The Best Trailer Jack Reviews For 2023
(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)
An electric trailer jack very well might have saved Kelly's back from total carnage. It's one of the best upgrades she made to her travel trailer.
Obviously, trailer jacks allow you to raise and lower the front of a trailer. This lets you not only level the trailer from front to back, but it also allows you to connect and disconnect it from your tow vehicle.
An electric trailer jack makes raising and lowering the front of a heavier trailer a breeze. So, a manual trailer jack might be all you need for a lightweight trailer.
No matter what type and size of trailer you have, a trailer tongue jack is a required piece of equipment, so get the best one to fit your needs.
Read on to learn which we consider to be the best trailer jacks, both for manual and electric tongue jacks.
Trailer Jack Guide
Trailer jacks are pretty simple devices, yet there are a few things to know about them before you make a purchase. Should you go with an electric or manual trailer jack? What size rating should you get?
Learn more about trailer jacks by reading our Trailer Tongue Jack Guide.
Camp Addict recommends The Dyrt Pro!
Our favorite way to find camping locations.
- Get reservations at sold out campgrounds
- 5,000 free camping location collection
- 1,000 discounted campgrounds
- Pay $0 extra booking fees
Try PRO for free today, no strings attached.
Camp Addict recommends The Dyrt Pro!
Our favorite way to find camping locations.
- Get reservations at sold out campgrounds
- 5,000 free camping location collection
- 1,000 discounted campgrounds
- Pay $0 extra booking fees
Electric Tongue Jack Reviews
Electric trailer jacks are pretty simple devices.
Still, there are features available that will help you decide which is best for your trailer.
Below, we have narrowed down the list of electric power tongue jacks so you can easily decide which is the right product for your individual need.
All of the below reviewed electric tongue jacks fit a 2 1/4" mounting hole, which is the standard size for A-frame trailer tongues, including those found on RV travel trailers.
What Size Trailer Tongue Jack Do I Need?
The below reviewed electric trailer jacks come with weight ratings ranging from 3,650 pounds to 5,000 pounds.
Learn more about choosing the right trailer jack weight rating.
(Spoiler alert! For most 'normal' sized trailers, any of these weight ratings most likely will work.)
Best Electric Trailer Jack
Husky Brute HB3000 & Super Brute HSB5000R
- 3,000 and 5,000 pound capacity
- Ball screw design for lower battery use and superior performance
- 18" jack leg travel with additional 6" of drop leg travel
- 3 LED lights for easier night hitching
- Remote control available
The Husky electric trailer jack comes in a few different size ratings with different features.
They ALL have a unique 'ball screw' design for superior performance (more efficient and uses less power than traditional jack drive mechanisms).
This means quieter operation with less strain on the electric motor.
Here we feature the Husky Brute HSB3000 (3,000-pound capability) and the Husky Super Brute HSB5000R (5,000-pound capacity) that has a remote control.
Continue Reading Husky Super Brute Electric Trailer Jack Review
Camp Addict Kelly installed the HSB5000R heavy-duty electric trailer jack on her travel trailer around mid 2018.
It still works like a charm with plenty of lifting capacity. Kelly's back is VERY grateful- the turning mechanism of her old manual jack almost threw her back out every time she used it.
Why #1?
The Husky Super Brute and Brute line of RV electric tongue jacks edged out the Bulldog powered trailer jack for the #1 spot.
It did so because it offers a few features and design improvements while offering a truly heavy-duty version.
Kelly's Husky Super Brute HSB5000R Installed
This workhorse makes raising your trailer crazy easy.
The Screw Ball Driving Mechanism
It has a 20 mm ball screw design for raising and lowering the jack.
This system causes less friction and has better lifting capacity. It also reduces amperage draw and motor wear.
The ball screw design is quieter and runs cooler than other drive systems.
It offers rolling friction (Husky) instead of sliding friction (everyone else).
Difference Between Brute & Super Brute
What is the difference between the Husky Brute and Super Brute lines of electric RV jacks?
The Super Brute is their latest versions, offering both a 4,000 and 5,000-pound versions (the 5,000-pound version comes with a remote control).
The Super Brute uses stronger LED lights and 'soft trigger' switches (smoother feel to them).
It has an updated, sleeker-looking cover over the power head (top of jack.
Best of all, it comes with a 2-year warranty rather than a 1-year warranty.
Both the Husky Brute and Super Brute tongue jacks use the ball screw drive mechanism, feature smart stop technology, and they share the same other great features that make a Husky a Husky.
Both are great choices and sure beat the heck out of manually cranking up and down your trailer's tongue.
Unique Jack Features
Two other unique features of the Husky Brute and Super Brute are:
- Smart Stop
- Remote control.
Smart Stop will electronically stop the jack when it has reached either full extension or full retraction.
This means you cannot damage the drive mechanism by letting it run too far.
Two remote controls come with the Husky Super Brute HSB5000 5,000 pound heavy duty electric trailer jack version. These allow you to extend and retract the jack without having to be at the jack itself.
This does come in handy, depending on where your levels are.
You can be inside checking how level your trailer is, or you can be next to the bubble level on the side of your rig.
It's nice that you're not 'stuck' at the jack while it's in operation.
Husky Super Brute HSB5000R Overview
Light + Power Cord Storage
The Husky Brute RV electric tongue jacks come with weather-protected switches.
Three LED light sources make things easier to connect at night. Kelly has found this very handy when needed.
Additionally, they feature a 7-pin trailer power connector 'holder' for when the cord is not in use.
Pretty nifty.
Husky Super Brute Tongue Jack Switches
Jack Speeds
Under a full load (at full rated weight), the Husky Super Brute takes one minute to extend 6" followed by a retraction of 6" (that's a weird way to measure speed, but that's they way Husky does it).
The Brute (3,000-pound capacity) is a bit quicker taking 44 seconds to travel the same distance.
So that's a travel time of about a foot every minute.
Beats the heck out of using a hand crank!
We verified this travel speed with Kelly's Husky Jack installed on her travel trailer.
We saw just over 12 inches per minute of travel both in the up and down directions.
What If I Lose Power?
The Husky Brute and Super Brute power trailer jacks come with a manual hand crank.
If the electric motor loses power or otherwise stops working, you won't be stuck.
This way you won't be stranded and can raise and lower your trailer by hand should an electrical failure occur.
Husky Warranty
Although the warranty is shorter than the Bulldog brand, we chose Husky over the Bulldog.
We did so because of a few key features that Husky offers (though you can hardly go wrong with either brand of electric RV jack).
Husky Super Brute HSB500R In Box
The ball screw drive mechanism in the Husky Brute and Super Brute power jacks offer some advantages over what Bulldog uses, and Husky offers a higher capacity jack as well as an available remote control.
- Download the Husky Super Brute (HSB5000) manual here (PDF).
- Download the Husky Brute (HB3000) Electric Jack manual here (PDF).
Camp Addict Installs a Husky Super Brute HSB5000R RV Tongue Jack
Brute HB3000 & Super Brute HSB5000R Camper Jack Features & Specs:
- Husky Brute HB3000 power tongue jack has a 3,000-pound maximum lift capacity
- Husky Super Brute HSB5000R is a heavy-duty electric trailer jack with a 5,000-pound maximum lifting capacity
- 2 1/4" diameter trailer jack (standard size for A-frame style trailer tongues)
- Low-friction ball screw design that uses less battery power, runs quieter and cooler and increases motor and jack life
- Husky Super Brute HSB5000R comes with two 40' range remote controls so you can raise/lower jack while checking how level your trailer is
- 18" of trailer jack leg travel
- 6" drop leg with a pin that allows for adjustment (gives a total of 24" of travel)
- At full rated load (4,000 or 5,000 pounds) there is a 60 second (HSB5000) or 44 seconds of (HB3000) travel time for 6" of up travel and 6" of down travel
- Requires a 12-volt DC power source (usually connected directly to your trailer battery)
- 25-amp (HSB5000) or 15-amp (HB3000) current draw at full load
- Smart Stop technology that electronically stops the jack travel at full extension or full retraction, to prevent motor stalling and damage
- 3 LED lights and backlit switches help you see when hitching at night
- UV and weather-resistant jack power headcover
- Weather protected switches (soft-trigger for HSB5000)
- Soldered electrical connections
- Hardened steel gears for durability
- Internal automatic thermal protection
- Mounting bolts not included
- 2-year warranty (HSB5000)
- 1-year warranty (HB3000)
Accessories included with Brute and Super Brute Trailer Jack:
- 6 feet of 10-gauge electric wire (attached on one end to power head)
- In-line 30-amp resettable circuit breaker
- Manual crank handle
- Emergency brake release tool
- Bubble level (HSB5000 only)
- Adjustable drop leg (6" of total travel)
- 5.5" diameter foot pad
- Pin for the drop leg
- Star washers (you will need to supply the mounting bolts)
- Protective storage cover for your trailer's 7-pin electric connector
Best Electric Trailer Jack Runner Up
Bulldog 4,000 Pound Electric Jack
- 5-year limited warranty
- 14" jack leg travel with additional 8" of drop leg travel
- Drop leg has a simple to use plunger pin for height adjustment
- Able to install with jack power head forward or off to either side
- 3 LED lights for easier night hitching
- Motor system is not as efficient as the Husky Super Brute
- 1000lb less capacity than what is available with the Husky Super Brute
While we liked the Bulldog brand, the ball drive mechanism Husky features bumped the Bulldog powered jacks down to the runner-up spot.
It was significant enough to justify second place even though Bulldog RV tongue jack has a longer warranty than Husky.
Continue Reading Bulldog Electric Trailer Jack Review
All truth, you really can't go wrong with either the Bulldog or the Husky camper jack.
Unless you MUST have a 5,000-pound capacity electric trailer jack.
In this case, you need the Husky Super Brute. If you want a remote, get the Husky.
If you are into long warranties, then maybe the Bulldog electric trailer tongue jack is better for you.
Husky VS Bulldog Jacks
The Bulldog electric power tongue jack lost in competition to the Husky.
Why?
Because the drive system of the Husky is superior to that of the Bulldog.
The Bulldog electric jack uses a traditional screw drive mechanism. With the Husky, the ball screw design uses less battery power with less friction.
Power Worries?
The Bulldog power tongue jack comes with a manual hand crank.
It's for use in case the electric motor loses power or otherwise stops working.
This way you won't be stranded and can raise and lower your trailer by hand should an electrical failure occur.
Bulldog Unique Features
The Bulldog 4,000 pound electric RV jack has a few other interesting and helpful design ideas.
For instance, it allows you to face the jack head in not one, but two different configurations.
It can face forward or face to either side if you need more clearance behind the jack's power head.
BRILLIANT Drop Leg Design!
We also love (and covet) the plunger pin system for the drop leg.
It allows for a simple, quick adjustment.
It is WAY superior to the pin and clip system common on almost all other power jacks.
With others, you have to physically remove the pin clip and then the pin itself, adjust the leg height, and then line up the holes so the pin will go back in.
Alternately, the Bulldog's release pin simply pulls back, unlocking the spring-loaded U-shaped pin.
Then, hold it in the 'out' position (against spring pressure) and adjust the drop leg to whatever height you want it.
Once the drop leg is in position, you let go of the release pin so that it can go back into one of the adjustment holes.
SO NICE.
Drop Leg Release Pin
Jack Color Options
This Bulldog trailer jack is available with either a white or a black power head.
For some reason, there is often a significant price difference between the two colors.
If the color truly doesn't matter, buy the cheaper color.
Everything is the same except for the color of the jack's power head.
Overall, you can't go wrong with the Bulldog 4,000 pound electric trailer jack.
However, our top-rated choice has a few features that set it apart for a very similar price.
- Download the Bulldog Electric Jack manual here (PDF).
Bulldog 4000 Pound Electric Jack Installation Video
Bulldog 4000 Pound Electric Trailer Tongue Jack Features and Specs:
- Available with a white or black power head (no difference otherwise)
- 4000 pound maximum lift rating
- 2 1/4" diameter trailer jack (standard size for A-frame style trailer tongues)
- 14" of trailer jack leg travel
- 8" drop leg with plunger pin for easy adjustment (gives a total of 22" of travel)
- The electric motor will automatically stop at upper and lower limits of travel
- Built-in circuit breaker that automatically resets
- Requires a 12V DC power source (usually connected directly to your trailer battery)
- LED courtesy lights to help hookup at night
- Manual hand crank in case the electric motor stops working
- Built-in level
- Corrosion-resistant surfaces
- Mounting hardware included
- 5-year limited warranty
Best Electric Tongue Jack On A Budget
Jack Quick JQ-3500 3,500 Pound Jack
- Good quality jack at a lower price
- Fits all 2.25 inch A-frames
- 18" jack leg travel with additional 5" of drop leg travel
- Top crank manual override
- 3,650 pounds is the lowest rating of any of the reviewed electric trailer jacks
- Slow operation
- No automatic motor stop
The Jack Quick JQ-3500 is a decent little electric trailer tongue jack.
Priced within full reach of most of us, it's a good go-to for upgrading to an electric jack.
It's perfect if you don't care about certain extra features.
Continue Reading Jack Quick JQ-3500 Electric Tongue Jack Review
The Jack Quick JQ-3500 has many of the same features that the better-rated jacks have such as an LED light and a drop foot.
This competent jack will get your trailer hitch up and down as expected.
This is all you need from an RV electric tongue jack, right?
For Lighter Trailers Only
However, this electric trailer tongue jack has the lightest lift capacity of the three reviewed electric jacks, topping out only at 3,650 lbs.
The Bulldog electric trailer jack is rated at 4,000 pounds and the Husky Super Brute has a 5,000-pound version.
Slower Than The Competition
This jack is a bit slow, so if you like a speedier operation, one of the other electric jack options would be better for you.
Kind of funny, considering it's called 'Jack Quick'.
But just about any speed of electric jack travel beats the heck out of cranking your trailer up and down by hand.
Power Concerns?
This Jack Quick electric power tongue jack comes with a manual hand crank.
Use it if the electric motor loses power or otherwise stops working.
This way you won't be stranded and can raise and lower your trailer by hand should an electrical failure occur.
Summary
The JQ-3500 isn't sexy.
For example, it doesn't have some of the features that the others have (multiple LED lights, available remote control, soft motor stop, etc) but it gets the job done.
If you don't need the best and don't mind slower operation, the JQ-3500 is a great option.
Especially if you aren't a heavy user of your trailer's tongue jack.
The included one-year warranty is the shortest of all three reviewed electric tongue jacks.
Jack Quick JQ-3500 Electric Trailer Jack Features and Specs:
- 3,650 pounds maximum lifting capacity with heavy-duty hardened steel gears
- 2 1/4" diameter trailer jack (standard size for A-frame style trailer tongues)
- 18 inches of travel
- 5" drop leg with pin that allows for adjustment (gives a total of 23" of travel)
- LED working light
- Water-resistant electrical components
- Requires a 12-volt DC power source (usually connected directly to your trailer battery)
- Hardened steel gears
- Manual hand crank in case the electric motor stops working
- Built-in level
- Includes protective vinyl cover
- Mounting hardware will need to be purchased separately
- 1-year warranty
Manual Trailer Jack Reviews
While an electric trailer jack is an ideal solution for many applications, there are times when it is overkill.
Some people just need a simple trailer tongue jack. Nothing fancy. Just a way to raise and lower the front of a trailer.
A manual trailer jack has a hand crank that you manually have to 'actuate' so that the tongue jack either extends or retracts.
If you don't mind putting a little work into raising or lowering your trailer, and your back doesn't give you issues, then one of the following manual trailer jacks should work for you.
There are dozens of manual trailer jacks available.
They are very simple devices that don't cost a lot of money.
There aren't huge differences between the different available options. Therefore, we picked a light-duty and a heavy-duty manual jack option to give you an idea of what is out there.
The manual trailer jacks we chose are great choices if you wish to go the manual route.
What Size Manual Trailer Jack Do I Need?
We review a 2,000 pound capacity and a 5,000 pound capacity manual trailer jack below.
Which size might you need?
Learn more about choosing the right trailer jack weight rating.
Best 2,000 Pound Manual Trailer Jack
- 2,000 pound capacity
- 14 1/2" of vertical travel
- Side handle stays out of the way of other elements such as propane tanks
- Fits standard A-frame 2 1/4" mounting hole
- Requires elbow grease to raise and lower trailer
The Curt 23204 manual trailer tongue jack is the perfect solution for lighter weight trailers when you don't need an electric jack.
With a 2,000-pound lifting capacity, this light-duty manual trailer jack is a no-frills way to raise and lower the front of your trailer.
Continue Reading Curt 28204 A-Frame Trailer Jack Review
There isn't much to say about the Curt 28204 tongue jack.
It's a simple piece of equipment that does one job - raises and lowers the front of a trailer.
The side handle position means that you can crank away without hitting something mounted close to the jack, such as propane tanks or the trailer structure itself.
Installation
Installation is straightforward.
It has options to use it as a bolt-on trailer jack (mounting hardware not included) or you can weld it onto your trailer's tongue.
The Curt tongue jack fits a standard-sized 2 1/4" diameter mounting hole, which is the correct size for most A-frame style trailer tongues.
Curt Jack Foot Warning
The Curt 28204 manual tongue jack doesn't come with a foot.
Simply use something like a block of wood under the jack.
Alternately, you may purchase a jack foot separately (not expensive at all) so that you can use this manual jack without having to deal with carrying a chunk of wood around.
Summary
If you don't mind manually cranking your trailer's tongue jack, then the Curt 28204 is a great option for lighter trailers.
If you have a heavier trailer or need to crank up both the front of the trailer and the rear of your tow vehicle to install weight distribution hitch spring arms, you will need the 5,000-pound capacity Bulldog Fulton Sidewind.
Or better yet, go with an electric tongue jack.
Curt 28204 A-Frame Trailer Jack Features and Specs:
- 2000 pound lifting capacity
- 14.5 inches of travel
- 2 1/4" diameter trailer jack (standard size for A-frame style trailer tongues)
- Side-wind handle easily raises or lowers trailer coupler
- Can be bolted or welded on (mounting hardware not included)
- Jack foot is a separate purchase
- 1-year warranty
Best 5,000 Pound Manual Trailer Jack
Bulldog Fulton Sidewind SWL 175
- 5000 pound capacity
- 15" of vertical travel
- Side handle stays out of the way of other elements such as propane tanks
- Fits standard A-frame 2 1/4" mounting hole
- Requires elbow grease to raise and lower trailer
The Bulldog Fulton Sidewind SWL 175 offers 5000 pounds of lifting capacity in a simple, manual jack design.
If you don't mind manually cranking your heavier trailer (ugh!) then this is a great option to install as a tongue jack.
Continue Reading Bulldog Fulton Sidewind A-Frame Trailer Jack Review
The Bulldog Fulton Sidewind's side-mounted crank handle lets you go to town raising and lowering the front of your trailer.
You shouldn't have to worry about hitting propane tanks, or anything else mounted close to the jack.
Installation
Installation is fairly straightforward with 2 options. Use it as a bolt-on trailer jack (mounting hardware not included). Or, you can weld it onto your trailer's tongue.
The Bulldog Fulton tongue jack fits a standard-sized 2 1/4" diameter mounting hole, which is the correct size for most A-frame style trailer tongues.
Bulldog Jack Leg Warning!
The Bulldog Fulton Sidewind manual tongue jack doesn't come with a foot so you have to use a block of wood under the jack.
You can purchase a jack foot separately (not expensive at all) so that you can use this manual jack without having to deal with carrying a chunk of wood around.
Summary
If you require a trailer jack with 5000 pounds of lifting capacity you either have:
- a fairly heavy trailer
- or you need the ability to lift both the trailer's front and the rear of your tow vehicle to install weight distribution hitch spring arms.
Either situation isn't fun when you have to manually crank up and down the trailer.
This gets old quickly!
A better option would be to install an electric tongue jack.
The included 5-year warranty is superior coverage to what the Curt 28204 offers (1 year).
- Download the Bulldog Fulton Sidewind trailer jack manual HERE (PDF).
Bulldog Fulton Sidewind A-Frame Trailer Jack Features and Specs:
- 5000-pound lifting capacity
- 15 inches of travel
- 2 1/4" diameter trailer jack (standard size for A-frame style trailer tongues)
- Side-wind handle easily raises or lowers trailer coupler
- Can be bolted or welded on (hardware not included)
- Jack foot is a separate purchase
- 5-year warranty
Trailer Jack Feet
The part of a trailer jack that touches the ground is called the jack foot. Clever, right? However, some jacks don't come with feet.
Have no fear, you can always buy one separately. Below we present two trailer jack foot options:
- The traditional foot that attaches with a pin.
- An innovative foot that not only extends your existing jack's leg but automatically flips up into a stored position when you retract your jack.
There are several different styles of trailer jack feet on the market. You can buy a round one.
Or you can buy a square one like the Curt jack foot featured directly below.
They are simple and affordable.
There should be a hole at the bottom of the inner jack tube (the part that goes up and down to raise and lower your trailer) that the included pin can run through in order to attach the foot to the jack.
Installation is very easy.
The Curt 28272 jack foot fits a 2" diameter inner tube (standard size for a trailer jack that is 2 1/4" diameter, aka the standard sized jack).
It has a weight rating of 2,000 pounds which should be suitable for most applications.
There's not much else to it!
Many trailer jacks don't have a drop leg that telescopes out of the lower tube.
This means you must run the jack down a long way before it touches the ground.
In certain locations, you may not be able to get level without a drop leg.
Another (horrible) option is to stack a bunch of wood or blocks so that you don't have to run the jack as far down.
But, then you have a situation where you are putting the trailer's tongue weight on an unstable pile of things.
Speaking from personal experience, bad things can happen when you do this.
The Fastway Flip trailer jack foot is an easily installed foot that will give you either a 4" or a 6" extension.
It has a unique feature in that it will automatically drop down when you are lowering your jack and it will automatically retract into a stowed position as you are running your jack up.
Either extension length fits the standard 2 1/4" tongue jack with a 2" inner tube diameter.
Both lengths have a maximum lift weight of 4,000 pounds and are suitable for trailers with tongue weights up to 1,600 pounds (4" extension version) or 1,400 pounds (6" extension version).
(How to calculate tongue weight.)
BOONDOCKERS BEWARE:
This is best for those who park in campgrounds exclusively, or always on level ground.
The Fastway Flip manual states 'Do not use to support trailer parked on grade greater than 3% (1.72°)'.
- Download the Fastway Flip manual here (PDF).
Installing The Fastway Flip
Which Size Is Right For My Needs?
Which size extension do you need? The 4" or the 6"? If there is less than 10" from the bottom of your trailer's tongue jack to the ground (with the jack fully retracted), go with the 4" extension. If there is more than 10" here, go with the 6" extension.
Towing Organizer for Trailer Jacks
There's a pretty awesome solution to the mess that your trailer front leaves when disconnected. It is the Towing Organizer by GR Innovations.
This made in the USA organizational solution attaches around your trailer jack (either manual or electric) and gives you a place to hang all of it.
Marshall's Towing Organizer
It makes everything neat and organized. Marshall uses this on his jack.
The Towing Organizer comes in either plastic or aluminum (anodized clear or black) and fits trailer jacks with a diameter of 2 1/4 inches (the standard sized jack diameter.
Spacers to fit smaller diameter jacks are available directly from GR Innovations.
All three material choices come as a kit that also includes a 7-pin plug cover that keeps the end of your electrical connector clean and protected.
The plastic version of the Towing Organizer is available without the plug cover if you don't have a 7-pin connector.
GR Innovations supplied Camp Addict with a clear anodized version of the Towing Organizer for testing purposes.
Marshall has been very happily using it for several years now (Since 2018?).
We highly recommend this great product if you want to keep your chains and harness off the ground.
Kelly cares zero If her chains etc are on the ground, but Marshall can't stand it, LOL.
Plastic (with plug cover)
Plastic (WITHOUT plug cover)
Aluminum (with plug cover)
Black Aluminum (with cover)
Conclusion
We highly recommend getting an electric trailer jack. Marshall has always had one on his Lance.
Kelly got our #1 recommended Husky electric jack after almost three years living with a manual jack. She couldn't be happier with it.
For Kelly, it was one of those "Why didn't I do this a long time ago" reactions.
A manual jack is fine, too. It just depends on what your needs are or aren't.
If you only camp a couple of times a year, you may not care about having an electric jack.
If you have a small boat trailer or a super light trailer and no load distribution hitch, a manual jack might be just fine.
Just get the RV tongue jack that suits you the best. After all, it's great that you have a trailer, right?
It's either a toy or it's your home. Both are good things.
Camp On, Addicts!
Kelly Beasley
He-llllo. I'm the co-founder of Camp Addict, which my biz partner and I launched in 2017. I frigging love the RVing lifestyle but in December of 2020, I converted to part-time RV life. Heck, I lived in my travel trailer for over 5.5 years, STRICTLY boondocking for pretty much all of it. Boondocking is a GREAT way to live, but it's not easy. Anyway, I'm passionate about animals, can't stand campgrounds, I hardly ever cook, and I love a good dance party. Currently, I can be found plotting and scheming whether or not to start collecting farm animals (or plotting my next RV trip!) at my beautiful new 'ranch' named 'Hotel Kellyfornia', in Southern Arizona.
Marshall Wendler
Camp Addict co-founder Marshall Wendler brings his technical expertise to help explain RV products in an easy to understand fashion. Full-time RVing from April 2014 - December 2020 (now RVing about 50% of the time), Marshall loves sharing his knowledge of the RV lifestyle. Marshall spends the majority of his RVing life boondocking. He is the part of Camp Addict that knows 'all the things'. He's good at sharing his technical knowledge so you can benefit.
Nothing but problems with my Husky…and the company does not have any parts to fix the problem…said they will send a new Jack if under warranty but will have none in stock until October. Does not help when you are on the road for 4 months.
Hi Terry,
Sorry to hear about your problems with your Husky jack! Kelly’s has worked great for a few years now with no hiccups. Despite her not treating it well (yes, she tends to be VERY hard on certain equipment).
What kind of problems are you having?
Ugh, this stinks about the jacks being out of stock. That is very much the case with so many items right now (not just RV-related).
Are the three power jacks the only ones you tested? I’ve been considering a Barker jack when I need to replace mine. As near as I can tell, the Husky is designed and engineered in the US but assembled in China. The Barker series uses the same ball screw design, has the same travel limit switch, and is made in the USA. I’d like to know your thoughts on this particular jack.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for checking out Camp Addict!
Only the Barker Deluxe Hi-Power 3500 Jack uses the ball screw drive. The other two options don’t.
The Husky’s have a drop-foot, which the Barker doesn’t. That can be a time saver, and more importantly, it allows use on trailers that are higher off the ground.
But if you want a made in the USA option with the ball screw drive, the Deluxe Hi-Power 3500 Jack is definitely worth looking at (assuming you don’t need the drop foot).
I have had two Barker jacks ugh. I had nothing but trouble with the switch that raises and lowers the jack. They just burn out the contacts inside. The switches are not rated for D.C. current at 12 volts so poof their toast. Not fun turning the hand crank to lower the hitch in the rain, I am in Oregon. Stay clear of Barker, maybe they have a better switch now, who knows.
So, what if your trailer is light enough and came with a manual jack and swivel wheel, but you want an electric jack and still want the swivel wheel? Is a ‘hybrid’ available? Can the wheel be adapted to an electric jack? Thanks!
Hi Chris,
While I’ve never seen this type of setup before (most electric jacks are installed on heavy trailer that you won’t be moving by hand, whereas a light trailer has a manual jack for cost and weight savings reasons), a quick look shows that Curt makes a wheel that may work. There probably are other options out there as well.
No clue what the long term durability of such a setup would be. But may be worth giving it a try if you really need an electric jack on a lightweight trailer that normally would be just fine with a manual jack.
Thanks I’ll check it out. Our new rockwood high wall A Frame hard side pop up camper came with the electric jack added as an option, stock is the wheeled version. Heavy enough for the power jack, but wouldn’t mind being able to move it a little either.
Is a swivle wheel pad avl
Hi Jack,
You are looking for a swivel wheel? What is the intended us? What trailer do you have?
Lift & lower a platform
You can Google “trailer tongue jack swivel wheel” and see what’s available. Typically I’ve only seen swivel wheels on manual tongue jacks as only light weight trailers can be pushed around (and thus could use a swivel wheel). Lightweight trailers typically come with manual jacks.
Not sure what exactly you are looking for, but hopefully you can find something that will fit your needs.
Am I the only one who disconnects safety chains last if I’m not positive the trailer is perfectly level or well chocked? Has anyone else almost had a trailer drag them into a river after disconnecting the ball? Asking for a friend… :^)
Hi Barry,
Drag them into a river??? LOL!!! That made me laugh!
I am super nervous EVERY time I disconnect. It seems like my trailer always moves some, even when chocked. I had NOT thought about not disconnecting the chains until I was sure I was not in the river. Thank you so much for this idea! DUH!
Why didn’t I think of this?? ????
Great suggestion, I am going to use it. So thank you very much for likely making my every disconnection less stressful!
You are not alone my incident was similar but different. It was a dark and stormy night. I needed to retrieve my 1985 Airstream from a strange location for me, don’t ask why. As I backed the truck up to hitch up and taking care to line up carefully with the hitch I heard the tap of connection. Then the sound of “OH shite” filled my ears as the trainer was moving down a slight slope due to the crappy yellow chocks sinking into the soft ground. Another “ &=$##=“ could be heard as my moving trailer gained speed then met up with a sawed off large limb of an apple tree, arresting the runaway, but only after it had opened up the trailer top. NEVER. EVER TRY TO HOOK UP WITHOUT (aha!) chains first! Or you, too, may be awarded the prestigious D.S. award! Thank Goodness for Agreed Value Insurance.
NOOOOOOOO, not they flimsy yellow chocks!!! Yeah, I got rid of those early on after pulling away, right over them with little to no resistance, lol. One must use the big black chocks (listed on our chocks page, naturally, lol) that are available. I’m guessing you do now.
And I also keep my chains connected now if I am even a little off level. Which, usually I am since I am always boondocking.
Sounds like your poor Airstream was totaled. And yes, thank god for insurance that WORKS!
Thank you for sharing.
On the Brute 4500 there were no cons. I purchased this jack recently and after installing my battery was dead after sitting for a couple months. When I connected the new battery I noticed a spark at the terminal. The winch and light were off. I contacted the company and they told me I had to disconnect the battery if the winch was not to be used for more than 2 days. It should not be normal for the motor to bleed thorough, but, this is the way it is designed. I have never had to disconnect my battery from any other item I have installed. I can provided their email to me stating the above if needed.
Hi Harry,
Sorry to hear that your rig’s battery was dead after sitting for a couple of months. However, I am not surprised to hear this. There are many systems in an RV that cause parasitic drain on your RV’s house batteries – not just the electric tongue jack.
Connecting the negative terminal to your rig’s battery (positive first, then negative) usually results in a small spark. Always has for me whether it’s an RV battery or a vehicle battery.
When you are storing your RV for a period of time and don’t have a solar panel (assuming your rig is stored outside, uncovered) or it’s not plugged into shore power, you are going to want to disconnect the house battery(s). This is done either via the battery disconnect switch (if your RV has one), or by disconnecting the house battery negative battery lead.
My Lance 1995 owner’s manual states the following:
“When you store your trailer for a week or more be sure to disconnect the battery(s). Electronic tuning radios, the propane detector, and the CO detector all draw a small amount of current when the battery is connected. Even disconnected batteries will naturally ‘self-discharge’ about 1% of capacity per day. If you intend to store your trailer for any length of time, remove your battery(s). Store it in a cool, dry place and recharge every month. Batteries will discharge on their own.”
I hope that helps prevent future battery discharge issues. Thank you for the comment and Camp On!