Likewise, a 1,000-lb tongue jack is enough for a trailer unit weighing 10,000 lbs.

The good news is that manufacturers often design their tongue jacks with a weight capacity higher than the 7-10 percent rule. Hence, the only concern now is the jack’s maximum height.

RV owners must level their travel trailers to keep the tongue and coupler parallel to the ground. People must measure the distance between the coupler’s bottom surface and the ground surface to determine the minimum height requirements for the tongue jack.

For example, if the distance between the ground and the coupler’s bottom is 18 inches, the RV owner must buy a tongue jack with a minimum extendable height of 18 inches.

How to Disconnect your trailer from your Tow vehicle?

The good news is that the disconnecting process isn’t too overly complicated either. It starts by parking your tow vehicle and attached trailer on a surface, which is level. Do make sure the tow vehicle is in park, the parking brake is on, and the motor is all the way off before going any further.

Once you do these actions, put blocks both in front and behind your trailer’s tires. These blocks will help ensure the trailer doesn’t start rolling away. Next, you’ll want to de-attach the safety chains and electric wires.

With both the chains and wires disconnected, you should start pushing down on the coupler’s latch and at the same time turn the handwheel counterclockwise: the coupler will begin to loosen.

You then should push the trailer toward your towing vehicle and use the tongue’s handle to lift the trailer. If this action doesn’t cause it to release, you should loosen the handwheel a little bit more.

When the trailer is finally disconnected, make sure you set the coupler somewhere appropriate: the ground, placed on a stand, or you can even support it with the trailer’s jack. As you can see, this process isn’t something that should take a lot of effort on your part.

In fact, once you do the first time, it should become almost second nature. But remember, never take it lightly as the slightest thing being done wrong could cause some nightmarish circumstances that you don’t want to experience.

Trust me; a runaway trailer might sound like a funny concept, but experiencing it in person is anything other than a laughing matter.

Conclusion

With all this new information about these products, you should a better grasp on what you’re looking for in an electric tongue jack. And this superior understand should help you shrink the overwhelming amount of options down to a more manageable number.

As a result, finding the best electric tongue jack for you shouldn’t be the daunting task it was before you read this article. And once you do buy this perfect trailer jack, your RVing life will become much easier as it won’t be a hassle to lift your rig anymore.

In fact, your best option might be one of the products we went over in our product review section. But regardless of the model you end up buying, we hope this article had a positive effect on your buying experience.

If you have any remaining questions about these products, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below. We’d love to help make this process easier in any way we possibly can.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.