How to Choose a Trailer Jack: Capacity, Travel and Mounting

A trailer jack supports and raises the front of a trailer when you hitch, unhitch or park. Choosing one by the largest number in its name can lead to a poor fit. Start with the trailer's loaded tongue weight, then check the jack's capacity, height range, mounting style and ground contact.

1. Match the rating to the load at the tongue

A trailer jack carries the load at its mounting point, not the full gross trailer weight. Determine the loaded tongue weight for your actual setup, including cargo and equipment. Select a jack with a manufacturer rating that covers the expected load, and follow the instructions for that model.

Read the capacity terminology carefully. Some makers specify separate support capacity and lift capacity. The force needed to raise a trailer can differ from the load the jack can hold while parked. Do not infer that a number in a product title covers both ratings. Check the manual or specification sheet before buying.

2. Check retracted height, extended height and travel

Travel is how far the jack mechanism moves between its retracted and extended positions. It is only part of the fit calculation. Measure the distance from the planned mounting point to level ground when the trailer is at hitching height. The retracted jack must provide enough road clearance in its travel position; the extended jack must reach the ground and lift the coupler high enough to clear the tow vehicle's ball.

A drop leg can add quick height adjustment without requiring the full distance to be cranked. Check the product's mounting height and the length of its foot or wheels as well as its listed travel. If the trailer sits on uneven ground, allow room for those conditions instead of sizing from a single ideal measurement.

3. Choose a mount that fits the trailer frame

Swivel jacks rotate out of the way for travel. They can be useful where a fixed jack would reduce ground clearance. Direct-weld square jacks suit trailers with a compatible structural mounting location and a higher support requirement. A-frame, pipe-mount and other bracket styles are not interchangeable simply because their load ratings are similar.

Check the trailer tongue shape, mounting space, bracket dimensions and interference with the coupler, safety chains and wiring. Follow the jack and trailer manufacturers' installation instructions. Welding a jack or bracket to the trailer should be performed by someone qualified for the trailer structure and the specified weld procedure.

4. Pick wheels or a footplate for the surface

Wheels can make it easier to reposition a suitable light trailer on a firm, level surface. A footplate spreads the load and is often a better match for heavier trailers or softer ground. A wheel does not replace wheel chocks, and neither design makes it safe to move or work beneath a trailer supported only by the jack.

Compare OpenHeavy's trailer jack styles

• TYT 2,000 lb swivel trailer jack with 6-inch dual wheels offers a wheeled swivel format for compatible trailers.
• TYT 5,000 lb weld-on swivel trailer jack lists 15 inches of vertical travel and a pipe-mount swivel design.
• TYT 8,000 lb direct-weld square trailer jack lists a side-wind handle, 15 inches of lift and an adjustable drop leg.

These product names describe different configurations; they do not establish suitability for a particular trailer. Compare the detailed ratings, dimensions and installation requirements for the exact model. Browse the full OpenHeavy trailer jacks collection to see the available styles.

Quick checklist before ordering

• Record the trailer's loaded tongue weight and the jack's stated lift and support limits.
• Measure mounting height, retracted ground clearance and the height needed to unhitch.
• Confirm the bracket or weld-on mount fits the trailer structure.
• Choose a foot or wheel suited to the parking surface.
• Check handle clearance, swivel lock or drop-leg pin operation, and corrosion protection.

Frequently asked questions

Should jack capacity equal the trailer's total weight?

No. The jack supports the load at the trailer tongue or jack mounting point. Use the measured or specified loaded tongue weight and the jack maker's ratings for your application.

Is jack travel the same as total jack height?

No. Travel describes movement of the jack mechanism. Overall retracted and extended heights also depend on the jack body, mount, foot or wheels, and any drop leg.

Can a trailer jack hold the trailer while I work underneath?

Do not rely on the jack alone for under-trailer work. Follow the trailer manufacturer's service instructions, chock the wheels and use properly rated support equipment at approved support points.

For capacity terminology and jack configurations, see CURT's pipe-mount swivel jack and direct-weld square jack specifications.