Recommended Electric Trailer Jack to Replace an Atwood 3K Jack for Installing a Fastway WD System

Question:

I have a 2016 25 FB Airstream connected to my 2018 F150 using an Equalizer hitch. I have noticed that the power jack appears to strain considerably when I lift both the trailer and the truck to slide the load leveling bars in place. I am worried that I will exceed the capacity of the Atwood power jack 3000# and be stuck somewhere having to crank the jack by hand. I read somewhere that you should not use an Equalizer hitch with that jack because it did not have sufficient power to lift both the trailer and truck repeatedly. If that is indeed the case, how much lifting power do I really need if I was to get another jack? Thank you for any suggestion you have.

asked by: Bob M

Expert Reply:

There are a few things you may want to start off checking before looking into getting a new jack.

If your jack is constantly straining then you will want to check any connections and also the ground to make sure they are secure. If your jack runs off of a dedicated battery and doesn't receive power from your 2018 Ford F-150 then your battery could possibly be weak, especially if this is the case in colder weather.

If your connections look good and your battery is good (which for a 2016 trailer it should be) then upgrading your trailer jack is definitely the way to go. Although there are a lot of dependants on how big of a jack you need, going with the Stromberg Carlson Electric Trailer Jack - Drop Leg - A-Frame - 23" Lift # JET-5000 which is rated for 5,000 lbs should get the job done.

The additional 2,000 - 2,500 lbs of lifting capacity that this jack offer should be more than enough for you to safely install your Fastway Weight Distribution (WD) system on your Airstream.

expert reply by: Jon G