Can Electric Trailer Jack be Wired to Trailer Junction Box

Question:

My Chevy Express Van tows our work trailer. The trailer connects to the vans 7 pin jack. The trailers 7-pin connector is wired to a junction box underneath the frame. There is a standard emergency brake controller also wired to the junction box. Can I simply wire this power jack to the junction box and get power from the van that way or does this unit require a separate battery on the trailer itself? Thanks!

asked by: Mark

Helpful Expert Reply:

Electric trailer jacks like the Stromberg Carlson Electric Trailer Jack # JET-5000 that you're looking at (great choice) should be able to operate by using the 12V terminal on a trailer junction box, but this honestly isn't the best route to take. This is simply because it may not provide adequate power for consistent (and fast) operation because the circuit's also being used for other items (at least the breakaway battery on your setup that we know of) and by the time the wire reaches the jack from the Express Van's battery it's lost quite a bit of voltage.

To ensure an adequate power source I highly recommend connecting the power wire to a separate trailer-mounted battery. This is going to allow for quicker operation and also let you operate the jack without having to connect with the Express Van.

I have attached a short video review on this jack that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R