"2024 Trailer Jack Buying Guide: Types, Sizes and Installation"

How does a trailer jack work? A trailer jack lifts the trailer at the tongue so that the trailer can be hooked to or unhooked from the towing vehicle. Common types of trailer jacks include swivel jacks, A-frame jacks, and pull-down jacks.
Trailer jacks come in a variety of different weight and length capacities, so it's important to know the lengths for the extended and retracted positions. The main functions of a trailer jack are as follows:
Raise and lower the trailer to attach to the hitch or unhook it from the ball.
Hold the trailer in a level position if it's not hooked to the vehicle.
Stabilize a parked trailer for loading and unloading.
What size trailer jack do I need? First, you need to know the trailer weight and trailer tongue weight, which can usually be found in your owner's manual. Generally speaking, the tongue weight should not be more than 15% of the total trailer weight. However, if you have a heavy object on the front of your trailer, the tongue weight may be greater. The tongue weight is the weight of the trailer when fully loaded.
You also need to know the weight on the rear axle. Again, your owner's manual should be helpful. How heavy a hitch you need depends on the percentage of tongue weight and truck weight. It's usually better to use a slightly heavier trailer jack than one that's too light.
How to Install a Trailer Jack Installing a trailer jack depends on the type you have. For example, a weld-on trailer jack is mounted via a plate or ring welded to the trailer tongue. A bolt-on trailer jack uses U-bolts to mount to the trailer tongue. If you have an electric trailer jack, it must be connected to a 12-volt power source to operate.
Some types of trailer jacks can be bolted or welded to the trailer tongue. Look for the wrench icon on any Action trailer jack page to see if professional-grade installation is offered.