How Much Does An Electric Trailer Tongue Jack Need To Be Rated For

Question:

When purchasing an electric jack, is it OK to just consider the weight on the tongue of the trailer i.e. the weight the jack is expected to lift or should it be for the weight of the entire load? I expect my boat trailer to typically have a GVWR of about 5500# slightly higher if loaded full of fuel but the tongue weight on the tandem trailer should be well below the 3500# capacity of this electric jack. Is there a recommendation on how much excess capacity the jack should be rated for?

asked by: Todd

Helpful Expert Reply:

In regards to selecting a tongue jack for a trailer, it only needs to be rated for the tongue weight of the trailer which is usually 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GVWR). For example, if the trailer has a gross trailer weight of 5,500 lbs then the tongue weight will be around 550 lbs to 825 lbs. Therefore, a trailer tongue jack rated for 3,500 lbs would be plenty. Furthermore, the higher rated option you choose the longer it will last and faster it will operate as it won't have to work as hard to lift the weight.

If you have an a-frame trailer then the Electric Jack w/ Footplate part # EJ-3520-BBX is an excellent option but if you have a straight tongue trailer then the Fulton XLT Powered Drive Trailer Jack part # F141401 is your only option.

expert reply by: Conner L