Towing capacity is vital when selecting the right tongue jack – and the options are more impressive than you might think. For example, the Lippert Power Tongue Jack boasts a staggering 3,500-pound lift capacity, over 3 times the strength of some competitors. But what sets these top jacks apart goes beyond raw power. Innovative features like weatherproof designs, compact footprints, and easy bolt-on installation can make all the difference when you’re dealing with heavy-duty trailers. To discover which tongue jack will truly elevate your towing experience, keep reading.
Lippert Power Tongue Jack for A-Frame Travel, Cargo, and Utility Trailers or 5th Wheel RVs
If you own an A-frame travel, cargo, or utility trailer or a 5th wheel RV, the Lippert Power Tongue Jack offers a convenient and powerful solution to effortlessly lift and maneuver your trailer.
Boasting a 3,500 lb. lift capacity and an impressive 18-inch vertical range, this tongue jack packs a punch. Its push-button operation and integrated LED lights make it easy to use, even in low-light conditions.
Engineered with helical-cut gears, a 12V motor, and 30 AMPs of power, this tongue jack delivers reliable performance. Its heavy-gauge steel construction, textured housing, and black powder-coat finish guarantee it’s built to last.
With easy installation and Amazon’s 30-day return guarantee, the Lippert Power Tongue Jack is a smart choice for all your towing needs.
Best For: The Lippert Power Tongue Jack is best for owners of A-frame travel, cargo, or utility trailers, as well as 5th wheel RVs, who need a powerful and convenient solution for lifting and maneuvering their vehicles.
Pros:
Impressive 3,500 lb. lift capacity and 18-inch vertical range
Easy push-button operation with integrated LED lights for nighttime use
Durable heavy-gauge steel construction with a black powder-coat finish
Cons:
Relatively heavy at 28.8 pounds, which may make installation challenging for some users
Requires a 30-amp power source, which may not be readily available in all situations
Potential compatibility issues with certain trailer or RV models
REESE Pro Series EJ10000101 Bolt On Boat Trailer Jack
Boat owners seeking a sturdy, corrosion-resistant tongue jack that’s easy to install and use will appreciate the REESE Pro Series EJ10000101 Bolt On Boat Trailer Jack with its 1,000-pound capacity, 10-inch travel, and convenient sidewind crank.
Featuring a bolt-on design with a clear zinc finish for protection against the elements, this jack boasts a sturdy 6-inch poly wheel and a 3/8-inch swivel pull pin for smooth operation.
The included hardware makes it a breeze to mount on trailer frames up to 3×5 inches.
While some users report issues with the bolt length and handle position, the majority praise the REESE jack’s overall quality, value, and ease of installation.
With a 4.6-star rating from over 1,300 reviews, this tongue jack is a reliable choice for those towing heavier boats.
Best For: Boat owners with trailers up to 3×5 inches who need a sturdy, corrosion-resistant 1,000-pound capacity tongue jack that’s easy to install and use.
Pros:
Bolt-on design with clear zinc finish for corrosion protection
Sturdy 6-inch poly wheel and 3/8-inch swivel pull pin for smooth operation
Included hardware makes it easy to mount on trailer frames
The Fulton TJ12000101 Swivel Trailer Tongue Jack, with its 1200-pound capacity, is an excellent choice for those needing a sturdy and reliable solution for their marine or utility trailer.
Boasting Z-MAX 600 Superior Plating for superior corrosion protection, this jack is built to withstand the elements.
The bolt-on design and included mounting hardware make installation a breeze, while the sturdy 6-inch polyurethane wheel guarantees smooth maneuvering.
Weighing in at just 14 pounds, this compact and lightweight jack is easy to handle.
With a 4.6-star rating and over 650 reviews, customers rave about its quality and durability.
Whether you’re launching your boat or loading up your utility trailer, the Fulton TJ12000101 is a premium choice for heavy-duty towing and lifting tasks.
Best For: The Fulton TJ12000101 Swivel Trailer Tongue Jack is best for marine and utility trailer users who need a durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-install tongue jack with a 1200-pound capacity.
Pros:
Corrosion-resistant Z-MAX 600 Superior Plating
Sturdy 6-inch polyurethane wheel for smooth maneuvering
Includes all necessary mounting hardware for easy installation
Bulldog Powered Drive A-Frame Electric Trailer Jack for Boat Trailers
For boat trailer owners seeking a powerful and efficient solution, the Bulldog Powered Drive A-Frame Electric Trailer Jack is an excellent choice.
With its impressive 4,000-pound capacity and 22 inches of total travel, this electric trailer jack makes light work of setting up and tearing down your rig.
The single-axis level guarantees easy deployment, while the emergency manual override provides peace of mind.
Installation is a breeze, thanks to the included hardware and internal fuse.
Customers rave about the time and energy savings, reporting fast operation and long-term reliability.
While some experienced minor defects, the ease of returns and replacements is a tribute to the brand’s customer service.
To keep your Bulldog jack running smoothly, don’t forget to turn off the LED lights and consider a backup manual crank for emergencies.
Best For: Boat trailer owners who need a powerful and efficient electric trailer jack with a 4,000-pound capacity and easy installation.
Pros:
4,000-pound capacity for larger trailers
22 inches of total travel for easy deployment
Emergency manual override for backup operation
Cons:
Some customers reported minor defects, though replacements were easily obtained
Requires turning off LED lights to avoid draining the battery
An additional manual crank may be needed for emergencies
Quick Products JQ-3500B Electric Tongue Jack for Camper Trailer, RV
With its robust 3,650-pound lifting capacity and weatherproof design, the Quick Products JQ-3500B electric tongue jack is an ideal choice for securing your camper trailer or RV during towing.
This jack features heavy-duty steel gears and electrical components that guarantee reliable performance, even on long journeys. While some users noted slower operation, most found it satisfactory for their needs.
The manual crank override and bubble-style leveling cap provide added convenience, and the LED work light and vinyl cover enhance its versatility.
With positive reviews on ease of installation and value, the JQ-3500B is a well-engineered option that can make your towing experience smoother and safer.
Just be sure to follow the wiring instructions carefully and consider adding a switch to prevent unwanted jack operation.
Best For: The Quick Products JQ-3500B electric tongue jack is best for camper trailer and RV owners who need a reliable, high-capacity lifting solution for secure towing.
Pros:
Robust 3,650-pound lifting capacity
Weatherproof design for reliable performance
Manual crank override and LED work light for added convenience
Cons:
Some users reported slower operation
Wiring instructions may not be adequate for those unfamiliar with electrical circuitry
Requires additional precautions like a switch to prevent unwanted jack operation
When selecting a tongue jack for your camper or RV, you’ll need to weigh several key factors.
First, determine the load capacity your application requires.
Next, think about the vertical travel range you need.
Load Capacity Requirements
Choosing the right tongue jack for your towing needs starts with understanding the load capacity requirements. You’ll need to ponder the total weight of your trailer, including any cargo, to guarantee the tongue jack can safely support the load. Don’t underestimate this – you don’t want your trailer collapsing on you!
When selecting a tongue jack, look for the maximum lifting capacity rating. This is typically measured in pounds. Most tongue jacks range from 2,000 to 7,000 pounds, but you may need an even heavier-duty model for larger trailers. Be sure to choose a jack that can handle the total weight, with a comfortable buffer for safety.
Additionally, consider the vertical tongue weight, which is the amount of downward force the trailer’s coupler exerts on the tow vehicle. This is usually 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Your tongue jack must be able to lift and support this vertical load securely.
Vertical Travel Range
Beyond just the lifting capacity, the vertical travel range of a tongue jack is a crucial factor to ponder when selecting the right one for your towing setup.
You’ll want a jack that can easily accommodate the height differences between your tow vehicle and trailer, guaranteeing smooth and safe coupling and uncoupling.
The vertical travel range refers to the minimum and maximum heights the jack can reach.
This is particularly important when dealing with trailers that sit low to the ground or have varying suspension heights.
A tongue jack with a limited travel range mightn’t be able to lift the trailer hitch high enough to connect it to your vehicle, or it may not lower enough to disengage the hitch when unhitching.
Look for a tongue jack with a vertical travel range that exceeds your needs, giving you a comfortable margin of adjustment.
This guarantees a seamless towing experience, without the hassle of constantly repositioning your vehicle or trailer.
The right vertical travel range means you can focus on the road ahead, rather than fussing with the hitch.
Power Source Options
Another key factor to ponder when selecting the right tongue jack is the power source options.
Electric tongue jacks provide a convenient hands-free operation, drawing power directly from the trailer’s battery or a 12V source. On the other hand, manual tongue jacks offer a reliable backup in case of power failures, albeit with more physical effort required.
If you opt for an electric tongue jack, you’ll typically find them drawing around 30 amps during operation, so guarantee your power source can handle the load. Many electric models come with a manual override feature, allowing you to operate the jack in an emergency, even if the power’s out.
Some electric jacks may also require calibration to verify their built-in levels work accurately and safely.
Ultimately, the power source you choose will depend on your specific towing needs and personal preferences. Consider the convenience of electric against the reliability of manual, and select the option that best suits your requirements.
Installation Complexity
The installation complexity of tongue jacks can vary considerably, depending on the specific model and its features.
Some tongue jacks require only a few bolts to install, making the process straightforward. Others, however, may need more extensive wiring and electrical connections, adding to the complexity.
Whether the jack comes with all necessary mounting hardware and pins can also impact the ease of installation.
If additional purchases or specialized tools are required, the process becomes more involved. The weight and size of the tongue jack are also factors to weigh, as heavier or larger models may need extra support or specialized lifting equipment.
Features like LED lights, manual crank overrides, and bubble-style leveling caps can further complicate the installation by requiring additional wiring or connections.
To mitigate these challenges, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and utilize online resources and customer support if needed.
With the right preparation, you can guarantee a successful and hassle-free tongue jack installation.
Durability and Corrosion Resistance
When choosing a tongue jack, you’ll want to ponder its durability and corrosion resistance, as these jacks are often exposed to harsh outdoor elements and extensive usage.
Heavy-gauge steel, zinc, and powder-coat finishes are essential for ensuring your jack can withstand these demanding conditions.
Opting for a tongue jack with superior plating, like Z-MAX 600, can substantially extend its lifespan.
The weight capacity and lift range of a tongue jack are directly linked to its durability.
Heavier-duty models require more robust construction and materials to support their increased capabilities.
Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts and inspecting for wear, is vital for maintaining your jack’s durability and corrosion resistance over time.
Where a tongue jack is manufactured can also impact its quality.
Jacks from countries with higher manufacturing standards, like the US, may offer superior durability compared to those from regions with more variable quality control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Maintain and Service My Tongue Jack Properly?
To maintain your tongue jack properly, regularly inspect and lubricate the moving parts. Keep it clean and free of debris. If it shows signs of wear, consider replacing it to guarantee safe and reliable performance.
Can I Use a Tongue Jack on a Trailer With a Different Weight Capacity?
You shouldn’t use a tongue jack on a trailer with a different weight capacity – it’s a recipe for disaster. The jack’s rated capacity must match the trailer’s weight to guarantee safe and reliable operation. Safety first!
What Are the Safety Considerations When Operating a Tongue Jack?
When operating a tongue jack, always guarantee it’s rated for your trailer’s weight capacity. Double-check the connections, and keep your hands clear of pinch points. Proceed slowly and cautiously to avoid accidents or damage to your equipment.
How Do I Choose the Right Power Source for My Tongue Jack?
Imagine your trusty steed, your vehicle, needs a reliable power source to lift its weighty load. Opt for a tongue jack with a sturdy, high-capacity electric or hydraulic motor to handle the job smoothly and safely. The right power keeps your rig running strong.
Are There Any Accessories or Attachments Available for Tongue Jacks?
You bet there are accessories and attachments available for tongue jacks! From swivel wheels to leveling feet, these add-ons can enhance the functionality and versatility of your tongue jack. Explore the options to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to taming the heavy-duty beasts of the road, the tongue jack is the unsung hero.
Whether you’re hauling a towering RV or a behemoth of a boat, these power-packed jacks have the muscle to get the job done.
With lifting capacities that can move mountains and travel ranges that reach for the sky, these workhorses will have your back no matter the load.
