Trystan Casey
Electric tongue jacks are a convenient upgrade from manual hand cranks, making it easier to hitch and unhitch your trailer. They can be installed on a variety of trailers, including RVs, travel trailers, and 5th wheels, and are available at affordable prices. Installation is generally a straightforward process, but it's important to ensure you have the right tools and follow safety precautions, especially when dealing with electrical connections. Before installing a new electric tongue jack, you'll need to remove the old one and ensure that the new jack has the appropriate lift capacity for your trailer's weight. This guide will provide an overview of the process, but specific steps may vary depending on your trailer and jack manufacturer's instructions.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing an Electric Tongue Jack
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | Easy to install, can be done with a few tools, straightforward, simple, can be done in under 30 minutes |
| Installation Method | Bolted or welded |
| Required Tools | Socket set, star washers, soft cloth, water, rust penetrant, wrench, electrical terminal ring, inline fuse holder |
| Safety | Ensure trailer weight is supported by tow vehicle or another safe method, disconnect power, manufacturer-recommended circuit protection (fuse or circuit breaker) |
| Cost | $30 to $240 |
| Weight Capacity | 3,500 to 5,000 pounds |
| Tube Diameter | 2.25 inches (standard) |
| Additional Features | LED lights, built-in safety features (emergency stop, overload protection) |
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What You'll Learn
Electric tongue jacks are easy to install
Step 1: Prepare Your Trailer
Before you begin, ensure your trailer is secure and stable. Retract your tongue jack so that the weight of your trailer is supported by your tow vehicle or another safe method. It's important to ensure the trailer remains at a workable height, typically between 18 and 24 inches.
Step 2: Disconnect and Remove the Old Jack
If you're replacing an existing power tongue jack, start by disconnecting the power. Then, remove the bolts securing the old jack to the A-frame, and lift it out. Clean the area around the opening to remove any residue. If you're removing a manual jack, the process is similar; just remove the bolts on the mounting plate.
Step 3: Choose the Right Electric Jack
Ensure you select an electric jack with the right capacity for your trailer's weight. Electric jacks have a wide range of tongue weights, so you can find one suitable for your trailer. It's recommended to choose a jack with a higher capacity than your trailer's weight to avoid straining the jack.
Step 4: Install the New Electric Jack
Slide the new electric jack into the existing hole, ensuring the electrical housing faces forward or sideways. Secure the jack with bolts, and don't forget to install a second support plate under the tongue jack. If your jack has LED lights, ensure they are positioned correctly.
Step 5: Connect the Power and Test
Connect the power cable of the new jack to your battery's positive terminal. You may need to install an electrical terminal ring for a secure connection. Verify that circuit protection is in place, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, and test the operation of the jack before using it to support your trailer's weight.
With these steps, you can easily install an electric tongue jack on your trailer. Remember to refer to your jack's user manual for any unique installation instructions and always prioritize your safety when working with trailers and electrical components.
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Removing a manual jack
Next, you will need to disconnect the power to the existing jack. Start by removing the cotter pin that allows the jack's foot to slide off. Then, using a 9/16" socket, loosen and remove the three bolts securing the jack to the mounting plate of the A-frame, along with the regular and lock washers. You may need to use a rust penetrant to help loosen any rusted bolts. Once the bolts are removed, lift the old jack straight up and out of the circular opening.
After removing the old jack, gently wipe the area around the opening with a soft cloth and water to remove any residue. If there is rust hidden under the original jack flange, clean it with a wire brush and apply rust-resistant paint before continuing. Now you are ready to install the new electric tongue jack by lining up the mounting plate with the holes in the trailer's A-frame. Make sure the power jack's electrical housing is facing forward or to the side if possible to make room for the tailgate of your truck.
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Choosing the right jack
The height of the jack is another important consideration. You need to make sure that the jack has enough height to lift the coupler and clear the hitch ball on your vehicle. Measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the coupler when the trailer is level to determine the required extended height of the jack.
Additionally, you should think about the ease of use and convenience that an electric jack can provide. Electric jacks are much easier to use than manual jacks, especially if you have any physical limitations. They connect to your RV's 12-volt electric system and do the heavy lifting for you with just the press of a button. However, they require a power source and more maintenance. Manual jacks, on the other hand, are more durable, budget-friendly, and require physical effort to operate.
When choosing a jack, also consider the diameter of the tube. The standard tube diameter for an A-frame trailer jack is 2.25 inches. If your trailer requires a special size, you may need to order a custom electric jack.
Finally, some electric jacks come with additional features such as LED lights, which can be helpful when hitching and unhitching at night, or remote controls, which allow you to operate the jack from a distance.
Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between a manual and electric jack, as well as factors like weight capacity, height, ease of use, and any additional features that may enhance your towing experience.
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Disconnecting power
Firstly, ensure the trailer's weight is no longer on the jack by retracting it so that the weight is supported by your tow vehicle or another safe method. It is important that the trailer remains at a workable height, ideally between 18 and 24 inches, to facilitate the installation of the new jack.
Next, disconnect the power to your existing jack. If your jack connects to the battery, it is advisable to leave it connected to simplify the process of connecting power to the new jack. However, if you choose to disconnect the power, be sure to do so safely.
Now, you can proceed to remove the old tongue jack. Start by removing the cotter pin, if equipped, which allows the jack's foot to slide off. Then, using an appropriately-sized socket (typically 9/16", but this may vary), loosen and remove the bolts securing the jack to the A-frame, along with the regular and lock washers. These components should be kept in a secure location as they may be needed for installing the new jack.
Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the old jack straight up and out of the circular opening. Set the old jack aside and gently wipe the area around the opening with a soft cloth and water to remove any residue.
It is important to note that if your electric tongue jack has a fuse or circuit breaker, it should be disconnected or removed before beginning the removal process. This will ensure that power is completely isolated from the jack during the replacement procedure.
By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the power and remove your existing electric tongue jack, preparing for the installation of a new one.
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Testing the new jack
Testing the new electric tongue jack is a crucial step to ensure it is functioning correctly and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to test your new jack:
Verify Installation
Before testing the jack's operation, it is important to verify that the installation has been done correctly. Check that the mounting plate of the new jack is securely attached to the trailer's A-frame, with the bolts tightened and washers in place. Ensure the power cable is properly connected to the battery's positive terminal, and confirm that manufacturer-recommended circuit protection, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, is in place.
Test Operation
Once the installation is verified, it's time to test the jack's operation. Start by pressing the extend/retract switch to ensure the jack can extend and retract smoothly. Test the raising and lowering function of the jack to ensure it operates as expected. Ensure that the jack can bear the weight of your trailer by checking the lift capacity of the jack and matching it with your trailer's weight.
Check Safety Features
Electric tongue jacks often come with built-in safety features like emergency stop and overload protection. Test these features to ensure they are functioning correctly. For example, try activating the emergency stop while the jack is in operation to verify that it immediately halts any movement.
Lighting Check
Many modern electric tongue jacks come equipped with LED lights to aid in hitching and unhitching at night. Test these lights by pressing the LED ON/OFF switch to confirm they illuminate properly. This simple feature can make a significant difference when operating your trailer in low-light conditions.
Manual Override Crank
Some electric jacks include a manual override crank for situations where the battery dies or malfunctions. Test this feature by attempting to operate the jack manually to ensure it functions correctly and provides the necessary backup when needed.
Remember, it is essential to thoroughly test your new electric tongue jack to ensure it meets your expectations and, most importantly, operates safely.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric tongue jack can save you a lot of work and can be a huge upgrade from manual jacks. It can be easier to install, quicker to raise and lower your trailer, easier to level, more durable, and longer-lasting. It also has built-in safety features like emergency stop and overload protection.
Before installation, check and match the lift capacity of the jack with your trailer’s weight to ensure safe operation. If you’re installing a jack from a different manufacturer, follow their unique installation instructions. You can also install wheel chocks to prevent your trailer from moving and retract all stabilizing jacks.
First, retract your tongue jack so your trailer’s weight is supported by your tow vehicle. Then, disconnect the power to your existing jack. Next, remove the three bolts securing the jack to the A-frame, along with the regular and lock washers. You may need to use a 9/16” socket. Lift the old jack straight up and out of the circular opening, and gently wipe the area around the opening with a soft cloth and water to remove any residue.
Slide the new jack into place, making sure the jack slides through the lower support plate on the underside of the A-frame. If you don’t have a lower support frame, you’ll need to install one. Use an appropriately-sized socket (typically 9/16, but it can vary) to tighten the bolts and secure the jack. You can then connect the tongue jack’s power cable directly to your battery’s positive terminal.
